Peddocks Island Yurt #3, Hull, MA

Introduction / Overview

As a Massachusetts resident, you know that escaping the hustle of the city often means a long drive west or to the Cape. However, one of the region's most unique and accessible overnight adventures is right in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park: camping on Peddocks Island. Specifically, a stay in one of the island's celebrated yurts, such as the comfortable Peddocks Island Yurt #3, offers an unforgettable blend of rustic charm and essential amenities. Peddocks Island, one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor, is a treasure trove of military history, natural beauty, and scenic trails. The yurts provide a sheltered, semi-primitive camping base from which to explore the island's five drumlins, historic Fort Andrews, and extensive coastline, all just a short ferry ride away from the mainland.

A yurt provides a substantial upgrade from a traditional tent site, making this island getaway comfortable for families, couples, or a small group of friends. Imagine spending the night under the stars, waking up to the sounds of the harbor, and having the history of a former military installation right at your doorstep. This experience is highly sought after by local residents for its convenience, distinctive setting, and the sheer pleasure of sleeping on a beautiful island.

Location and Accessibility

Peddocks Island Yurt #3 is nestled on Peddocks Island, part of the greater Boston Harbor Islands archipelago. Its physical address is often referenced as 832C+G8, Hull, MA 02045, USA, which places it geographically in Hingham Bay, off the Hull peninsula. However, as an island destination, its accessibility is solely by water.

The primary and most common way for local users to reach Peddocks Island is via the public ferry service. Ferries run seasonally and most frequently depart from the Hingham Shipyard in Hingham. This mainland terminal offers the benefit of accessible parking for campers. Campers are highly encouraged to book their roundtrip ferry tickets concurrently with their camping reservation through the official booking partners to secure their passage, as ferry capacity is limited, especially during peak season. Campers typically use afternoon ferries for arrival and morning/early afternoon ferries for departure to help streamline logistics.

Upon arrival at the Peddocks Island dock, the camping area, including the yurts, is situated up a hill, accessible via a mix of paved and dirt paths. While the island features wide paved paths near the ferry dock and Visitor Center (located on the East side of the island), access to the specific yurt and camping areas involves traversing some unpaved sections. Visitors should be prepared to carry or wheel their gear a short distance to their site.

Services Offered

Camping on Peddocks Island is a rustic, 'carry-in, carry-out' experience, but the yurts include valuable amenities that enhance the stay. It is crucial for campers to remember that no food or supplies are sold on the island, other than water, and everything must be transported in and out.

Sheltered Accommodation: Yurts are a significant step up from tent camping, offering protection from the elements.
Bunk Beds: Each yurt is furnished with bunk beds, capable of accommodating up to six people, though campers must bring their own bedding, pillows, and sleeping bags.
Electricity: A key feature of the yurts is the availability of electricity, which powers a fan, a lamp, and provides outlets for charging essential devices.
Furniture: Inside, a table and benches are provided for dining or games.
Drinking Water: Running, potable fresh water is available at the Visitor Center near the ferry dock (approximately a 10-minute walk from the campsites) and at the composting toilet areas near the yurts.
Toilet Facilities: Composting toilets are conveniently located close to the yurt and tent camping area, with full flush toilets and additional running water available at the main Visitor Center.
Picnic Tables and Grills: Each yurt site includes its own exterior picnic table and a charcoal grill for cooking (campers must supply their own charcoal).
Campground Management: Park staff and resident staff are on the island during the season to provide supervision and campground management.

Features / Highlights

Peddocks Island offers more than just a place to sleep; it provides a destination rich in history and natural recreation.

Historic Fort Andrews: The island is home to the extensive, mostly mothballed brick ruins of Fort Andrews, an early 20th-century military installation, which provides a fascinating area for exploration and walking.
Diverse Trails: Miles of trails traverse the island, including wide paved pathways on the East side and more rustic wooded paths, ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing (deer and turkeys are common sights).
Extensive Coastline: With one of the longest shorelines in the park, the island offers opportunities for scenic viewing, unsupervised swimming, and fishing (a marine fishing permit is required).
Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of Hingham Bay, the surrounding Harbor Islands, and the Boston city skyline in the distance.
Beach Campfires: While campfires are not allowed at the yurt sites, small, contained beach campfires (less than three feet wide) are permitted below the high tide line, and campers may gather naturally fallen wood on the island for this purpose.
Unplugged Atmosphere: The remote, island setting offers a true break from city life, with restrictions on pets, alcohol, and amplified sound ensuring a peaceful experience for all.

Contact Information

For booking and general park information related to your camping experience on Peddocks Island, please use the following details:

Physical Address (Island Location Reference): 832C+G8, Hull, MA 02045, USA (Peddocks Island)

Camping Reservations: All camping, including Yurt #3, must be reserved through the official Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reservation system, which is typically managed via ReserveAmerica.

General DCR Camping Inquiries (Email): dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov

Ferry Service Information and Ticketing (BHCC): For transportation inquiries and to purchase required round-trip ferry tickets to Peddocks Island (typically departing from Hingham Shipyard), contact the ferry operator.

General Boston Harbor Islands Information (Phone): (781) 740 1163 x3 (National Park Service/Park Partners reference)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Massachusetts, Peddocks Island Yurt #3 and the broader island campground represent a unique, close-to-home 'staycation' opportunity. It provides a true escape without the need for an exhausting drive—the park is often referred to as an "urban oasis" just a short boat ride from Greater Boston. It is particularly suitable for locals for several compelling reasons:

Firstly, it offers an incomparable experience of historical immersion and natural solitude. Where else can you camp comfortably with electricity and bunk beds next to the ruins of a century-old coastal defense fort while being only a few miles from the state's largest city? The yurts offer a semi-luxurious camping option for those who want to avoid the full ruggedness of tent camping, making the experience accessible to more families and novice campers.

Secondly, the convenient accessibility from the mainland, particularly the Hingham Shipyard, simplifies the logistics of an overnight trip. The state's special resident pricing for camping also makes this a budget-friendly and highly valuable recreational option for Massachusetts residents seeking a different kind of weekend adventure. The seasonal availability, running typically from mid-June through mid-October, aligns perfectly with the best Massachusetts weather for an outdoor island excursion.

Peddocks Island allows local users to connect with the state’s natural and historic heritage in a comfortable, memorable, and refreshingly unplugged setting. It is a highly sought-after reservation because it delivers on the promise of an ultimate urban escape, perfect for a short, impactful getaway right on your doorstep.