Located within the Boston city limits, the 34 islands of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area provide a strange and refreshing juxtaposition of urban center and uninhabited shoreline.

Less than an hour's drive from downtown, paddlers can experience the joy of paddling to a deserted island steeped in history and offering glorious views of the Boston skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.

The outer islands of Boston Harbor, those north of Hull and east of Long Island, are a wonderful destination for kayakers. Not only are several of the islands open to day visitors, but two offer camping.

The geology of the islands varies from sandy dunes (Gallops and Lovells Islands) to high glacial drumlin (Great Brewster Island) to rocky outcrop (Middle and Outer Brewster and...

The vast majority of the New England coast has something to offer the sea kayaker: rocky shores, sandy beaches, historic fishing villages, and productive salt marshes cover only a few.

Camping, unfortunately, cannot be included in a list of ubiquitous New England offerings. In fact, coastal camping sites in most states are few and far between.

Maine is different. Starting in Portland and heading downeast, Maine offers a plethora of coastal camping spots allowing multi-day trips or month-long expeditions.

Why? Maine's jagged and rugged coastline is less developed than other New England states', and there are numerous uninhabited...