Boston Harbor Islands - camping

[adkayaker]

In the past, we've paddled to these islands from Hingham (except for the Brewsters) as a day trip but not camped. We are thinking of a Sept overnight, but are not sure of a safe place to leaves cars overnight. We've read of vandalism, in several of the launches (not necessarily Hingham).

Any parking suggestions, even for a fee at a local business, are welcome. The Windmill point spit at Hull is ok if need be.

Do you have a favorite island to camp on. For conveniences of bathrooms, lots of room, and history-George's makes the most sense.

 

[DougPaul]

I stayed one night on Grape Island ~25 years ago. There was a campground and one or two caretakers. BYO water. A quiet location.

Doug

 

[adkayaker]

that's nice but 25 years ago does not really help with the question on current parking -risks and safe places.

25 years ago, I would not set a paddle, hand, or foot in the then notoriosuly polluted harbor water!!!

 

[DougPaul]

that's nice but 25 years ago does not really help with the question on current parking -risks and safe places.

No, but it does address your question about good islands for camping.

25 years ago, I would not set a paddle, hand, or foot in the then notoriosuly polluted harbor water!!!

We took the harbor ferries. One hop out to George's Island and then a second to Grape Island.

I certainly have put a hand in--ever have an overriding turn on a winch that happens to be under water? (In case you are wondering, I survived.)

Doug

 

[brianW]

My wife and I went camping on Lovells Island about 8 years ago and parked in Hull and took the ferry out. Had no problem with the car. Each night we collected drift wood and had a fire on the beach watching the city lights go on. I would like to go back some year.

 

[KayakDan]

There are 4 harbor islands with camping allowed.Bumpkin and Grape(in Hingham Bay) and Lovells and Gallops. Gallops is currently closed due to asbestos removal.
Two ways to acces the harbor islands. First is by ferry,but likely they will not transport kayaks(they have done it for me in unsafe conditions,but don't usually). Second is to paddle out. Best launch site and parking is in Hingham Bay just off 3A. Plenty of safe parking,but you must launch about 2 hours either side of low tide. The other launch is by the windmill in Hull,but it's pretty crowded with fishermen in the summer.

Having done this trip several times,I would advise extra caution. I recommend flying fluorescent flags high above the stern if possible,and to cross to Lovells and Georges,plan your crossing as early in the morning as possible. Also be aware of the numerous high speed ferries,and if possible get a ferry schedule. The area of concern is"The Narrows" between Lovells and Gallop.
Unfortunately,camping is not permitted on Peddocks this year. This is the best jumping off point for day paddling when camping.
Your best camping experience will be Grape or Bumpkin.
Make sure you know the tides if you plan to paddle out through Hull Gut.
Boston Harbor Islands
Have fun!

 

[Stan]

25 years ago WE camped on Lovells Island, "we" being me and a bunch of cub scouts and one little sister who was adopted into the den. (Maybe we were ahead of our time on this diversity thing ...)

It was a nice experience except the traffic into Logan started before sunrise and the landing gear opened with a loud thud directly overhead just as it seemed they were about to land in our tents.

As for parking, we left the cars behind, using the T to get into town and take the ferry to George's Island etc.

Overall, I'd rather camp on Umbagog where the early morning din is from the resident eagles and loons.