Cabin accommodations near Menemsha, Massachusetts range from basic shelters to fully equipped rentals with notable seasonal price variations. Winter cabin rentals often cost 30-40% less than peak summer rates. Cabins throughout the region typically require 2-night minimum stays from May through October, with most properties extending to 3-night minimums during July and August.
What to do
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail: The trail runs through Nickerson State Park Campground and offers miles of paved paths for cyclists. "The bike path and network of trails through the park (that connect to the beautiful 22 mile long Cape Cod Rail Trail) make for great bike riding and early morning running," notes one visitor who frequents the park.
Enjoy freshwater swimming: Multiple kettle ponds at Nickerson State Park provide alternatives to ocean beaches. "The clean, freshwater swimming at the kettle ponds (which are usually uncrowded and within less than a minute's walk from our campsite) is incredible," shares a regular camper.
Fish along the Cape Cod Canal: Bourne Scenic Park offers prime fishing spots along the canal. "If you like fishing this is your place," reports one visitor. The canal attracts anglers year-round, with striped bass being particularly popular during spring and fall runs.
Explore island beaches: When staying at cabin accommodations near Menemsha, use public transportation to reach beaches. At Martha's Vineyard Family Campground, "You can take the ferry to Vineyard Haven ($15 round trip) and catch the island bus ($30 for a week pass) that will drop you right in front of the campground."
What campers like
Affordable island access: Marthas Vineyard Family Campground cabins provide budget-friendly options for island accommodation. "To be able to camp comfortably on this island and have access to all the island has to offer without spending an arm and a leg is what I love," explains one repeat visitor who returns annually.
Well-stocked camp stores: Many cabin camping locations maintain comprehensive stores. "The camp store offers everything from postcards to air mattresses. For those of you, like myself, who don't bring a car they even have an air pump at the office if you need it," shares a Martha's Vineyard Family Campground camper.
Pond recreation opportunities: Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins features both pools and a swimming pond. "Spots are beautiful. Private little lake with rentals & fishing, 2 pools, playground, store, etc. and it's all conveniently located in cape cod," says one satisfied guest.
Cabin variety: Different price points and amenity levels meet various needs. One camper at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod notes the campground provides "easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston," making it a practical base for regional exploration.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for cabin stays, especially at popular locations like Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground. From May through September, most cabins require booking 3-6 months ahead, with holiday weekends filling up to 9 months in advance.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience traffic noise. At Shawme Crowell, one visitor explains, "They are right next to the main highway so you get car noise and can usually see them as well."
Limited cabin inventory: Most campgrounds near Menemsha have only 6-20 cabins available. "Burlingame State Park Campground in nearby Rhode Island maintains 20 cabins, some located along a pond," and these fill quickly during summer months.
Variable furnishings: Come prepared with appropriate bedding and cooking supplies. "Most cabin rentals include beds and basic furniture but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, blankets, and towels," with kitchen facilities ranging from minimal to fully equipped.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Burlingame State Park Campground features expanded recreation areas. "Spacious - even with all those sites, there's plenty of room between sites and tons of open space for kids to run around, fly a kite, play tag, hide and seek," notes one family who visits regularly.
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer structured programs for children. At Nickerson State Park, one visitor mentions "Lots of programs for kids," while another parent reports "it's a great park for mountain biking, there are trails everywhere."
Seasonal cabin options: During shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), cabins near Menemsha typically offer reduced rates and increased availability. A camper at Burlingame State Park Campground advises, "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife encounters. "Keep your food sealed tight because the skunks use this campground as much as humans do," warns one visitor to Martha's Vineyard Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many cabin camping areas have limited access for larger vehicles. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, one camper advises, "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay... I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Off-season advantages: Visiting outside peak summer months offers more solitude. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod observed, "Heavily treed and shaded campground, extremely large to walk from front to back."
Tree considerations: Some heavily wooded sites present challenges. "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time," notes one RVer.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Gateway to Cape Cod, a visitor mentioned, "Roads are in bad shape, especially the entrance," something to consider when towing or driving larger vehicles.
