Camping near Oak Bluffs provides access to a variety of terrain from inland pine forests to coastal dunes. Located on Martha's Vineyard's eastern shore, Oak Bluffs experiences milder temperatures than the mainland due to maritime influence, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Winter camping options remain available at several year-round sites including Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground where overnight temperatures typically drop to the 30s.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers miles of trails through pine forests, though hikers should prepare accordingly. One camper noted, "Hiking the trails and you have to be careful. They aren't always well maintained or marked. They are right next to the main highway so you get car noise and can usually see them as well."
Canal biking: Bourne Scenic Park provides immediate access to the Cape Cod Canal bike path. According to a visitor, "Stair access to canal bike path" makes it convenient, while another camper shared, "A nice bike path along the waterway is literally feet away from the tent sites."
Kettle pond swimming: Nickerson State Park Campground features freshwater swimming at multiple kettle ponds. As one camper described, "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."
What campers like
Private sites: At Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve, boat-access camping creates unmatched privacy. One camper explained, "Small island with 10 camp site (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut."
Heated shower facilities: Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins maintains clean bathhouses that campers consistently mention. A reviewer noted, "The sites are paved for your camper, have nice fire pits and a picnic table. The hookups are good too."
Beach proximity: Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers sites just steps from the ocean. A camper observed, "Being a state park on the beach, there is little in the way of foliage so there is nothing between you and the next camp site to give you much privacy. But aside from that, you are anywhere from 5 seconds to a 1 minute walk away from the beach."
What you should know
Site reservations: Nickerson State Park Campground fills extremely quickly during peak season. One visitor advised, "This place is beautiful! There are great sites, gorgeous ponds for swimming, trails for hiking, nearby beaches, and more! Huge area with all the recreation you can dream of. This spot fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed."
Wind conditions: Coastal campgrounds experience significant wind. At Scusset Beach State Reservation, a camper mentioned, "Because the camp has so few trees, the winds can be gnarly. On the flip side, the lack of trees gives you a great spot to stargaze, especially if you focus your view out over the ocean."