Perkins Island Camping at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Uncover one of the North Shore’s best-kept secrets at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the magic of nature after dark on Perkins Island—fall asleep surrounded by whispering pines under a canopy of stars. 

Our three tent-only primitive campsites provide a wilderness retreat and are only accessible by canoe.  

Please note: Camping is available exclusively to current Mass Audubon members. 

Dates 

The 2026 campground season runs May 23 through October 12, 2026. 

Please refer to our new reservation portal for availability.

Book the Campsite

Facilities 

Getting to Perkins Island takes some commitment. The island and the canoe landing are not accessible by car. The reward for the effort of camping on the island is tremendous! 

Perkins Island features three riverfront campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and firepit. Individual sites are spaced generously apart and are level and shady—perfect for pitching your tent. 

Perkins Island is only accessible by canoe: There is no vehicle access, no running water, no electricity, and there are no restroom facilities or shelters on the island. This is primitive camping. The island is not staffed; in case of a true emergency, campers will call 9-1-1. 

The canoe launch is a 0.4 mile walk from the sanctuary parking lot. Campers must be prepared to carry gear, personal items, and firewood (provided at check-in) to the canoe launch. A wheeled cart is available to assist with transporting gear. River conditions vary throughout the year based on water levels and beaver activity. Paddlers may encounter obstructions that could hinder passage or make a brief portage necessary.

The maximum allowable weight is 600 lbs per canoe, including gear; no more than three adults or two adults/two children are allowed in a canoe. Two people are needed to lift canoe off and on the rack. 

Rates 

Campsites are $120 per night. Advance reservations are required. Each reservation includes:  

• 1 campsite for up to 6 campers, including children 
• 1 canoe rental, including paddles and personal floatation devices (PFDs). Additional canoes can be rented for $30/night. We require all renters to utilize Mass Audubon canoes only (personal watercraft is not permitted). 
• 1 bundle of firewood per night, to be picked up at Visitor Center. Additional bundles are available for purchase. External firewood is not permitted. 
• 6 landfill-safe bags for human waste 

Check-In and Check-Out Times 

Check-in is from 2:00-4:00 pm. Campers must check-in at the Visitor Center and pick up canoe lock keys, paddles, and PFDs before heading out to Perkins Island. We cannot accommodate late check-ins. 

Check-out from the island is at 11:00 am. After returning to the mainland, please return canoes to the appropriate rack. Then, head to the Visitor Center and return canoe lock keys, paddles, and PFDs by 12:00 pm at the latest. 

Rules and Regulations 

Prior to reserving your campsite, please review our 2026 Rules and Regulations. Note that during any time when the Towns of Wenham, Hamilton, and/or Topsfield institute a ban on open fires due to wildfire risk, campfires may be temporarily prohibited.

A signed waiver will be required for each person checking in. For minors, a parent/guardian must sign the release on their behalf. Paper copies of the release are available in our Visitor Center, and/or you can submit completed releases at the time of check-in. Please do not email your releases in advance. 

Sanctuary and Campground Map

Perkins Island is accessible by canoe only. Canoe landing is located off Bunker Meadow Trail. View trail descriptions and download a sanctuary map

Reservations 

Campground reservations are available exclusively to Mass Audubon members. The renter must have an active Mass Audubon membership at the time of booking, and the membership must be active through the reservation period. Payment in full by credit card is required at the time of booking. 

Book your campsite here

Cancellation and Refund Policy 

Cancellations made up to 21 days before your reservation are eligible for a full refund. Due to high demand, reservations cancelled less than 21 days from the scheduled stay are non-refundable.