Peddocks Island Yurt #6, Hull, MA

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking an unforgettable, yet accessible, outdoor adventure, the Peddocks Island Yurt #6 offers a unique and highly desirable 'glamping' experience right in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Peddocks Island, one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor, provides the perfect blend of remote natural escape, fascinating history, and proximity to the Greater Boston area. Staying in one of the island's yurts means you can enjoy the rustic charm of island camping with a crucial level of comfort that makes it ideal for families and first-time campers.

A yurt is a circular, portable structure covered with durable canvas, offering a significant upgrade from a traditional tent. Yurt #6, and its counterparts on Peddocks Island, provides an essential shelter from the elements, ensuring a "cozy" experience even on a "rainy night," as one delighted customer shared. This accommodation is about providing a comfortable base camp from which to explore the island’s rich history, wooded trails, and scenic beaches. It strikes the perfect balance for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing convenience.

The camping areas on Peddocks Island are specifically designed to offer a wilderness feel, despite being only a short ferry ride from the mainland. While one reviewer noted a little bit of "dusty with some cobwebs," confirming the rustic nature of any park structure, the overwhelming sentiment is a "fabulous experience." This is camping that allows you to pack lighter and sleep soundly, knowing you have sturdy shelter, comfortable beds, and even a fan for those warmer New England summer nights.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Peddocks Island Yurt #6, while seemingly remote, is surprisingly accessible for Massachusetts locals, making it a true urban escape. Peddocks Island is situated in the Outer Harbor, approximately 7.8 miles from downtown Boston. The island is part of the extensive Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, a partnership dedicated to managing these valuable natural and historical resources.

The primary way to access the island is via the public ferry service, which runs seasonally from the Hingham Shipyard in Hingham, MA. The ferry ride from Hingham to Peddocks Island typically takes about 40 minutes, providing a scenic journey across the harbor. Crucially for overnight guests, free overnight parking is generally available for campers at the Hingham Shipyard terminal. For those relying on public transit, the Hingham Shipyard can also be accessed by the MBTA ferry from Boston or the 220 bus from Quincy Center, which connects to the MBTA Red Line.

Upon arriving at Peddocks Island’s pier, campers must then make the final trek to their site. The camping area, including the yurts, is located up a moderate uphill climb—a rewarding walk of about ten minutes from the ferry dock. Carts, or wheelbarrows, are often available near the dock to help haul camping supplies, a welcome service as campers must carry all their gear to their designated site. The official address provided, 832C+HG, Hull, MA 02045, USA, is a Plus Code corresponding to the geographic area near the island, reinforcing its island location off the coast of Hull.

Services Offered

The services on Peddocks Island are designed to provide a comfortable, yet distinctly rustic, camping experience in line with National and State Park regulations and the island’s sensitive environment.

Furnished Accommodations: Each yurt includes two sturdy bunk beds (typically a full-size bed on the bottom and a twin on top), a picnic table with benches inside for seating and dining, and storage space to spread out gear.
Electricity and Climate Control: A key feature of the yurts is the inclusion of electricity, which powers a ceiling fan and a floor fan, significantly enhancing comfort during warm weather. This electricity is a major advantage over the island's tent sites.
Dedicated Cooking Space: Every yurt has its own outside picnic table and access to a charcoal grill for cooking (campers must provide their own charcoal). Campfires are strictly limited to below the high tide line on the beach.
Water and Restrooms: Composting toilets are available near the upper camping area, providing convenience, though one review noted they can be 'smelly' but not overly dirty. Importantly, flush toilets and fresh, potable running water are available at the Visitor Center, located about a ten-minute walk from the yurts.
Ferry Access and Assistance: The park provides a regular seasonal ferry service for transportation and often has staff available at the dock to offer wheelbarrows for hauling gear to the campground.
Ranger Presence: Resident park staff live on the island during the visiting season, providing island supervision, emergency communication, and park management for a safe and supported stay.

Features / Highlights

Unique Glamping Experience: The yurt provides a sturdy, dry, and sheltered alternative to tent camping, making an island overnight stay enjoyable regardless of the weather, perfect for a cozy, dry night.
Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: The inclusion of two bunk beds, each with a full mattress on the bottom and a twin on top, allows for a maximum capacity of six people, offering comfort that traditional camping lacks.
Access to Historical Sites: Peddocks Island is home to the remains of Fort Andrews, a former military installation, and a beautifully restored WWII-era chapel, providing fascinating self-guided exploration opportunities just steps from the campground.
Rich Natural Environment: As the second-largest island in the harbor, Peddocks features varied habitats, miles of trails, and scenic beaches, allowing for excellent hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Unplugged Family Fun: The island’s carry-in/carry-out policy, prohibition of alcohol and amplified sound, and limited cell service offer a true escape, forcing visitors to disconnect from urban distractions and enjoy quality time together.
Affordable Adventure: Camping on the Boston Harbor Islands offers Massachusetts residents an affordable getaway, often with reduced resident rates for both camping fees and ferry tickets, making a night in a yurt an accessible family vacation.

Contact Information

For bookings and current ferry information for Peddocks Island Yurt #6, visitors should utilize the official resources for the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park:

Address: 832C+HG, Hull, MA 02045, USA (Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park)

Primary Phone: (781) 740-1163 x3 (General Park Information)

Ferry Ticketing: For ferry tickets from Hingham Shipyard, reservations are handled by the designated park ferry operator. Check the official Boston Harbor Islands website for current booking links and schedules.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Peddocks Island Yurt #6 is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for Massachusetts residents because it delivers a genuine sense of remote adventure without the need for extensive travel or excessive cost. It uniquely addresses the local desire for both convenience and escape. Locals can drive a short distance to Hingham, park their car for free overnight, and be transported to an island wilderness in under an hour.

The yurt itself eliminates many of the obstacles to camping—no wrestling with a tent, guaranteed dry shelter, and the comfort of electric fans and mattresses. This "glamping" upgrade makes island camping accessible to families with younger children, older adults, or anyone simply looking for a stress-free overnight stay. The rich history of Fort Andrews and the spectacular views of the Boston skyline provide a constant reminder of the region’s unique character, offering an experience that is both a retreat from and a celebration of Massachusetts life. For an affordable, memorable, and refreshingly rustic family adventure close to home, the yurts on Peddocks Island are an unmissable part of the Boston Harbor Islands experience.