Sleep Under the Stars at Our Wildlife Sanctuaries
Mass Audubon members can elevate their time outdoors by camping overnight at one of three distinct sanctuaries.
Both Ipswich River and Wellfleet Bay offer peaceful woodland nights at scenic campsites, while Family Camp and Weekend Getaways at Wildwood offer fun opportunities to connect with family on outdoor adventures. These member-exclusive camping experiences invite you to slow down, unplug, and connect with the beautiful sanctuary landscapes in a whole new way.
Explore the different camping experiences available and find the perfect one for you.
Wellfleet Bay’s Hidden Nature Retreat on Cape Cod
18 Campsites, July-September
Experience the wonders of the natural world after dark at one of the Outer Cape’s best-kept secrets: the Wellfleet Bay campground. Tucked within the sanctuary, 18 rustic campsites offer a quiet retreat beneath towering pines, where soft needles cushion the forest floor, and the stresses of everyday life fade away.
Campers enjoy convenient access to a bathhouse with flush toilets and hot-water showers, along with shared water spigots that provide potable water—blending comfort with a truly back-to-nature experience.
As morning arrives, awaken to a chorus of chirps, trills, and whistles as the sanctuary’s resident birds begin their daily performance, then spend the day wandering through the sanctuary’s salt marshes, sandy barrier beach, and pine woodlands.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a deeper, more immersive nature experience, Wellfleet Bay’s five miles of trails offer a peaceful retreat into the heart of Cape Cod’s coastal beauty. Along the way, discover a landscape alive with wildlife—from fiddler crabs and shorebirds to river otters and diamondback terrapins.
As evening approaches, savor a breathtaking wash of color as the sun slips below the horizon. With the fading light, the sanctuary awakens to a different rhythm: wind whispering through the trees, owls calling from the darkness, raccoons rustling through the undergrowth, and crickets providing a steady nighttime chorus.
Reserve a Wellfleet Bay Campsite
Canoe to Remote Camping at Ipswich River’s Perkins Island
3 Campsites, Late May-Mid October
Imagine stepping away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, all its convenience, and completely immersing yourself in a wilderness adventure just 30 miles from Boston. Picture yourself surrounded by the enchanting sights and sounds of nature, taking in the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest and the melodic calls of birds.
You can find this experience nestled within the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Perkins Island offers a unique wilderness camping adventure accessible only by a sanctuary-provided canoe, making it a genuine remote getaway.
Begin your adventure with a half-mile canoe paddle meandering along the river to Perkins Island, where you can often see turtles gliding through the water and birds wading quietly in search of food. The gentle sway of tall pines and nearby wetland grasses creates a peaceful ambiance that uplifts the spirit.
Planning a trip to a campsite on Perkins Island requires thoughtful preparation. Be sure everything on your packing list can fit in a canoe, including a tent. The island’s three riverfront sites are well spaced, and each offers a firepit and picnic table. Gather around the fire to share stories and roast marshmallows, creating a classic and memorable camping experience. There are no restroom facilities, running water, or electricity on the island, creating a truly rustic experience.
Visiting Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers a front-row seat to the beauty of nature from dawn to dusk—and now you can experience what happens after dark. Whether you're captivated by bird migration, enthusiastic about native plants, seeking creative inspiration for your photography or writing, or simply looking for an unforgettable family adventure, there's a thrilling discovery waiting for you at every turn!
Reserve an Ipswich River Campsite
Family Getaway Camping at Wildwood Camp, Ringe NH
2-4 Day Sessions, May-October
Pining for the full summer camp experience? Wildwood Camp in Ringe, New Hampshire, combines the fun of camping with a range of activities during Family Camp Sessions and Weekend Getaways throughout the summer and fall. Whether you want to come for the week or the weekend, Wildwood will take care of you and your family, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the nature around you.
Wildwood offers a range of lodging options that give you the peace and satisfaction of camping without the hassle of remembering that last tent peg that didn’t quite make it into the bag. Choose from an Adirondack cabin, platform tent, rustic cabin, or yurt, and fall asleep to the sound of the forest chirping, humming and singing around you. Or, bring your own tent, elevating the experience with the amenities, food, and activities Wildwood provides.
No two days are ever the same at Family Camp. Daily activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, hiking, birding, nature crafts, ropes course challenges, nighttime campfire songs, and more. Family members can choose from adults‑only, kids‑only, or all‑ages activities, creating a balance of shared experiences and independent exploration. All activities are optional, with plenty of opportunities to make your own schedule. Sit by Hubbard Pond’s beach or use Wildwood as a base for day trips to some of the local gems, like Mount Monadnock. Meals are family-style, shared together in the dining hall, with snacks available throughout the day.
Not a Mass Audubon Member?
Membership not only supports our work to protect the nature of Massachusetts, but also opens you up to exclusive opportunities like these camping experiences. Join today to gain access and join us in the great outdoors!
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