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Best Campgrounds near Nantucket, MA

220 Reviews

Nantucket Island itself has no established campgrounds, but nearby Cape Cod and surrounding islands offer numerous camping options within ferry distance. Martha's Vineyard Family Campground provides the closest island camping experience, with wooded sites that feel private despite their proximity to each other. On Cape Cod, popular options include Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster with its kettle ponds and bike trails, and Sweetwater Forest, known for exceptionally quiet sites and well-maintained facilities. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals and glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.

Camping in this coastal region operates primarily from April through October, with most facilities closing for the winter season. Advance reservations are essential, particularly for summer weekends when Cape Cod experiences heavy tourism traffic. Massachusetts state parks like Nickerson and Shawme Crowell State Forest have different rules than private campgrounds, with some prohibiting alcohol. As one camper noted, "The ferry to Nantucket is only a few minutes away from Martha's Vineyard campground for a day excursion!" Ferry schedules should be considered when planning, as they run more frequently during peak season but may have limited service in shoulder seasons.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail provides excellent biking opportunities near many campgrounds, connecting visitors to beaches, towns, and natural areas. Campers frequently mention the region's clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. "We have biked to ice cream shops, restaurants and a nearby beach," reported one Nickerson State Park visitor. Sites with water views or full hookups tend to book quickly, especially at popular locations like Sweetwater Forest where "water view sites down at the pond book up in advance." For a more primitive experience, Sandy Neck Beach Park offers backpacking sites 3-4 miles from the trailhead, providing a secluded beach camping option with beautiful sunsets, though the sandy hike can be challenging with gear.

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Detours Nearby

Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

1 hr 50 min away

Adventure Bound Cape Cod: Horton's Campground

Adventure Bound Cape Cod: Horton's Campground

2 hrs 5 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Nantucket, Massachusetts (30)

    1. Nickerson State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Orleans, MA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3491

    $22 - $55 / night

    "It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach."

    "We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."

    2. Marthas Vineyard Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Vineyard Haven, MA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 693-3772

    "Camp store is well stocked, including fire wood, and staying here you are close to all of the quaint MV towns…..whether by car, bike rental, or the island bus line that goes by the camp entrance."

    "Camping on one of the best Islands in Massachusetts"

    3. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3773

    "Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."

    "Nothing but positive things to say, if you haven’t tried it, defintely do. C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in."

    4. Shady Knoll Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3002

    $50 - $88 / night

    "There’s a great walking trail connected to the campground. They have good access to the bay beaches and the Cape Cod Rail Trail- although you do have to drive ona busy road to get there."

    "Well situated within Brewster, with a great small grocery store a two minute walk from the campground entrance."

    5. Campers Haven RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Dennis Port, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 398-2811

    "Came over, from her nearby home, to welcome us at gate with a super friendly, upbeat smile and a gift kit for our pup. Made us feel so WELCOME!"

    "Private beach and close to many other areas. Office staff nice and helpful."

    6. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    Sandwich, MA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 888-0351

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I like this campground because it is close to home.  There isn't much to do here within the campground.  It has two areas.  The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "

    "We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."

    7. Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins

    11 Reviews
    North Falmouth, MA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 548-1458

    "Nice campground, but need to get sites away from the backside of the pool, street noise is too loud"

    "That being said, we use this mostly as a location to do other things- Old Silver Beach is 10 minutes down the road as is the Shining Sea Bike path."

    8. Peters Pond RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Forestdale, MA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 477-1775

    "Convenient location, beautiful pond on beautiful cape cod, Ma. My family has gone there for years with neighbors and always enjoyed our stay."

    9. Bourne Scenic Park

    13 Reviews
    Buzzards Bay, MA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 759-7873

    "Bourne Scenic Park is conveniently located near many of Cape Cod’s attractions including beaches, golf courses, historic landmarks, restaurants and shopping. "

    "Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path."

    10. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    19 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 866-2526

    $17 - $35 / night

    "My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."

    "Good access to surrounding new England towns."

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Recent Camping Photos near Nantucket, MA

69 Photos of 30 Nantucket Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nantucket, MA

220 Reviews of 30 Nantucket Campgrounds

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Atlantic Oaks Campground

    Great home base for Cape Cod

    We spent a week in Cape Cod at Atlantic Oaks Campground and so glad we did. We paid $113 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Pull-thru site(#A6). 

    This campground makes a great home-base while touring Cape Cod. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Great location in Eastham— with access to National Seashore, Provincetown, several great beaches and lighthouses, and much more 
    • Beautiful park setting with well-kept natural landscaping including lots of mature shade trees 
    • Access to Cape Cod Rail Trail right from the campground— bring your bikes 
    • Our hookup utilities all worked fine 
    • This may seem like a silly thing to comment on, but I like how they installed mini picket fences to block the view of the sewer connections from the neighbors— this is a great idea I wish other campgrounds would do too(see the photos) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing that bothered me— the sites were all sandy dirt which made everything dirty and dusty(gravel would be an appreciated improvement) 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do 

    WANT A FUN TIP? 

    Check out Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, just a couple minutes away. We saw Jaws(Jaws~ in Cape Cod!) and had a great evening.

  • A
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Quiet and spacious sites

    We stayed in loop b south, which is really not a loop but a dead end. Very quiet, and we were the only people in the loop for a couple of days. Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Great place

    Was windy and, over cast on our visit, but there is lot’s do. The campground is very clean and well maintained, the staff is very friendly. The showers are clean, free and the water is hot. I would definitely come back.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Great place

    Friendly staff, nice level pads, clean campground, nice hot showers, quiet and close proximity to lots of things. Loved our site and I would stay again.

  • Alyssa R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Sweetwater Forest

    Quiet stay

    Quiet campground with pretty spacious sites. We had a nice pull through with a view of the pond. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

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

    Bay View Campground

    Huge campground chockful of amenities

    General: Over 450 sites (tent 20 amp w/e; 30 amp w/e; 30 amp w/e/s; 50 amp w/e/s; 50 amp w/e; 30, 50 or premium seasonal) 

    Site Quality: Generally good. Sites are gravel. We had originally reserved Site 98 but there was a large rock and tree roots making it challenging to position our van. We were able to move to Site 95 which was much better. Each site has a picnic table and rock firepit. Trees provide some amount of privacy between many sites. 

    Bath/Shower house: Spotlessly clean. The cleaning schedule indicates it is cleaned three times daily. 

    Activities/Amenities:

    *Some are seasonal and were closed when we were there in October. These include three pools, a food truck, coffee, and ice cream.

    * Others include a pristine laundry room (but you have to purchase a laundry card, so one load is a minimum of $10), shuffleboard, playground, tennis/pickleball, volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pit, soccer and baseball fields, firewood and propane fill, free cable and WiFi, dog park. I’ve probably forgotten a few but you get the idea… 

    We chose this campground because of its proximity to the Woods Hole ferry terminal. It is not our typical preferred campground but for one night in the off-season, it was very pleasant. It is billed as a family-friendly campground, and I imagine it would be very different during high season. We gladly forgo seasonal amenities for a quieter stay. The staff was very present and welcoming. Note that 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 but not for most of them.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    Quiet camping

    In Sept the campground was quiet and sparsely populated. Sites were big and fairly well spaced.

    There’s 12 miles of hiking trails to explore. You can hear the highway from many of the sites and trails, but for the most part it’s just part of the background noise with the insects and other nature noises.

    The park was easily accessible from the highway and easy to get through with a trailer.

  • Jacob D.
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Sweetwater Forest

    Nice and quiet

    Nice warm showers and our tent site was kept away from a lot, so it was calm and quiet. Nice staff and would definitely visit again.

Guide to Nantucket

Camping near Nantucket, Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds in the area, you can enjoy everything from serene lakes to vibrant beaches.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Swimming: Many campers enjoy the scenic trails and swimming spots. One reviewer from Nickerson State Park Campground mentioned, "Hikes around the ponds and swimming is lovely." This campground is a great base for exploring Cape Cod's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: If you love fishing, Peters Pond RV Resort is a hit. A visitor shared, "Great fishing and nice clean sites," making it perfect for a family fishing trip.
  • Exploring Local Beaches: Campers often head to nearby beaches. One guest at Shady Knoll Campground said, "We spent a lot of time at Paynes Creek - the sunsets!!!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Marthas Vineyard Family Campground noted, "The bathrooms are clean but always busy," highlighting the campground's commitment to cleanliness.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Sweetwater Forest remarked, "Friendly staff, clean facilities," which makes for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy sites that offer some privacy. A review for Shady Knoll Campground mentioned, "Sites have quite some privacy and are shaded," making it a peaceful retreat.

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded during peak summer months. One reviewer at Nickerson State Park Campground warned, "This campground gets very busy in summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins noted, "Neither jacuzzi were working," indicating that some facilities might need upgrades.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground mentioned, "The skunks are super used to people," so keep an eye on your food!

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A review for Shady Knoll Campground highlighted, "The kids loved the playground but missed a swimming pool."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose campgrounds that offer activities. A visitor at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground mentioned, "Activities for the kids such as tie-dyeing, candy bar bingo, etc."
  • Quiet Hours: Check for quiet hours to ensure a peaceful night. A camper at Sweetwater Forest noted, "Was very quiet, of course I was there at the end of the season."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: If you have a large RV, look for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A review for Peters Pond RV Resort stated, "Big campground, well maintained."
  • Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Bay View Campground mentioned, "The grounds were clean," which is essential for RV camping.
  • Reservations: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak times. A camper at Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins shared their experience of being disappointed with their site assignment, emphasizing the importance of securing your spot.

Camping near Nantucket, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available on Nantucket Island?

Nantucket Island actually doesn't have traditional campgrounds on the island itself. Unlike nearby Marthas Vineyard Family Campground, which is the only campground on Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket has maintained strict development regulations that have limited camping options. Visitors looking for camping experiences typically stay at mainland Cape Cod options like Nickerson State Park Campground and then make day trips to Nantucket via ferry. The island's conservation efforts and limited space have prevented the development of formal campgrounds on the island.

Can you camp with an RV on Nantucket?

RV camping is not available on Nantucket Island. The island has no designated RV parks or campgrounds that accommodate recreational vehicles. RV owners typically stay at mainland locations like Campers Haven RV Resort or Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, then visit Nantucket as a day trip via passenger ferry. The narrow streets, limited space, and strict conservation regulations on Nantucket make it impractical for RV camping. Additionally, vehicle ferry reservations to bring an RV to the island are extremely limited and expensive.

Is camping allowed on Nantucket beaches or public land?

Camping is not permitted on Nantucket beaches or public lands. The island has strict regulations protecting its natural resources and shoreline. Unlike some areas near Scusset Beach State Reservation on the mainland, Nantucket prohibits overnight camping on its beaches. Conservation areas like the Nantucket Conservation Foundation properties also prohibit camping. Visitors should respect these regulations, as they help preserve Nantucket's unique ecosystem and character. For camping experiences, consider staying at Bourne Scenic Park on the mainland and taking a day trip to the island.

What camping amenities are available at Nantucket City Park Campground?

There is no official Nantucket City Park Campground on the island. Nantucket does not have established public campgrounds with amenities. Visitors seeking camping facilities near Nantucket should consider mainland options like Wellfleet Hollow State Campground or Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground. These mainland campgrounds offer amenities such as shower facilities, restrooms, and some have water hookups. If you're planning a trip to Nantucket, you'll need to arrange accommodation at hotels, inns, or vacation rentals on the island.

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