Bumpkin Island
Bumpkin Island
4.5
About
Small and picturesque, Bumpkin Island was home to Native Americans, a fish-drying operation, tenant farmers, a naval training camp, polio patients, and more. Now it’s a quiet camping destination, with ten smaller campsites (max. capacity 4 each) and one group campsite (max. capacity 25). Its slate and shell beaches and open areas make Bumpkin a relaxing place to wander. Walk trails lined with wildflowers. Explore the remains of a stone farmhouse and children’s hospital. Watch the sun rise from your campsite.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Cole L
Austin, TX3 contributions
I toured the islands on the ferry last summer and it was great. This Memorial Day, we rented sea kayaks instead and setting off from Hingham, we paddled over to Slate Island, ate lunch (Slate is not too user-friendly). After lunch, we paddled accross the channel, avoiding some bigger boats. The weather was cool, overcast, and cloudy, so the seas were a little rough for that part.
We arrived at Bumpkin, set up our tents, made a little campfire on the beach (fires only allowed at high tide level). There was NO ONE ELSE on the island but us! We walked all the way around it on the paths. The composting toilets were relatively clean, and contained tissues. We had a great time!
There were foxes on the island. I heard them barking and saw their shadows on the beach. Then, in the morning, I heard the baby foxes crying.
It was so secluded and beautiful. I want to go back. I hear this is very crowded with campers in the summer, so I'm glad we went on Memorial Day weekend before the rush.
The trip back was beautiful, the seas were flat, the sun was shining. Absolutely the best thing to do on a long weekend in Boston harbor!!!
We arrived at Bumpkin, set up our tents, made a little campfire on the beach (fires only allowed at high tide level). There was NO ONE ELSE on the island but us! We walked all the way around it on the paths. The composting toilets were relatively clean, and contained tissues. We had a great time!
There were foxes on the island. I heard them barking and saw their shadows on the beach. Then, in the morning, I heard the baby foxes crying.
It was so secluded and beautiful. I want to go back. I hear this is very crowded with campers in the summer, so I'm glad we went on Memorial Day weekend before the rush.
The trip back was beautiful, the seas were flat, the sun was shining. Absolutely the best thing to do on a long weekend in Boston harbor!!!
Written May 27, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa H
Harwich, MA60 contributions
My husband and I just returned from a 2 night camping trip on Bumpkin Island; we had such a great time! We took the ferry from Hingham Shipyard ($14 round trip/person plus $1/day for parking) and arrived on the island early afternoon.
The two rangers, Max and Kimm, were on the dock to meet us. They gave us a map and offered to show us around the island. There were only 2 sites taken so we were allowed to choose among 8 others; we chose the last waterfront site with views of Hingham Bay.
After setting up camp we explored the island. There are some ruins and several trails running the length of the island; but we found walking the beach around the island to be the most interesting. We had a campfire that night on the beach and watched the sun set.
The next day we took the inter-island shuttle to George's Island to explore the ruins of Fort Warren. We chose to do a self-guided tour (as opposed to having a free guide) which I recommend if you like going at your own pace. My only advice is to bring a flashlight; there are many tunnels to explore but it's impossible to see without light. Other points of interest are the snack bar and the rocky beach (we found an abundance of sea glass).
The inter-island shuttle will also take you to Lovell's Island, Peddock's, and Grape. A well known director and some A list actors were out filming a movie on one of the islands but we weren't allowed out there. Just watch the shuttle times when you go out because the shuttles only stop at each island a few times per day.
I would absolutely recommend going out to the islands for camping or even just a day trip. It's a short ride from Boston and there is so much to do!
The two rangers, Max and Kimm, were on the dock to meet us. They gave us a map and offered to show us around the island. There were only 2 sites taken so we were allowed to choose among 8 others; we chose the last waterfront site with views of Hingham Bay.
After setting up camp we explored the island. There are some ruins and several trails running the length of the island; but we found walking the beach around the island to be the most interesting. We had a campfire that night on the beach and watched the sun set.
The next day we took the inter-island shuttle to George's Island to explore the ruins of Fort Warren. We chose to do a self-guided tour (as opposed to having a free guide) which I recommend if you like going at your own pace. My only advice is to bring a flashlight; there are many tunnels to explore but it's impossible to see without light. Other points of interest are the snack bar and the rocky beach (we found an abundance of sea glass).
The inter-island shuttle will also take you to Lovell's Island, Peddock's, and Grape. A well known director and some A list actors were out filming a movie on one of the islands but we weren't allowed out there. Just watch the shuttle times when you go out because the shuttles only stop at each island a few times per day.
I would absolutely recommend going out to the islands for camping or even just a day trip. It's a short ride from Boston and there is so much to do!
Written June 24, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ejja55
Hull, MA83 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Overseen by the State of Massachusetts, u can reserve campgrounds on several,of the Boston Harbor Islands. There are decent sanitary facilities provided and some nice trails, from which you might see deer, turkeys, pheasants and even coyotes, so keep your foodstuffs safely tucked away. You can set up tents on the campsites and have magnificent views of Boston as well as Quincy,Hingham/Hull Harbors. Catch some striped bass or flounder from th e shores. The island is served by an intra island ferry. Check with Boston Harbor Islands State Park system for times.. There is No Fresh Water Supply on the island. Overnighting fees apply, but not day visits. Park Rangers offer nature trail tours and great information.
Written April 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R 🎃🎃
Salem, MA112 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I wasn’t sure what I getting myself into agreeing to accompany some friends for this weekend camping trip to bumpkin island, but I was pleasantly surprised! This island is really cool! We arrive and are greeted by the very social and informative ranger, who invited us to a bonfire later that night. We then procure a nice campsite on the beach and go for a nice swim to cool off.
Walking the trails was really fun. There are a few different sites to see including view points and some ruins. We saw deer, turkeys and various types of birds.
I think it’s probably a one night kind of place since it’s not that big, but it’s a great place to hang out and get away from civilization. The views of Boston at sunset are absolutely stunning.
Walking the trails was really fun. There are a few different sites to see including view points and some ruins. We saw deer, turkeys and various types of birds.
I think it’s probably a one night kind of place since it’s not that big, but it’s a great place to hang out and get away from civilization. The views of Boston at sunset are absolutely stunning.
Written August 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your review Ryan! We are happy that you enjoy your trip.
Written May 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Herb C
Cape Cod, MA22 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
We've camped on Bumpkin several times and visited by kayak many times more. Each of the harbor islands are spectacular places to visit. Near the heart of the city but it feels so far away!
Written September 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herb C
Cape Cod, MA22 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
The island is beautiful and only a stones throw from Hull. Kayaked over the other day and there's 'Island Closed - No Trespassing' posted on the dock. Why? Isn't this part of the park? Is there something we should know?
Written July 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce M
Hull, MA160 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
The boat will take you to this picturesque
island where you can spend to day exploring, picnic or even camp out! It's a great family place.
island where you can spend to day exploring, picnic or even camp out! It's a great family place.
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigFoodFan
Delray Beach, FL92 contributions
An interesting place to visit, fish from and walk out on the sand spit at low tide. There are even prehistoric horseshoe crabs on the spit sometimes--don't touch them!!!!
Written January 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse H
1 contribution
Aug 2019
A previous review said there was an "Island Closed" sign on Bumpkin in July. I visited by boat yesterday and saw no sign. Either the island is open now or I am a horrible trespasser.
Nice hike. I'm a little embarrassed that we walked within four or five feet of a doe without seeing her. We were about ten feet past her when she made a scrambling noise and we turned and saw. She looked healthy, not panicky but nervous enough to skedaddle across the path and up the hill into brush.
Nice hike. I'm a little embarrassed that we walked within four or five feet of a doe without seeing her. We were about ten feet past her when she made a scrambling noise and we turned and saw. She looked healthy, not panicky but nervous enough to skedaddle across the path and up the hill into brush.
Written August 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri D
1 contribution
Aug 2016 • Family
Beach was nothing but rocks - no sand at all. Facilities were ok - clean at least. Not sure I would go back but had a good time with family.
Written August 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe and pleasant to swim on this island? Where do we get in the fairy to get there? Is there any shade on the island? Thank you.
Written July 16, 2015
Boston Harbor Now
Boston, Massachusetts
Safe to swim, if cold water doesn't afraid you. The boarding dock is on Long Wharf North and there are many trees on the islands, that's quite shady.
Written May 17, 2019
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