Peddocks Island Yurt #2, Hull, MA

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking a truly unique camping experience that marries natural beauty with historical intrigue, look no further than Peddocks Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Peddocks Island Yurt #2 offers an unparalleled ‘urban escape’—a chance to sleep under the stars just a short ferry ride from the South Shore. This is not your typical mainland campground; it is an immersive, rustic-yet-comfortable island retreat where the rugged beauty of the New England coast meets the fascinating remnants of military history.

Peddocks Island is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor, featuring four headlands connected by thin strips of land known as tombolos. The island environment is a vibrant mix of coastal forests, marshlands, and scenic beaches. The camping area, featuring both tent sites and newly installed yurts like Yurt #2, provides a wonderful 'glamping' experience—a perfect blend of getting close to nature without entirely giving up modern conveniences like electricity and solid shelter. The camping season is limited and reservations are mandatory, underscoring the exclusivity and demand for this incredible resource right in our own backyard.

Location and Accessibility

Peddocks Island is geographically situated off the coast of Hull, MA, making it remarkably close to both Boston and the South Shore communities, yet it feels worlds away. The address 832C+FC, Hull, MA 02045, USA is a geographic marker for the island itself, as there is no vehicle access.

Access to Peddocks Island is a key part of the adventure and requires planning:

Ferry Service: The primary public access is via a passenger ferry that departs from the Hingham Shipyard (28 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043). Ferry tickets must be purchased separately from the yurt reservation, and because capacity is limited, campers are strongly advised to book both immediately.
Parking for Campers: Free overnight parking is available for campers at the Hingham Shipyard upon check-in and receipt of a required placard.
The Hike to the Yurt: Once the ferry docks on Peddocks Island, campers should be prepared for a short walk—approximately a ten-minute distance—to the campground area. The trail to the yurts is located past the historic Fort Andrews buildings and involves a moderate uphill climb. For assistance with gear, wheelbarrows are often available, and campers should not hesitate to ask a Park Ranger for help.
The ‘Carry-In, Carry-Out’ Policy: In keeping with the island's sensitive environment, there are no trash receptacles on Peddocks Island. All campers must adhere to a strict 'carry-in, carry-out' policy for all supplies and trash. Efficient packing is essential for a smooth trip.

Services Offered

While the island camping experience is intentionally rustic and remote, the Yurt sites on Peddocks Island provide welcome improvements over traditional tent camping.

Potable Water: Running drinking water is available on the island at the Visitor Center near the ferry dock. Campers should bring their own empty containers to fill up, as the sites themselves do not have running water.
Bathroom Facilities: The campground area is equipped with composting toilets. For more traditional facilities, flush toilets and additional drinking fountains are available at the Visitor Center, which is about a ten-minute walk from the yurts.
Grills and Picnic Areas: Each Yurt site comes with its own outdoor picnic table and a charcoal grill for cooking. Campfires are generally prohibited at the campsites; however, campers may bring their own camp stoves and charcoal.
Limited Supplies: There are no concessions, stores, or food service on the island, so campers must pack in all food, charcoal, cooking supplies, and personal gear needed for their entire stay.
Resident Staff Presence: Park staff live on the island during the visiting season, providing essential island supervision, emergency communication, and management of the park and campground.

Features / Highlights

Choosing Peddocks Island Yurt #2 offers a memorable blend of outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and surprising comforts.

Comfortable Yurt Amenities: Yurt #2 is a form of 'glamping.' Yurts are wooden, canvas-covered structures that accommodate up to six people and come furnished with bunk beds (no linens provided), a table with benches, electricity, and a ceiling fan, offering excellent protection from the elements.
Fort Andrews Ruins: The island is home to the historic Fort Andrews, a former U.S. military installation built in the early 1900s. Campers can spend hours exploring the mothballed brick buildings and structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Massachusetts and national military history.
Scenic Hiking and Vistas: With miles of trails, Peddocks is perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and photography. The island features diverse habitats and offers stunning panoramic views of the Boston skyline, the surrounding Harbor Islands, and the historic Boston Light.
Exclusive Island Access: As a camping resident, you get to experience the island after the last day-trip ferry leaves, providing a sense of remote tranquility and a unique opportunity to view the city lights from a peaceful, natural vantage point.
Affordable Resident Rates: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) offers significantly reduced overnight rates for Massachusetts residents, making this high-demand experience more accessible to local families.

Contact Information

To secure a booking for Peddocks Island Yurt #2 and plan your trip, you will need to utilize the official reservation systems for both camping and transportation.

Camping Reservations: Reservations are made through Reserve America or the DCR camping site. Search for 'Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground' and specify the desired dates and 'Yurt' accommodation type.

Address: Peddocks Island, 832C+FC, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Phone: For general inquiries about the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park or to check on ferry schedules, the partnership call center can be reached at (617) 223-8666. Always call ahead for up-to-date schedule and reservation details.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Peddocks Island Yurt #2 is a quintessential Massachusetts experience for local adventurers. It provides the ideal backdrop for a convenient yet rugged overnight retreat, offering a complete mental break from the urban and suburban sprawl without requiring hours of driving. For parents, it’s an easy-to-access, educational getaway that promotes self-sufficiency and an appreciation for the region's rich history and biodiversity. The ability for Massachusetts residents to utilize special resident rates makes this coveted Boston Harbor Islands camping experience an affordable, once-in-a-season tradition. Embracing the 'carry-in, carry-out' ethos teaches valuable lessons about conservation, and the promise of watching the Boston skyline shimmer from the solitude of a coastal island is a compelling reason for any local to book their stay at this memorable island campground.