Camp Nihan Environmental Education Camp in Massachusetts, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Camp Nihan Education Center in Saugus, Massachusetts, is a group camping and environmental education site managed by DCR. Arrange a cabin or group tent visit in advance. Swimming, pets and bicycles are prohibited.

Make habitat study the purpose of the visit

The 65-acre site supports nature education and hiking. A group stay can center on learning about local habitats.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Plan around limited utilities

Do not rely on cabin electricity for medical equipment or a heater. DCR describes it as limited and unreliable for those uses. Cooking inside cabins is prohibited.

Supervise the group

Each group site needs an adult or counselor. Alcohol, swimming, pets and biking are prohibited. Do not bring firewood. Additional tents are prohibited at cabin sites, as are open flames inside cabins or on decks.

Use the special-use permit process

Camp Nihan cabins require a special-use permit. Reservations are required. Read DCR’s cabin conditions, then contact the office to arrange the group’s stay and confirm dates.

Use the Walnut Street entrance

The center is at 131 Walnut Street, Saugus. On-site parking is available.

Nearby places in Saugus

Breakheart Reservation has road entrances at 177 Forest Street, Saugus, and 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield. It opens sunrise–sunset. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is at 244 Central Street in Saugus. Its visitor center, museum and restrooms close for the November 1–May 6 season, while grounds and the nature trail remain open.

Walk and learn with your group

Combine hiking with environmental education. Arrange the program with staff alongside your group’s booking.

Bring supplies for a rustic stay

Cabins have bunk beds, tables, a pellet stove, a refrigerator and limited electricity. Portable toilets serve the camp. There are no showers or running water. DCR lists Clarke Cabin as accessible.

Cabins do not contain restrooms. Discuss the route to toilets and your group’s access needs before reserving.

A DCR education center

The Department of Conservation and Recreation presents Camp Nihan as a place for group camping and local nature education.

Contact

Call Breakheart Reservation at 781-233-0834. Use the official Camp Nihan page for current arrangements.