Lovells Island is one of the 32 islands in the Boston Harbor recreation area in Massachusetts. It’s 62-acre island which is known as the site of several shipwrecks, including the 74-gun French warship Magnifique in 1782.
Starting out our 3-day adventure we found the parking options to be very disappointing. The ferry parking lot, which costs $40 a day, was full. We ended up a few blocks away for $44 a night. If I were to make this trip again, I would find an alternative to a parking garage; maybe carpool, catch a ride, or even Uber.
A ferry is one of many ways to get to the island. The Boston Harbor Islands Ferry for one adult and two children was $42 round trip. Once on the islands, you can travel on ferry between them for free. They hold different activities, as lobster bake, fishing, and story telling.
The ferry starts in the inner harbor, Boston, then reaches George’s island. From George’s, a smaller boat takes you to the docks of Lovells Island. George’s holds historic Fort Warren where a civil war prison was once housed. Guests can have a guided tour, or wander on their own. There is a cafe where you can charge up electronics, information museum, bathrooms and water fountains.
*Note: You can fill gallon jugs and water bottles on the island to bring back to Lovells.
A smaller ferry picked us up and took us on a very short ride over to Lovells. A single ranger stays on the island during camping season to greet guests and point them in the general direction of the sites.
There are six camping sites on Lovells, which include a grill, and one group site on the opposite end of the island. There is no running water or electric, however, there is one outhouse.Â
Once on the island there was plenty to do, including swimming on the beach, which we had to ourselves, and had an impressive view of the city of Boston in the distance. The beach was very rocky, so I would recommend water shoes.
There were many scenic trails, where you’ll find hidden forts and buildings of the past. My kids enjoyed catching crabs under the rocks of the beach.
At night you can roast marshmallows on the beach with your own bon-fire. There was plenty of wood to use through out the island and overall, it was a very private and peaceful camping experience.
Total cost: $208
Total cost without parking fees : $72 for a 3 day camping trip on an island including ferries.
Kid friendliness: 8 out 10
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
Until next time…..Mandy
Editor’s note: The views expressed in the Parents’ Blog are Mandy and Melissa’s and are not associated with the news and editorial content on NRI NOW. Learn more about the Parents’ Blog here: Welcome to the Parent’s Blog.
