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Best Tent Camping near Menemsha, MA

394 Reviews

Tent camping options near Menemsha, Massachusetts include primitive sites at Sandy Neck Beach Park and island camping at Washburn Island in Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve. Sandy Neck Beach Park offers backcountry tent sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead, while Washburn Island provides boat-access-only camping with water views at each of its ten sites. Both locations provide a rustic camping experience within reach of Cape Cod's coastal attractions.

Sandy Neck's primitive tent sites require significant effort to access, with campers hiking 3-4 miles through sand without shade coverage. Sites are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at park headquarters rather than by advance reservation. The park provides water delivery service (5 gallons free) and firewood delivery for a fee. Basic amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and outhouses. The camping season generally runs from late spring through fall, with October marking the end of the season at Sandy Neck.

Tent campers at these locations experience true coastal camping with distinctive characteristics. "This is a 5 star primitive spot because it's secluded, requires a bit of leg work and has a great view," noted one visitor about Sandy Neck. The sites at Sandy Neck are positioned away from the beach in brush areas that provide protection from wind, while still allowing beach access for sunset views and permitted beach fires. Washburn Island offers a quieter experience, particularly in shoulder seasons. A camper shared, "Camped there May 20-25 and there were only 1-2 other sites being used." Both locations allow pets, making them suitable for tent campers traveling with dogs. Weather conditions can vary significantly, with Sandy Neck experiencing strong winds at times, particularly later in the season. Reservations for Washburn Island can be made six months in advance, making summer bookings competitive.

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Best Tent Sites Near Menemsha, Massachusetts (2)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Menemsha, MA

4 Photos of 2 Menemsha Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Menemsha, MA

394 Reviews of 2 Menemsha Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Huge campground, not many level sites.

    I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer. Rates are reasonable for state residents, but quite high if you are out-of-state, given the amenities. There are no hookups, but dump stations are available. Bathrooms have flush toilets and coin-operated showers. There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent.

    There's a nice playground, a camp store, and a naturalists cabin. Trails are available for hiking and biking. The beach is sandy and there's a small parking lot there, but I suspect most people walk to it. No alcohol allowed. 

    I didn't see more than a handful of level sites, with varying degrees of slope, but many are quite large. If you have an RV, plan to level; if you have a tent, be sure to bring good mattresses to protect you from the roots and rocks and orient your head to the uphill side. Most of the sites have some degree of visual separation from their neighbors, but there are places where it's hard to tell where one site ends and the next one starts. Site have fire rings and picnic tables, but if you plan to cook over the fire, bring your own grate or plan to use sticks and/or aluminum foil. 

    If you don't have a tent, consider reserving one of their rustic cabins. These offer two sets of bunks (no mattresses) and a small porch with a picnic table and fire ring outside. Some are located along the pond.

    3-4 bar cell phone coverage. No road traffic. East Beach is nearby, but parking fills early.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Fearing Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Wooded sites near a pond

    There are 2 Fearing Pond loops at Myles Standish State Forest, the H & I loops. The H loop entrance is closer to the Charge Pond loops and is higher above pond. This loop is better suited to the larger trailers/tents with more space to drive around a loop , but some spots have slopes. The I loop's best feature is a small beach that is easily accessible from all sites. They've done a lot of site restoration and the fact that it didn't open in 2020 helped. In spite of that, many of the sites have awkward approaches and there is a large parking lot closer to the bathroom. There are no hookups, but there is a dump station available. Water is available, but no electric hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables provided.

    The forest has miles of biking trails, ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even cranberry bogs to explore (though harvest is late in the camping season and this section is not open at that time).

    Cell phone coverage is poor to absent in the forest, so download maps for offline use prior to your arrival.

    Plymouth is nearby for a any forgotten provisions and for sightseeing. Erickson's ice cream cafe is near the entrance if you need a treat!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Coastal campground open late in season

    Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off.  Also, there are only 5 designated tent sites during the peak season, so if you want to tent camp here, you'd best make a reservation well in advance.. You cannot reserve an RV site for a just a tent, though if you have a trailer, you may also have a tent on the site. The 5 tent sites have their own fire pits, but the RV sites must use a community fire pit, though in mid-November, just before the campground closed for the season, RVers used the firepit at a tent site that provided some additional protection from the wind.

    The RV sites have paved parking pads and picnic tables, but the area to the side of the parking pads sometimes slopes away, so it's less usable for chairs, etc.  In the 2020 camping season, every other campsite was closed (thus the picnic tables across the entrance of the parking pad). Some of the sites, 32 34, 36, are along the back of the campground closer to the trees/scrub, and so have some degree of privacy and protection as compared to the others in the wide open park.

    The campground is on the north shore of the Cape Code canal and provides access to a sandy beach, a jetty, and the Cape Cod Canal Trail for biking and walking. There's a nice playground for youth. You can fish from the shore or jetty, No need to cross the bridge to the Cape. Plymouth is also nearby to explore.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Fort Getty Campground

    No shade no rule enforcement. Great place for a big group to party if that’s what you want.

    Loud campers in large groups.

    Rules regarding quiet hours, no generators, number of tents per site and late arrival and setups were not enforced.

    People next to us crammed 8 tents on 3 sites. I counted a group of at least 20.

    There is no privacy, people were constantly walking through our site and stepping over our tent guy lines.

    People partied until 2:00am and woke up at 5:30am shining headlights and idling cars.

    Bathrooms were dirty, sites boundaries not marked and crammed together. No shade.

    Beautiful location, rangers were nice.

    RV folks were surly, seemed like a lot of them stay there for the entire season. One said hi, the rest stared when we drove by.

    We booked and paid for two nights and left first thing after just one night.

  • Our Greight Escape ..
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Bourne Scenic Park

    Wonderful campground!

    We stayed here for a season and loved it! The staff from the front desk to the front gate are incredibly friendly and welcoming!

    Pros-

    Front office is open late (9pm)

    Offers wood, ice, fire starters, hoses and adapter cap for gray water drain.

    Country Store

    Ice Cream

    Amazing views of the canal.

    Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path.

    Dump station

    Inexpensive to have visitors\

    Located near so much! Walmart, Market Basket, Target all within 15min.  

    Cons-

    No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote.

    Lots of tight spaces

    Anyone can pay to access canal, so they can access any campsite even without staying there. 

    Highway noise.

    BRIDGE TRAFFIC- if you know you know.

  • Alicia F.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Marthas Vineyard Family Campground

    I love this campground!

    Pay $300-$500/night for a hotel or this campground for $35/night? I’ll take the campground any day. Several years now I’ve packed a suitcase w a tent, tarp, air mattress and sleeping bag and had some of the best weeks of my life! 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. Every day was a new adventure to Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Menemsha etc. Large shared male and female bathroom/shower complex next to the camp store and office as well as an outdoor shower for those more adventurous. Most sites have electric and water nearby. The management/owner takes pride in the campground and loves what he does. It’s the best way to experience Martha’s Vineyard!

  • Laura M.
    Aug. 25, 2018

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Super large sites, store is adequately stocked, nice lake/pond. I came here because of the location. Super close to the beach. This is a state park, no alcohol is allowed, quiet time strictly enforced. Nice family campground. No hookups.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    HUGE state park

    General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

    Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

    Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

    Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

    This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Barretts Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Small campground near a small pond at Myles Standish

    This campsite loop at Myles Standish State Forest is closest to the headquarters and borders a small pond with beach. In addition to tent/RV sites, there are 3 yurts available with bunks. Sites that appear to be near the pond are pond view rather than pondside. Approaches to Yurt JC and J5, J 26, J27 are sloped. J14 is a little awkward. J33 is probably among the largest and nicest with a pond view. The sites aren't as large as those in the Charge Pond loops, but it's a smaller campground.

    The loop has flush toilets and showers. Water is available, but no electric hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables provided. Cell phone coverage throughout the forest is poor to absent; download maps for offline use if you want to be sure to know where you are or find directions. There are miles of bike trails and ponds for fishing, swimming, and boating. There's a larger beach and picnic area at College Pond.

Guide to Menemsha

Tent camping near Menemsha, Massachusetts offers access to coastal wilderness areas with distinctive maritime ecosystems. Campsites in this region are characterized by sandy terrain, salt-influenced vegetation, and coastal vistas. The camping season typically extends from mid-May through October, with variable coastal weather patterns requiring appropriate preparation.

What to do

Beach exploration: Sandy Neck Beach Park primitive sites serve as a base for exploring the Cape's northern shoreline. Campfires are permitted on the beach at night, creating opportunities for sunset viewing. "You need a sandy neck ORV pass and a self contained camper (toilet) to camp here, but it's very worth it. Right on the water, relaxing and sunny most of the time," notes Matt R.

Kayaking to campsites: Washburn Island Campsites require water transport to reach the camping area. The island's proximity to mainland makes it accessible even with personal watercraft. "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work," explains Tim C., highlighting the island's accessibility despite its boat-in requirement.

Off-season camping: Late season camping offers different experiences with fewer crowds but potentially challenging weather. "Took one more trip down for the end of the season, great weather but VERY windy," reports a camper about October conditions at Sandy Neck Beach Park.

What campers like

Island solitude: Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites provide backpacking opportunities without leaving Cape Cod. The hike-in requirement creates natural limitations on visitor numbers. "This is a really cool option for those interested in visiting Cape Cod and also backpacking," explains Anna C.

Water views: Camping sites at Washburn Island each feature water vistas. The island layout maximizes shoreline exposure for campers. "Small island with 10 camp site (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night," reports Tim C.

Beach sleeping: Direct beach camping represents a unique regional opportunity. "This is one of the few places where you can sleep on the beach! It's a great place. The water is on the cold side but it's worth it. Beach camping is a very special thing," shares Matt R. about the Sandy Neck experience.

What you should know

Resource logistics: Sandy Neck sites require planning for water and supply needs given the distance from facilities. "A nice amenity is that the park staff will send someone to the sites to deliver 5 gallons of water for free as well as firewood for a small fee so you don't have to carry those resources," notes Anna C.

Reservation timing: Booking strategy varies significantly by season for Washburn Island. "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," advises Tim C.

Beach access challenges: The trek to Sandy Neck primitive sites presents physical challenges beyond typical hiking. "The hike in to the sites can be particularly difficult because it requires trekking through sand without any sun coverage and with all of your gear," warns Anna C.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: The brush-protected areas at Sandy Neck provide weather protection while maintaining beach access. "The sites are tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind," notes Anna C.

Campfire options: Washburn Island Campsites provide designated fire areas with available firewood. "Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut," explains Tim C., offering important information for family camping activities.

Pet policies: Both major camping areas permit dogs, enabling family camping with pets. "Campfires allowed at night, and pets are allowed. All around a great place to camp," confirms Matt R. about Sandy Neck Beach Park.

Tips from RVers

Self-contained requirements: Beach camping at Sandy Neck has specific equipment regulations for overnight visitors. "You need a sandy neck ORV pass and a self contained camper (toilet) to camp here," explains Matt R., noting important compliance requirements for RV campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Menemsha, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Menemsha, MA is Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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