Nautical Nights

Overnight Camping
 
Now Hear This:  We are now taking reservations for your Nautical Nights Adventure!
 

America's Original Overnight Camping Program:

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Did you know that Battleship Cove pioneered overnight camping on board naval vessels? It all began in 1972 when a Boy Scout leader asked Paul Vaitses, then Battleship Cove's executive director, "Is it possible for my scout group to spend a night aboard?" Mr. Vaitses promptly replied, "Absolutely!"

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And so Nautical Nights began, with 80 scouts sleeping in their bedrolls on the battleship's main deck. For some it is an annual adventure steeped in history, patriotism and pride. It is not uncommon to see a father, who as a boy spent a night aboard the battleship, return with his son to repeat the experience. They trudge up the gangway carrying sleeping bags, pillows, backpacks (and an occasional teddy bear). They may be weary from their journey, but they're soon transformed. The awesome size of the ship dazzles them. They gaze at the masts where the U.S. flag and an array of signal flags flutter proudly. They marvel at the 16" guns, the 40MM mounts, the turrets and the superstructure. You see it in their faces. They've never seen a ship so big and they say to themselves, "I can't believe we'll be spending the night onboard!"

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After stowing their gear, campers wander in wonder at

everything Battleship Cove has to offer. The look of amazement

turns to glee when they climb on the 40MM mounts and crank

the handwheels. With imaginary shells bursting all around they

fight off the enemy and save their proud ship. They scamper

about, investigating the guns, ducking into the turrets, sprinting

up the ladders. . . exploring everywhere.  The enthusiasm and

pride is contagious for this proud lady of the sea.  Add in the

exploration of a WW2 submarine, a Vietnam War-era destroyer,

PT Boats, and numerous other exhibits, it can quickly be seen

that no other museum has more to offer.

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The Experience:

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Our Nautical Nights program is offered to Scouts, Youth and School Groups, and even families!   A visit to Battleship Cove is special. Spending an overnight on board one of the mightiest defenders of freedom truly is an unforgettable experience.  

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Although Battleship Massachusetts was designed to carry 1,800 men, she typically carried nearly 2,300 on board throughout the war. Steaming more than 225,000 miles over four long years, Big Mamie rotated her crew frequently, hosting more than 6,000 different officers and crew by 1945.

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You'll be sleeping exactly where these men slept: in authentic sailors' racks.  Built of tough cotton canvas stretched across a sturdy aluminum frame, these racks will give you a firsthand feel of what it was like to be a sailor in World War II.  Upon arriving to the museum, campers are led to their assigned bunkrooms where they may stow their sleeping bags and belongings. 

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If you're lucky, your average hotel might throw in a complimentary continental breakfast with your lodging fee, but at Battleship Cove we give you breakfast and dinner. All meals are served "chow style" in the original Officers' Wardroom on board USS Massachusetts.  Campers then partake in a number of activities such as the new "Kilroy IS Here" scavenger hunt,  story teller,  feature films, play the game Battleship aboard a battleship, have a set of your own dog tags made, and much more.  

 

Reservations and Bookings:

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Please  use the form below or call us at 508-678-1100 ext. 105.

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