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Ranger Recs

Two rangers in uniform pointing in opposite directions at the great things you can do on the Boston Harbor Islands on a sunny day!

The 2024 Boston Harbor Islands ferry season is well underway! As temperatures warm up, both seasoned island enthusiasts and newcomers alike are more excited than ever to experience Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. There can be many things to consider when planning an adventure with us for the first time: “What is there to do or see?” “Where should I visit first?” or “How do I make the most out of my trip?” For those of you who have asked any of these questions, fear not — we have some personal recommendations for you! We asked a few rangers for their recommendations on how to best enjoy the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, and here’s what they wanted to share. 

Rebecca, a seasonal ranger with the National Park Service (NPS), offers that one of the best ways to experience the park is by staying after dark! This season, camping is available on Peddocks Island Wednesday through Sunday, June 12 – September 2. The island hosts regular tent sites, group sites that can accommodate up to 30 people, and yurts with bunk beds and electricity that can fit up to 6 people. Looking for a more involved camping experience? The park will be hosting two Park After Dark events in August, featuring astronomy-themed ranger programming, junior ranger activities, and of course, s’mores around a campfire. 

More information about camping can be found on our camping page. 

Large green yurts populate the grassy campground on Peddocks Island on a bright and sunny day

Yurts on Peddocks Island. CREDIT: Boston Harbor Now]

Eleanor, a seasonal visitor services supervisor for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), suggests spending your day on Georges Island. This is Eleanor’s first season at the park, and she has quickly become taken by the wonderful depth of history that can be found while exploring the massive Civil War-era Fort Warren. Gabrielle, another new seasonal ranger with NPS, says one of the best ways to learn more about the fort’s many stories is to join a ranger program! Our ranger-led tours of Fort Warren come at no extra cost and help create a deeper understanding of the history that is preserved and protected by the national and state park. 

The empty road to Fort Warren on Georges Island on a sunny day

There is so much history to unpack at Fort Warren. CREDIT: NPS Photo/ A. Moorehead]

Tom, a long-time seasonal visitor services supervisor for DCR, offers an alternative approach. He recommends taking the time to wander on your own, enjoying the tranquility that these protected spaces have to offer. The islands are easy to access from downtown Boston, yet they still provide a blissful reprieve away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.  

Whether spending the night on the harbor, learning about nature and history with a park ranger, or finding a pocket of isolation to enjoy the solitude, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park has so much to offer. Be sure to explore our website for more information to start planning your visit.  

To plan your visit, check out the season’s ferry schedule. 

Special events, like Park After Dark, can be found on our calendar 

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