Wompatuck Camp Grounds

- 271 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043

Welcome, Massachusetts adventurers and history buffs, to a detailed guide on one of the Commonwealth’s most unique and conveniently located state park campgrounds: the Wompatuck Camp Grounds. Nestled within the expansive 3,500-acre Wompatuck State Park, this destination offers a spectacular blend of accessible wilderness and fascinating local history, all just a short drive from downtown Boston. It is a true local gem on the South Shore, providing a peaceful, secluded retreat for those looking to "get away from city life," as one happy camper described it.

The Wompatuck Camp Grounds is celebrated for its sheer size and quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Open seasonally from early May to mid-October, the campground provides a robust outdoor experience without sacrificing essential amenities. The landscape itself is a beautiful tapestry of forest, streams, and ponds, covering parts of Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Its extensive trail system is a major highlight, with one dedicated visitor noting, "I absolutely love this camp site! My husband and I have been here 6 times this summer and are marking our calendar for next season." This high praise speaks volumes about the quality of the recurring outdoor experience Wompatuck provides for local residents.

Beyond the natural beauty, the park holds a compelling military past. The land was once the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known locally as the “Cohasset Annex”), operating from 1941 to 1965. This history adds a layer of intrigue, as one reviewer mentioned loving "looking for the old bunkers and stone remnants." Exploring these remnants—over 100 decommissioned military bunkers are scattered throughout the park—turns a simple hike into an exploration of World War II and Cold War history right in your backyard.

Location and Accessibility

Wompatuck Camp Grounds is exceptionally well-positioned for residents across Massachusetts, offering unparalleled access for an authentic camping experience close to a major metropolitan area.

The main entrance to the park and the campground is situated at:

271 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

This location is a remarkable 35-minute drive from downtown Boston, making it ideal for a spontaneous weekend getaway or even a quick mid-week escape. For South Shore residents, the convenience is unbeatable. The park is easily accessed from Route 3, providing a smooth journey.

Key points on accessibility for local users:

• Proximity to Urban Centers: The short travel time from Boston and surrounding cities means you spend less time driving and more time relaxing in the natural environment.
• Multiple Entrances: While the main campground is in Hingham, the vast park stretches into three other towns, offering numerous access points for different trails and activities.
• Accessible Trails: The park features accessible camping sites, accessible restrooms, and a 1.25-mile section of the Wompatuck Trail that is ADA accessible, ensuring that the outdoors can be enjoyed by all.
• Nearby Attractions: The location also offers the opportunity for a dual-adventure vacation, as the campground is close to other regional attractions, including ocean swimming at nearby Nantasket Beach.

Services Offered

The Wompatuck Camp Grounds are a well-maintained facility managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), offering all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. It is important to note that reservations are required, and walk-in camping is not allowed.

• Spacious Seasonal Campsites: The campground features 260 spacious campsites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. The camping season runs from early May to mid-October.
• Electric Hookups: Approximately 125 of the campsites are equipped with upgraded 20/30/50-amp electrical hookups, making it very popular with trailer and RV campers.
• Water and Waste Facilities: While there are no direct water or sewer hookups on the sites themselves, water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground for filling tanks, and a sanitary dump station is available and included with camping.
• Comfort Stations: Campers have access to flush toilets and shower facilities in the centrally located bathhouses.
• Campsite Amenities: Each site is furnished with a picnic table, a pedestal grill, and a fire ring for cooking and campfires (firewood must be purchased on-site as per Massachusetts DCR regulations prohibiting the transportation of outside firewood).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to all clean-up regulations.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, a necessary service to comply with state regulations designed to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Features / Highlights

Wompatuck State Park and its campgrounds are rich in both natural and historical features that enhance the local camping experience:

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over 40 miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails, plus 12 miles of paved bicycle trails. This includes some of the longest sections of switchbacked singletrack in the state, drawing mountain biking enthusiasts from all over New England.
• The Historic Bunkers: The most unique feature is the presence of over 100 decommissioned concrete military bunkers and other stone remnants from its time as the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex during WWII and the Korean War. These structures provide incredible points of interest for hikers and history enthusiasts.
• Mt. Blue Spring: A beloved local landmark, the Mt. Blue Spring provides visitors with free, fresh drinking water drawn directly from a natural aquifer. Many locals bring containers to fill up at this continuously tested natural source.
• Water Activities: Non-motorized boating, canoeing, and fishing are permitted in the scenic Aaron River Reservoir (formerly Cohasset Reservoir), with a boat ramp available for car-top boats.
• Nature and Wildlife: The park is a haven for wildlife, with over 250 bird species and diverse flora, including Atlantic white cedar, American holly, and mountain laurel, offering great opportunities for birding and nature photography.

Contact Information

For reservations and general inquiries regarding the Wompatuck Camp Grounds and State Park, please use the following contact information. Note that reservations are typically made online through the state's reservation system.

Address: 271 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Phone (General Park Information): (617) 895-8245

Mobile Phone (Alternate): +1 617-895-8245

For camping reservations, it is highly recommended that you utilize the official Massachusetts DCR online booking service well in advance, as the campground is very popular.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wompatuck Camp Grounds is arguably one of the most suitable camping destinations for Massachusetts residents, particularly those in the Greater Boston area. Its core suitability lies in the unique combination of accessibility and genuine seclusion—a "peaceful" and "quiet" setting achieved within a 35-minute commute of the state's largest city. For busy locals, this minimizes travel logistics and maximizes vacation time.

Furthermore, the sheer diversity of activities means Wompatuck caters to every type of local explorer: the mountain biker finds some of the state's best singletrack, the historian can explore decommissioned military bunkers and stone remnants of old homesteads, and the casual camper enjoys spacious sites with modern amenities like electric hookups and showers. The availability of free spring water and the proximity to the ocean for beach excursions only add to the value. Wompatuck is a beloved, convenient, and historically rich state park that serves as a vital green lung for the region, inviting locals to escape the concrete jungle and recharge in the beautiful, wooded quiet of the South Shore. It is an essential Massachusetts outdoor experience that many local visitors return to "6 times this summer" and plan for next season, proving its enduring appeal.

Wompatuck Camp Grounds

271 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA