Best Campgrounds near Menemsha, MA
The coastal village of Menemsha, Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard provides access to several camping options within the island and nearby mainland areas. Martha's Vineyard Family Campground in Vineyard Haven serves as the primary established campground on the island, offering tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins from mid-May through mid-October. Campers seeking mainland alternatives can find accommodations at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport Point, where oceanfront camping is available with both primitive and serviced sites. State forests and private campgrounds on Cape Cod, including Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground and Bay View Campground in Bourne, provide additional options within driving distance of the ferry terminals serving Martha's Vineyard.
Reservations are essential for Martha's Vineyard camping, particularly during peak summer months when ferry crossings fill quickly. The Martha's Vineyard Family Campground features level sandy sites with most offering electric and water hookups, clean bathroom facilities, and convenient public transportation access. According to one camper, "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." Massachusetts state parks like Horseneck Beach charge higher fees for non-residents, though many visitors find the beach access worth the premium. Seasonal considerations include tick prevention at coastal sites, particularly at Horseneck Beach where some campers report significant tick populations despite the beautiful oceanfront location.
Beach access represents a primary attraction for campers in the Menemsha region, with multiple campgrounds offering proximity to both ocean and bay beaches. Visitors to Martha's Vineyard appreciate the campground's affordability compared to island hotels, with one reviewer noting it provides "tons of things to do close by" including "clean close beaches." The Cape Cod campgrounds feature additional recreational amenities like bike paths, with Bourne Scenic Park offering canal-side cycling and Bay View Campground providing extensive family facilities including pools and sports courts. Campgrounds throughout the region typically operate seasonally from May through October, with most closing for winter. Privacy levels vary significantly between facilities, with state forest campgrounds generally offering more secluded sites than the more developed RV-oriented properties.
