Cabin rentals near New Bedford, Massachusetts provide access to the south shore region and Cape Cod while offering more affordable accommodations than island lodging. Most cabins sit within 30-45 minutes of New Bedford in established campgrounds across Plymouth, Bourne, and Middleboro. Winter cabin options are limited, with Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground among the few locations operating year-round. Temperature fluctuations can be significant, with summer nights dropping into the 50s even after hot days.
What to do
Fishing along the Cape Cod Canal: Bourne Scenic Park offers direct canal access for fishing enthusiasts. "If you like fishing this is your place," notes Rick R. The campground sits directly on the canal banks with "stair access to canal bike path" according to Our Greight Escape.
Explore Martha's Vineyard without hotel costs: Martha's Vineyard Family Campground provides cabin accommodations at a fraction of island hotel prices. "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," writes Alicia F. Public transportation makes exploration convenient: "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."
Pond fishing and water activities: Pinewood Lodge Campground features cabin accommodations with pond access. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on," says Laurie.
What campers like
Off-season quiet and accessibility: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground provides year-round cabin options when most seasonal sites close. "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, and some hiking trails within the campground," reports Gina M.
Kid-focused activities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA receives praise for family programming. "As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground," notes Samantha S. Another visitor adds, "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts."
Clean facilities and staff attentiveness: Bay View Campground maintains high cleanliness standards in their cabin rental areas. "Spotlessly clean. The cleaning schedule indicates it is cleaned three times daily," states Lee D. Another camper confirms, "The grounds were clean, the ice cream parlor was nice as well as the food truck that was there. Our kids enjoyed the playground as well... We did use the bathrooms a few times and they were immaculate!"
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: At Bourne Scenic Park, "The campsites were a little small and close together. Where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night." Kristyl C. adds, "Just wished the price was a little better. I felt that the sites really didn't justify the high price for what you pay."
Cabin amenities differ by location: Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod offers varying cabin styles. "Roads are in bad shape, especially the entrance. Overall though, a good campground," notes Patrick H. Some cabins require additional preparation: "Most sites have electric and water nearby," explains Alicia F. about Martha's Vineyard Family Campground.
Pay-to-use facilities: At Pinewood Lodge, "They do have a dog park and plenty of things to do. Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water though," says Michael K. Another camper elaborates: "Hot showers were awesome (.25 cents per 3 minutes) and the stone fire pits were a hit."
Tips for camping with families
Consider off-peak visits: At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, crowds can affect the experience. "Quiet hours were not enforced and people with very loud music were walking up and down the road past sites well past quiet hours," reports Amy G. For a quieter experience, visit in shoulder seasons.
Check pet policies carefully: Martha's Vineyard Family Campground prohibits dogs during peak season, which affects family planning. "Dont allow dogs during peak season," warns Uriah A. Other locations like Pinewood Lodge have restrictions: "There are signs posted No dogs allowed on the road to the beach or other areas in the campground, limits walking. There is a dog park, though."
Transportation planning: For families visiting Martha's Vineyard without vehicles, public transportation is essential. "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," explains Alicia F.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Boston/Cape Cod KOA: "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and 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. I'll never book The basic campsite again I'll pay the few extra dollars to have a bigger site it's so worth it," advises Janet P.
Grey water disposal systems: At Bourne Scenic Park, RVers need specialized equipment. "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote," explains Our Greight Escape. Be prepared with the right equipment before arrival.
Seasonal considerations: Gateway to Cape Cod has seasonal limitations. "Of all the Thousand Trails campgrounds in the Northeast this one isn't too bad. It's a huge park with mostly seasonal/annual campers. (Campground is not open all year, though)," notes Mara S.