Camping opportunities near Chilmark, Massachusetts range from inland forests to coastal settings. The region experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F with higher humidity during July and August. Chilmark's location on Martha's Vineyard affects camping availability, with most mainland options requiring a ferry crossing or drive to Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.
What to do
**Hiking trails: Access scenic paths at Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground. "The hiking trails aren't always well maintained or marked. They are right next to the main highway so you get car noise and can usually see them as well," notes Paula T., highlighting less-traveled areas for solitude.
Fishing opportunities: Bourne Scenic Park offers direct canal access. "If you like fishing this is your place," writes Rick R., while another camper mentions "watching some fisherman reel in some massive fish" along the canal bikeway.
Stargazing: Dark night skies at Horseneck Beach State Reservation provide excellent viewing conditions. "The area is very dark at night so if you are into stargazing, this is a great place to bring a telescope or a good camera to take some pictures. We woke in the middle of the morning to see the Milky Way in the sky above us quite clearly," shares Kyle C.
Island camping: Washburn Island Campsites requires boat transportation. "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut. 1 composting toilet," explains Tim C., noting the need for "a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work."
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Peters Pond RV Resort features both pool and pond swimming options. "The pool and pond were both great for swimming and they did have some lounge chairs to use at pond," writes Kate C., adding value for families seeking pet-friendly camping near Martha's Vineyard.
Affordable rates at state parks: Myles Standish State Forest offers budget-friendly camping with good amenities. "We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean. There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond. The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric," Stephanie B. explains.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds provide convenient bases for regional exploration. "Bourne Scenic Park is conveniently located near many of Cape Cod's attractions including beaches, golf courses, historic landmarks, restaurants and shopping," explains a camper, noting it's "approximately one hour from Boston, Providence and a 30 minute ride to the ferry terminal."
Seasonal versatility: Waquoit Bay Reserve's campsites work well outside peak season. "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well. Camped there May 20-25 and there were only 1-2 other sites being used," reports Tim C.
What you should know
Site challenges: Many campgrounds have terrain limitations. At Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, one camper reported: "Booked site in early July for Sept stay. Paid for a premium glamping site 2200 Sq ft with paver patio. Didn't pay site lock fee... Arrived and was given a site in 'motorhome row'. Very small and no paver patio."
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds. "It is located on a busy highway and if you are approaching from the south, the turn into the campground is hair-raising! There is some road noise at some sites," notes a Bay View Campground visitor.
Varying privacy levels: Campsite separation differs significantly between locations. "The campground is a mix of seasonal and transient campers. Site types include full hook-up (max 30 amp), water/electric only, dry camping, and a large tent section," explains Nancy W. about Melville Ponds.
Weather preparation: Coastal campgrounds can experience wind challenges. "We stayed in early June and found both nights to be very cold with the constant wind coming off of the water so bring an extra blanket," Kyle C. advises about Horseneck Beach conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Newport RV Park offers recreational amenities for children. "It's well shaded, has a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room," shares Michelle C., though noting bathroom locations can be "very inconvenient" for tent campers.
Swimming safety: Multiple water options exist for family activities. At Peters Pond RV Resort, "Kids loved the little pool slide. Also enjoyed the golf cart rentals," mentions John D., though noting the lack of fire pits at rental cabins was "disappointing."
Seasonal planning: Timing affects crowd levels at popular spots. At Shawme Crowell State Forest, "We stayed here in October and it was a little too chilly for us to camp but we gave it a shot. The campground wasn't too big and the sites offered a lot of privacy," reports Gina M.
Budget considerations: Fishermens Memorial State Park has tiered pricing. "A water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night! This was our first visit to a Rhode Island State Park so not sure if they are all like this but this one definitely caters to Rhode Island residents who camp in large RVs," explains Lee D.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Fishermens Memorial State Park offers multiple service areas. "There are four areas, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level," explains one RVer.
Seasonal site challenges: Bay View Campground has high seasonal occupancy. "Many (we were told 75%) sites are seasonal folks but immaculately kept sites...fun to see how RVers utilize their space with unique set ups!" notes Lisa D.
Towing access: Some sites require careful navigation. At Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, "Spots are beautiful. Private little lake with rentals & fishing, 2 pools, playground, store, etc. and it's all conveniently located in cape cod," reports Aliceon W., though others mention tight site spacing.
Level site selection: For pet-friendly camping near Chilmark, Massachusetts, choosing appropriate sites matters. At Newport RV Park, one camper notes: "Our site was not angled and that made it tougher to get in to it," while at Horseneck Beach, the sites "aren't particularly large, and are setup more for car camping and RVs than for tenting."
Legend
