Peddocks Island Yurt #4, Hull, MA

Introduction / Overview: Your Glamping Sanctuary at Peddocks Island Yurt #4

For Massachusetts residents seeking a remarkable overnight adventure that feels worlds away yet remains close to home, Peddocks Island Yurt #4 presents an ideal "glamping-lite" opportunity within the stunning Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Peddocks is the second largest island in the harbor, featuring a rich tapestry of history, diverse wildlife, and over 180 acres of natural beauty to explore. Yurt #4, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is one of a limited number of canvas-sided, circular structures that offer a significant upgrade from traditional tent camping.

The yurts provide a comfortable, semi-primitive base camp for exploring the island’s scenic trails and historic military ruins. This option is particularly popular among local families and those new to camping, as it includes essential modern amenities like electricity and secure shelter. Visitors often praise the experience for its unique blend of rustic island charm and practical convenience. Securing Yurt #4 means reserving your spot for a truly unforgettable New England coastal getaway, offering panoramic views and a chance to sleep under the stars with a little extra comfort.

Location and Accessibility: The Island Escape from Hull

Peddocks Island is strategically located in the outer portion of Boston Harbor, offering breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and surrounding islands. Yurt #4 is nestled within the island's designated camping area, providing a wooded or semi-open setting that promotes a sense of natural escape.

Address: 832C+J7, Hull, MA 02045, USA (Geographic marker for the island area)

Accessibility to Peddocks Island is by boat only. The most common and reliable method is via the public park ferry service, which typically departs from the Hingham Shipyard. This is a crucial logistical convenience for Massachusetts campers, as Hingham offers dedicated free overnight parking for registered campers. The ferry ride is approximately 40 minutes and offers picturesque views as you cross the harbor. Please note that ferry tickets must be purchased separately from the yurt reservation, and early booking is strongly encouraged due to limited capacity.

Once you arrive at the Peddocks Island pier, there is a walk of approximately ten minutes to the campsite area. Campers must be prepared to transport all their gear—including sleeping bags, food, and water—to the yurt. While the island does provide some paved paths and garden carts may sometimes be available near the dock to borrow, planning for efficient packing is essential for a smooth check-in.

Services Offered

The yurts on Peddocks Island are designed for a convenient, comfortable camping experience, providing services beyond what typical island tent sites offer.

Yurt Accommodation: Yurt #4 is a large, sturdy, canvas-over-wood structure that can accommodate up to six people. It is furnished with two sets of bunk beds (often twin-over-double), a table, and benches. Campers must bring all their own sleeping bags, pillows, and linens.
Electricity: A highly valued feature, all yurts are equipped with limited electrical outlets, which are perfect for charging small personal devices and powering the included fan/light combo unit. It is important to note that this electricity is not considered sufficiently reliable for use with medical devices or heaters.
Charcoal Grill and Picnic Table: Each yurt site has its own exterior picnic table and a dedicated charcoal grill, providing a designated outdoor cooking and dining area. Campers must supply their own charcoal and cooking gear.
Water Access: While fresh water is not available directly inside the yurt, running, potable water for drinking is accessible at filling stations located at the Visitor Center and near the Chapel, a short walk from the camping area.
Flush Toilets and Showers: Peddocks Island is one of the few Boston Harbor Islands with running water and modern facilities. Flush toilets and two showers are available to campers on the lower level of the Visitor Center, though composting toilets are located closer to the yurt cluster for convenience.
Resident Staff: Park personnel are in residence on the island during the season, providing assistance, managing the campground, and ensuring emergency communication is available.

Features / Highlights

Staying at Yurt #4 is an invitation to explore the unique history and diverse landscape of Peddocks Island.

Historic Fort Andrews: The island's most notable feature is the extensive ruins of Fort Andrews, an early 20th-century coastal defense post. Visitors can wander among the abandoned brick structures, including barracks and guardhouses, for a fascinating glimpse into the island's military past.
Miles of Trails: Peddocks Island boasts a network of scenic hiking trails that traverse wooded areas, coastal regions, and open fields, ideal for birdwatching and photography. Its four headlands connected by tombolos create a diverse landscape unlike other harbor islands.
Coastal Views and Beaches: The island offers beautiful beaches for swimming (unsupervised), fishing, and enjoying the serene coastal environment. It provides exceptional vistas of the Boston Harbor, the surrounding islands, and the distant city skyline.
Regulated Campfires: While campfires are prohibited at the yurt sites themselves, small beach fires are permitted below the high tide line on the shore, using only naturally fallen wood gathered on the island, providing a true New England coastal camping tradition.
Wildlife Observation: Due to its size and varied habitats, the island is home to significant wildlife, including deer and turkeys, offering unique opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Peddocks Island is a joint state and federal park managed in part by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Address: 832C+J7, Hull, MA 02045, USA (Geographic reference)

Phone: For general park and island information, contact the Boston Harbor Islands park services at (617) 223-8666.

Reservations: Camping reservations, including Yurt #4, are made through the DCR’s online reservation system, typically handled by ReserveAmerica. To book or for reservation changes, please refer to the number provided on your booking confirmation or the general DCR camping line (877-422-6762).

Ferry Information: The public ferry service to Peddocks Island typically departs from Hingham Shipyard. Ferry tickets are separate from your yurt reservation and must be secured in advance. Contact the ferry operator for schedules and booking details.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Peddocks Island Yurt #4 represents an outstanding, convenient, and affordable recreational asset for Massachusetts residents. The DCR's lower pricing for state residents and the easy access via ferry from Hingham Shipyard with free camper parking position this as a premier local escape. It offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the urban environment and reconnect with nature and history without extensive travel or expensive gear investment. The yurt provides the secure shelter, bunk beds, and—critically—electricity that elevates the experience beyond primitive camping, making it an excellent, low-stress choice for first-time campers or families with young children.

As one satisfied customer noted, it is a "Nice campsite!"—a sentiment echoed by many who appreciate the blend of rustic island serenity with essential comforts. By choosing Yurt #4, locals gain direct access to hiking trails, historic ruins, and a breathtaking coastal environment, all within a short ferry ride of the Greater Boston area. It's the perfect choice for a weekend island adventure that maximizes outdoor immersion while minimizing logistical hassles.