Best Campgrounds near Chilmark, MA
Camping options near Chilmark, Massachusetts primarily center around Martha's Vineyard Family Campground, the island's only established campground. Located in Vineyard Haven approximately 6 miles from Chilmark, this campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin rentals within a wooded setting. The surrounding region includes several mainland campgrounds like Horseneck Beach State Reservation and Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, most reachable by ferry from Martha's Vineyard to the mainland.
Seasonal considerations strongly influence camping availability, with most facilities operating from May through mid-October. Martha's Vineyard Family Campground typically operates from May 16 to October 16, while mainland options follow similar seasonal patterns. Reservations are essential, particularly during peak summer months when ferry service is busiest and campgrounds reach capacity. Many campsites require advance booking through reservation systems, with holiday weekends filling months ahead. A camper noted, "The ferry to Nantucket is only a few minutes away too for a day excursion. Very personable staff."
Many visitors highlight the affordability of camping compared to other lodging options on Martha's Vineyard. The island campground features wooded sites with moderate privacy despite proximity to neighboring campers. Mainland alternatives like Horseneck Beach State Reservation offer oceanfront camping with direct beach access. Facilities typically include bathhouses with showers, camp stores, and community gathering spaces. Several campers mentioned convenient public transportation options, with bus stops at campground entrances providing access to nearby attractions. A review emphasized the value proposition: "Pay $300-$500/night for a hotel or this campground for $35/night? I'll take the campground any day. The bus picks up and drops off just outside the campground and with a weekly bus pass you can be anywhere on the island within minutes."
