Peddocks Island Yurt #2

Hello, Massachusetts adventurers! Are you dreaming of a camping experience that combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and the refreshing sea breeze, all within sight of the Boston skyline? Then Peddocks Island Yurt #2, nestled within the captivating Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, offers a truly distinctive getaway. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's an immersive island escape, providing a blend of comfort and wilderness for those seeking something truly special. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the ocean, stepping out of your cozy yurt, and having an entire island filled with history and natural wonders to explore right at your doorstep.

Peddocks Island is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the Boston Harbor Islands archipelago, known for its unique blend of military history, varied habitats, and stunning coastal views. Camping here, especially in a yurt, provides a comfortable base from which to delve into the island’s rich past, explore its trails, and enjoy the tranquility of island life. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a "beautiful location," offering a sense of remoteness while still being accessible to Massachusetts residents. While it requires a bit more planning – namely, packing everything in and out – the reward is an unforgettable experience on an island that feels miles away from the city, yet is just a scenic ferry ride from Hull. Get ready to embrace the unique charm of island glamping and discover a hidden gem in our very own backyard!

Peddocks Island Yurt #2 is located on Peddocks Island, accessible via ferry from Hull, MA 02045, USA. This island is a prominent part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, an archipelago of 34 islands and peninsulas spread across Boston Harbor. The park itself is a unique collaboration between federal and state agencies, protecting significant natural and cultural resources just minutes from the bustling city.

Accessing Peddocks Island and its yurts requires ferry transportation. The primary public ferry service departs from Hingham Shipyard in Hingham, providing a scenic approximately 40-minute ride to Peddocks Island. While the address is listed as Hull, MA, the ferry departure point is crucial for planning your trip. It's essential for Massachusetts residents to pre-purchase their roundtrip ferry tickets in conjunction with their camping reservations, as ferry capacities are limited. Upon arrival at Peddocks Island, the yurts and campsites are typically a 10-minute walk from the ferry dock. For those bringing gear, wheelbarrows are available to help haul equipment to the sites. This unique ferry-only access contributes significantly to the island's secluded and immersive feel, allowing visitors to truly disconnect from urban life. The experience begins the moment you step onto the ferry, making the journey part of your Massachusetts island adventure.

Peddocks Island Yurt #2, part of the Boston Harbor Islands State Park, offers a blend of rustic charm and essential comforts. While not a full-service resort, the amenities are thoughtfully provided to enhance your island camping experience.

• Yurt Accommodation: Yurt #2 is a "Large" yurt, designed to accommodate up to 6 people. It comes furnished with bunk beds, a table, and benches, offering a step up from traditional tent camping.
• Electricity: A significant advantage, electricity is available inside the yurt. While not guaranteed to be reliable for medical devices, it provides power for lighting and charging small electronics.
• Nearby Water Access: While not directly inside the yurt, potable water is available nearby, and fresh water for drinking is available at the Visitor Center (a short walk from the campsites). Campers are advised to bring at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Composting Toilets: Each campground area, including the yurts, has access to composting toilets.
• Flush Toilets and Showers: Running water, flush toilets, and two showers are available at the Visitor Center, located near the ferry dock, about a 10-minute walk from most campsites.
• Charcoal Grill: Each yurt site has its own outdoor picnic table and a charcoal grill. Campers must bring their own charcoal.
• Picnic Table: A picnic table is provided at each yurt site for outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Shade: Yurt #2 is noted as having "Full" shade, offering a comfortable retreat from the sun.
• Wheelbarrows for Gear: Upon arrival, campers can use wheelbarrows at the ferry dock to transport their gear to the campsites, making the "pack in" process a bit easier.

Peddocks Island Yurt #2 and the surrounding island environment offer a rich array of features and highlights that make for a memorable Massachusetts getaway.

• Unique Yurt Experience: Staying in a yurt provides a comfortable and spacious alternative to tent camping, often referred to as "glamping." With bunk beds, furniture, and electricity, it offers a more sheltered and convenient base for exploring the island.
• Island Seclusion: As a ferry-access-only island, Peddocks offers a unique sense of escape and tranquility, making you feel truly removed from the urban hustle of Boston, despite being so close. This ensures a quiet environment, as no amplified sound, pets (other than service animals), or alcohol are permitted.
• Historic Fort Andrews: Explore the impressive ruins of Fort Andrews, a former U.S. military installation active from 1904 through World War II. The island is dotted with guardhouses, barracks, a gymnasium, and other structures that tell a fascinating story of coastal defense. Guided tours may also be available seasonally.
• Diverse Natural Habitats: Peddocks Island boasts varied ecosystems, including woodlands, a freshwater marsh, and coastal forests. It's home to diverse flora and fauna, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Deer and coyotes are known to inhabit the island.
• Longest Island Shoreline: With the longest shoreline of any Boston Harbor Island, Peddocks offers extensive opportunities for exploring the coast, enjoying scenic views, and even building small beach campfires below the high tide line (using naturally fallen wood found on the island, no outside firewood permitted).
• Stunning Views: From various vantage points, enjoy panoramic views of the Boston skyline, Boston Light, Hull, and the surrounding harbor islands. These vistas are particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.
• "Carry-In, Carry-Out" Ethos: This essential policy means campers must take all their trash with them when they leave, fostering a strong sense of environmental responsibility and keeping the island pristine. This is a key part of the experience, and while challenging for some, it ensures the island's beauty is preserved.
• Hiking Trails: Discover a network of hiking trails that wind through the island's diverse landscapes, passing by military ruins, wetlands, and scenic overlooks.

As Peddocks Island Yurt #2 is part of the Massachusetts State Parks system (managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, or DCR), it primarily operates under a standard fee structure for public access and camping. Unlike private campgrounds, you won't typically find frequent, short-term "promotions" in the commercial sense (like "buy one night, get one free"). However, there are inherent "offers" and pricing benefits that appeal to Massachusetts residents:

• Resident Rates: Massachusetts residents enjoy significantly lower camping fees. For large yurts like #2, the rate is $55 per night for MA residents, compared to $140 per night for non-residents. This is a substantial discount that directly benefits locals.
• Online Reservation System: While not a "promotion," the ability to reserve your yurt up to four months in advance via ReserveAmerica (the DCR's booking platform) is a significant benefit, ensuring you can secure your desired dates, especially during peak season.
• Affordable Island Access: The ferry service to Peddocks Island, while an additional cost, is reasonably priced. Adult roundtrip tickets are typically around $24.95, with discounted rates for children, seniors, students, and military personnel.
• Potential Free Access Programs: The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, in collaboration with DCR and the National Park Service, sometimes offers programs for free or discounted ferry tickets to the islands for certain groups or through library pass programs. While not always available for camping specifically, these programs can make the overall island experience more accessible. Always check the Boston Harbor Islands website for current offerings.

It's crucial to note that reservations are required for all camping on Peddocks Island, and walk-ups are not permitted. Always check the official DCR and Boston Harbor Islands websites for the most current pricing, reservation policies, and any potential program updates.

To book your unique island yurt experience at Peddocks Island Yurt #2 or to get more information about camping in the Boston Harbor Islands, please use the following resources:

• Address: 832C+FC, Hull, MA 02045, USA (This is a general location code for Peddocks Island. The island is only accessible by ferry or private boat.)
• Camping Reservations: Reservations for Peddocks Island yurts and campsites are made through ReserveAmerica, the official booking platform for Massachusetts State Parks. Search for "Boston Harbor Islands SP, MA" on their website: https://massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com/
• Boston Harbor Islands Information Phone: For general inquiries about the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, camping policies, or ferry information, you can call (617) 223-8666.
• Ferry Service Information: Ferry schedules and tickets to Peddocks Island can be found on the Boston Harbor Islands website or through the ferry service provider (e.g., City Experiences Boston). It's essential to book your ferry tickets after securing your camping reservation.

Remember to plan your trip well in advance, especially for popular weekends during the camping season (typically mid-June through Columbus Day).

For residents of Massachusetts, Peddocks Island Yurt #2 offers an incredibly suitable and truly unique camping experience that stands out from typical mainland campgrounds. Its island setting provides an immediate sense of escape and adventure without requiring extensive travel outside the state. The ferry journey itself becomes part of the vacation, offering stunning views of Boston Harbor and a unique transition to island life.

The comfortable yurts, complete with electricity and furnishings, provide a "glamping" experience that makes island camping accessible even for those who might shy away from traditional tent camping or want a more comfortable base. This makes it perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a distinctive getaway. Furthermore, the island's rich history, particularly Fort Andrews, offers an educational and engaging dimension to your stay, allowing you to explore fascinating ruins and learn about Massachusetts's coastal defense heritage right from your doorstep. While the "pack everything in and out" policy requires preparation, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the island's preserved environment and the "leave no trace" ethos. For locals seeking a memorable, accessible, and historically rich outdoor escape that feels worlds away but is just a short ferry ride from home, Peddocks Island Yurt #2 is an unparalleled choice for an unforgettable Massachusetts adventure.

Peddocks Island Yurt #2

832C+FC, Hull, MA 02045, USA