Boston Calling Festival Checklist: Power Up & Stay Connected

Boston Calling is New England’s premier music festival, held every Memorial Day Weekend at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Cambridge, MA. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, a solid plan for where to stay, what to bring, and how to stay powered up is key to making the most of your weekend. Keep reading to learn about the best campsites near Boston Calling, what gear you need to pack, and expert tips for your festival stay. 

Can You Camp at Boston Calling?

No, you cannot camp on-site at Boston Calling. The festival doesn’t offer designated camping areas on the grounds. You’ll need to find other accommodations, but no fear: there are plenty of places to choose from. Plan where you’ll stay in advance and pack carefully to maximize your time at the festival.

Camping Options at Boston Calling

• Tent camping
• Car camping
• Camping Resorts 
• RVing
• Primitive camping

Campsites Near Boston Calling

Wompatuck State Park

This campground is the most convenient place for festival goers to lodge. It’s located only 30 minutes away from Boston Calling, perfect for those wanting a nature retreat without being too far from the action. While commuting from Wompatuck to the festival, stop by Hingham’s Derby Street Shops, which offers restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee spots. 

Wompatuck State Park offers 250 sites, including spots for tents and RVs, and electrical hookups are available for RVs. The park features miles of hiking and biking trails, connecting to the famous Bay Circuit Trail, a 200-mile network encircling Greater Boston. If you choose to stay here, Mount Blue Spring is a must-see. It’s also a natural freshwater source where you can refill your water bottle for free.  

Harold Parker State Forest

Located in North Andover, 25 miles from Boston, Harold Parker State Forest is another excellent balance of proximity and nature immersion. The sprawling 3,300-acre forest has 89 well-maintained campsites. The forest has twelve scenic ponds, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. Explore 35 hiking trails winding through dense forests and rocky terrain. Beyond the campsite, visit the historic town of Andover. You can grab a coffee, tour the Addison Gallery of American Art, or explore downtown. 

Harold Parker is usually less crowded than other campsites, making it an excellent choice for a quieter, more private camping experience. The campsites are shaded, with picnic tables, fire rings, and shared restrooms and showers. Unlike Wompatuck, there are no electrical hookups, so it’s better suited for tent camping or those with self-sufficient RVs. Alternatively, you can bring a solar generator for unlimited access to electricity. An EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) is perfect for camping, with its 245Wh capacity and portable design.

Myles Standish State Forest

This state forest park is a little further away than other campsites, about an hour’s drive south of Boston Calling. The trade-off is access to 12,400 acres with multiple campgrounds, tent and RV sites, and even equestrian campsites. Most campsites here are spacious, with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and showers. 

Myles Standish is known for its rare pine barren ecosystems, which create an otherworldly forest feel. There are 15 freshwater ponds where campers can swim, canoe, and fish. Campers can also bike along 13 miles of paved pack trails or walk along 35 miles of hiking trails. 

Myles Standish State Forest is near Plymouth, a quaint historic town along the coastline. In Plymouth, you can learn about early colonial history, see Plymouth Rock, and visit the Mayflower II.

Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort

Normandy Farm Family Camping Resort is the perfect option if you’re looking for a more comfortable camping experience with resort-like amenities. Located 45 minutes from Boston Calling, this upscale campground offers tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping yurts. 

Unlike traditional campgrounds, Normandy Farms provides luxury amenities like heated pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a game room, and a spa. The site has many activities, including disc golf, bike trails, a fishing pond, and a dog park. One of the main advantages of staying here is comfort and convenience while still having an authentic camping experience. 

You can enjoy the festival during the day and relax without any worries at night. While it’s not the cheapest option, it provides an all-inclusive camping retreat while keeping you within a reasonable drive of Boston Calling. 

Boston Harbor Islands Campground

For a unique camping experience, Boston Harbor Islands Campground offers rustic waterfront camping just a short ferry ride from downtown Boston. While this isn’t a drive-up campsite, it’s the closest proper camping option to Boston Camping. Experience breathtaking views of the Boston skyline on the islands. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, a historic Civil War-era fort that’s fun to explore. Peddocks Island features old military ruins, hiking trails, and coastal scenery. 

The only downside is that camping on the islands is primitive. There are no showers, and facilities are limited to composting toilets and basic picnic areas. Ferries from Long Warf in Boston run regularly, making traveling between the islands and the festival easy. Boston Harbour Islands Campgrounds is a spectacular option for a remote and peaceful escape close to the city. 

What To Pack for Boston Calling Camping

• Boston Calling ticket and ID: Bring your wristband and government ID for age verification. Boston Calling has a strict entry policy, so double-check you have everything.  
• Cash and credit card: It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand in case certain vendors only take cash, and ATM fees may be high.
• Phone and portable charger: You’ll need your phone to capture every moment. Keep it charged with a lightweight, mobile power bank like the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank, which magnetically connects to the back of your phone. 
• Camping gear: Waterproof tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, air mattress, pillow and tarp.
• Snacks and small cooler: Festival food is expensive, and lines can be long. Bring protein bars, trail mix, and a small cooler with ice packs to store drinks and snacks at your campsite. 
• Lighting and tools: Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, and torch-lights make seeing at night much easier. Also, pack a multi-tool, duct tape, and paracord. 
• First aid supplies: Bandages, blister bandages, hand sanitizer, pain medication, allergy relief, and itch cream.
• Hydration pack or water bottle: Boston Calling has free water refill stations, so bring a reusable bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated. 
• Layered clothing for New England weather: In late May, the weather is unpredictable. Pack breathable clothes for warm days, a hoodie or flannel for cooler nights, and a rain jacket or poncho in case of showers. 

Tips for Camping at Boston Calling

• Pick a campsite with a short drive and easy access: Traffic around Boston can be heavy, so choose a campsite within 30-45 minutes of the festival. Look for one with easy highway access to minimize your commute time. You can also use public transportation and ride-sharing services to reach the venue. Normandy Farms and Harold Parker State Forest are great options. 
• Step up camp in daylight: Arriving early lets you pick the best pot, avoid messing with gear in the dark, and settle in before heading to the festival. Choose higher ground to avoid puddles if it rains. 
• Stay informed: Check official Boston Calling communications or follow them on social media for updates or changes to the festival weekend. Keep your phone and other electronics charged with the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus. It’s compact, lightweight, and reliably recharges devices for a stress-free festival experience. 
• Personalize it: Bring personal touches to your campsite. Decor, camp chairs, and the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner make it more homey and comfortable. This portable air conditioner also doubles as a heater, perfect for cold New England nights. Use colorful decor to mark your campsite to make it easier to find at night. 
• Explore Boston: If time permits, explore Boston’s local attractions, eateries, and cultural sites. Walk along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile historic route that passes through downtown Boston and all the iconic Revolutionary War sites: Paul Revere’s House, the Boston Tea Party, and the Massachusetts State House. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Camping for Boston Calling can be an incredible way to extend your festival experience, and there are plenty of campsites to choose from. Stay in a traditional campground at Wompatuck State Park, Harold Parker State Forest, or Myles Standish State Forest. For higher-end, luxury camping, stay at Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort; for primitive camping, stay at Boston Harbor Islands Campground. Pack smart for this music festival with weather-appropriate clothing, camping gear, and festival essentials. 

Reliable power is essential for any music festival, including Boston Calling. Stay connected, charged, and updated on festival activities with the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power stations. It’s the perfect companion for festival camping and exploring Boston.