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Bakers Island Light Campsite

100%
·
· Massachusetts
10 acres
3 sites
3 Tent
Bakers Island Light Station is located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, a 60-acre island with a large summer colony. The lighthouse stands at 59 feet tall and continues to guide ships in and out of Salem Harbor with an alternating 20-second white-red light. The 10-acre light station, which includes six historic structures such as two keepers houses, an oil house, and a lantern room (now operating as a gift shop), is located in the northwest quadrant of the island and was formally owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. The rest of the island is in private ownership including the Bakers Island Wharf. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014, from the United States government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). Learn more about this land: Rated #1 Hipcamp site in Massachusetts by Outdoor Magazine for 2020! Enjoy the sights and sounds of off-the-grid coastal living at the Bakers Island Light Campsite. Set up your tent on a raised platform and take in the beauty of Salem Sound. Meet the summer lighthouse keepers, stroll through island trails, and unwind...just three miles off the coast of Salem! Getting to camp: PLEASE READ - the only way to get to Bakers Island Light Campsite is by boat. You have three options: 1) Use your own kayaks and paddle out to our beach (this is recommended for advanced kayakers only). 2) Take our landing craft, Naumkeag, out to the island for $70 per person. (Boat departs from Blaney Street dock on Friday at noon and picks you up from the Island on Sunday at noon).  FREE overnight parking is available there. 3) Take your own boat, and rent a mooring for $35 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that operates and maintains the 10-acre light station at Bakers Island, with the mission of public access and preservation.  We are adhering to current safety recommendations, and following state and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19 in order to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. We will also implement our own guidelines to help mitigate the risk further. For more details, please read the Rules and Safety section of this listing.  PLEASE NOTE: The $50 per night covers 4 people per site, you may bring up to 2 additional people for $10 per person per night (this additional fee will be charged by our on site lighthouse keepers when you check in). The absolute capacity for each site is 6 people, and you must provide us with each guests name prior to arrival. (If you are taking our transportation, and plan on having more than 4 people, please check with us in advance to see if there is enough room on our boat to accommodate everyone)
Activities
Boating
Fishing
Paddling
Swimming
Natural features
Beach
Coastal
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Massachusetts, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Ryan C.Joined in July 2019
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 8 hours
100%
46 ratings · 35 reviews
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Stephen D.recommends
September 24, 2022
Site 3 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Baker's Island Camping
Awesome campsite. Setting is so beautiful, it seems fake. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
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Jean Z.recommends
September 14, 2022
Site 3 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Away from the madding crowds
It's a glampy, gorgeous camping spot. I thought we'd get restless on 10 acres after two nights, but it turned out to be a perfect site to savor nature and friendship. The new caretakers made the three of us feel nurtured and welcome. Our leap off the Naumkeag landing craft in churning surf gave us a dose of adrenaline, drama, and lots of laughs. Don't forget your bug repellent and sunscreen.
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Sarah S.recommends
September 5, 2022
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Highly recommend--Baker's island is an extraordinarily special place to camp. We ventured there via kayak, but there is also a vessel through Essex Heritage. Directions to the island and coordination with Ryan were clear and luxury amenities from the caretakers included help hauling gear from the shore to our site via ATV, a large gas grill/picnic table/sunsail/chairs at each site, a communal fridge, and supplied composting toilet. Enjoyed fishing, hiking, snorkeling, and paddling to the nearby islands and port towns. We cannot wait to return!
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Erika J.recommends
August 21, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Camping at Baker Island Lighthouse
We loved the quiet and views of this little campground facing out across the water to Manchester-by-the-Sea. I brought a foldable kayak and paddled around the island in about 30 minutes. The wave action was low so I was able to snorkel from the rocky beach with no problem. The amenities (tent platform, grill, picnic table, chest fridge, composting toilet and solar phone charger) all functioned well. The hosts were knowledgeable, friendly, and politely insistent that guests not wander off the 10 acre camp to the private side of the island. We had plenty to do with games, books, and the camp trails. Will return to this lovely spot.
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Bill S.recommends
August 11, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Fantastic location for a night in a tent.
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Dave W.recommends
July 19, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Bakers island expert was superb. Great communication and organization, prompt ferry, friendly guide. Island was as expected...beautiful...a few steps above primative (we camped)...clean...and awesome, knowledgeable, friendly hosts. Tremendous views!
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Chelsea H.recommends
July 12, 2022
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
What a treasure! Bakers Island was quiet and quaint, yet an adventure! The hosts were thoughtful and welcoming. We enjoyed fishing and beach combing in the morning, rambling around the grounds during the day, and lawn games at the lighthouse at night. We were amazed at the conveniences and space afforded at the campground. The entire campground enjoyed a scenic vista,
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Stefan B.recommends
June 29, 2022
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Camping at Bakers Island
What an amazing time at Bakers Island. The campsites were perfectly setup with different views/ privacy to the ocean. We saw incredible sunsets and beautiful sunrises. Played horse shoes, corn hole and hung out on the grounds, staring into the ocean looking for whales. The Bakers Island care takers were fantastic. Super knowledgeable about the island/ active light house & a quick text if we needed them. Ryan from Essex Heritage made the scheduling of the campsite, mooring rental and payment a breeze. This is must do if you love the sites of the ocean, gongs of the bell buoy and one of the most amazing working light houses in the area. This is now an annual trip. Look forward to coming back again next season!
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Xian H.recommends
June 28, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Beautiful site with beautiful view
This site is a family favorite. Awesome composting toilet and solar-powered fridge and charger(!). Picnic tables, adirondaks, tent platforms all provided and well-maintained. Had trouble starting up the grill, so helpful to have bkup meals that may not require that. Yard games also provided, and a big plus.
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Lindsay W.recommends
June 26, 2022
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
We had a fantastic stay on Baker’s. Tara and Brian were incredibly helpful. The island was beautiful…from the walking paths to the blooming native flowers to the sound of seagulls as we were drifting off to sleep. As we were packing up, my daughter asked if we could camp on the island every year. Thank you for a special experience!
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Dan P.recommends
June 13, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Beautiful site and great keepers!
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Stephen D.recommends
June 12, 2022
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Extraordinary Place to Camp
The campsite is awesome. Spectacular views of Salem Sound. Outstanding sunsets and sunrises. Tara and Brian are terrific hosts, and keep everything well maintained. My wife and I like to camp but do not like campgrounds. We have not had such a great camping opportunity since a wilderness rafting trip in Idaho. We arrived at the island via our own boat and the moorings are convenient and safe. What a gem. We will be back.
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Jean M.recommends
September 1, 2021
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Peace and beauty in a crazy world
I camped alone in this magical place. The wooden tent platforms are well spaced in an open field with ocean views. There is a shed for use by campers to store things, and it has a refrigerator- great for hot days, so my food kept well, and I alway had cold water. There is also a rain barrel with water for washing. The island is beautifully landscaped, with short trails for exploring. I found the combined smells of the grass, plants, trees and ocean intoxicating! There are plenty of birds and bees and flora and ocean views to watch. I felt immensely meditative and relaxed. The hosts are incredible- they help you lug your stuff up from the landing, They are very knowledgeable about the history and the workings of the island, and of the beautiful lighthouse. And if you want alone time, they are very respectful of your privacy. The birds enthusiastically wake you at daybreak to watch the sunrise. The sunsets are equally spectacular. I left the island feeling wistful, but renewed.
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Colby S.recommends
August 30, 2021
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Wonderful!
It’s like a dream. Wonderful hosts and incredible views! So grateful for the time, and thank you Tara and Brian for the awesome experience!
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Andrew R.recommends
August 29, 2021
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Fantastic spot. Will definitely come back
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Britta P.recommends
July 11, 2021
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Absolutely wonderful experience! Perfect location with super friendly and helpful hosts! We loved it and will be back next year!
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Carl Uli B.recommends
July 3, 2021
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
The most precious bonding weekend.
My six year old son and I had a fantastic time camping on Bakers Island. We loved being so close to nature and the hosts were so warm and welcoming.
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Alexis R.recommends
June 28, 2021
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
We had such a fantastic time at Bakers Island - it exceeded all of our expectations. The campsite was perfect - raised platform, chairs under shade, a picnic table, and a gas grill. We even had use of a fridge for food and a charging station. The lighthouse keepers were incredibly gracious, helpful, and happy to answer any questions. Ranging around the lighthouse grounds on the various trails and playing lawn games was an added bonus. Important that you are prepared to bring all of your food and water and pack out completely. Also great that you can sail or kayak to the island if you are prepared to land/unload on the rocky beach.
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David O.recommends
June 27, 2021
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Great hosts, and great island!
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Mike D.recommends
June 21, 2021
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Best camping experience!
Everything about this experience was great. Lighthouse keepers Brian and Tara were incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of the island and it's history. Both met me at the landing spot when I arrived by kayak and even helped hauling the kayak above the high-tide point. Later in the day as I was wandering around I bumped into Brian and he went out of his way to show me some old photos and talk about the history of the lighthouse and property. The camp site is amazing! The view is incredible and everything is very well kept and tidy. The composting toilet was excellent and clean. There was even a shed that we could put a few bags in if campers wanted -with a charging station. The tent platforms are excellent and the way they are situated you don't see the other platform from your platform so it seems very private with your own unobstructed view of the ocean (mine was facing Misery Island.) Keep in mind if you are kayaking, Tuck’s Point in Manchester is a pretty good location to put in (about 2 miles to baker’s Island from there) but you can’t leave your car there so it’s only an option for drop-off. If you need to leave your car somewhere, Independence Park or Sandy Beach Boat Ramp, both in Beverly, usually has enough parking along Lothrop St. It’s almost 5 miles to Bakers Island from those spots. Salem Sound is fairly protected but depending on the direction of the wind it can get rough and the water stays quite cold through June so experience, a wetsuit and the ability to self-rescue is important. Boat traffic can also be fairly high in the summer, especially between Misery and Bakers Island. So worth it though!
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Dan P.recommends
June 20, 2021
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Amazing spot, great keepers.
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Geoffrey S.recommends
September 14, 2020
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Enchanting
Absolutely enchanting. Two nights, just me at the campsite. Wonderful for writing, photography, and meditation. Thank you. And I met a ghost.
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Catherine G.recommends
September 6, 2020
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Highlight of my Summer!
This was an amazing experience. Exceeded expectations in every way. Very private, every small detail thought out... even solar lights to get you to the toilet at night. Magical setting, lighthouse beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Caretakers friendly, helpful, full of great information, available but not intrusive. Would recommend going over by kayak, an easy paddle in good conditions. Being able to explore Baker Island by boat and land on the Misery’s was an added bonus!
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Xian H.recommends
August 11, 2020
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Great, well-maintained campsite
Great campsite with a few outdoor games included on campgrounds, which was a pleasant surprise. While you have to bring your own potable water, a big dispenser of non-potable water was provided which was handy. Good to bring some bug spray and embrace the chorus of seagulls. Overall, great, well-maintained site.
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Amelia J.recommends
August 2, 2020
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Really beautiful!! We had a wonderful stay.
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Jeffrey K.recommends
July 20, 2020
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Calm peaceful scenic weekend
The campsite is great! It has a wonderful view of Salem bay and your can sit and watch all of the boats going in and out of it. There is little shade, but the host put up a pop-up shelter and a shade sail, which worked well. We had our own private toilet which was very clean. There are many seagulls in the area, but they do not raid your food. They had chicks when were there and we enjoyed watching them.
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Christina P.recommends
July 12, 2020
Bakers Island Light Campsite
Had a wonderful time camping at Baker Island! Tara and Brian were super nice and made sure we had a great stay. It’s a beautiful place, I highly recommend it!
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Jacob L.recommends
July 5, 2020
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Check Plus.
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Angela G.recommends
July 1, 2020
Site 2 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
A Little Slice of Paradise
We had a wonderful stay at Bakers Island. Our hosts were incredibly helpful, knowledgable about the island's history, and kind. The island was beautiful! We saw baby seagulls in their nests, whales' tales splashing in the ocean, and fireflies at night. It was a little slice of paradise. :-)
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Alison K.recommends
June 28, 2020
Site 1 - Bakers Island Light Campsite
Views from Bakers were incredible. Hosts, Tara and a Brian couldn’t be more perfect. They were helpful and engaging. We look forward to our return.
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