Cabins near Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts provide a strategic gateway to explore both the island and the surrounding Cape Cod area. The region experiences mild summers with average high temperatures of 78°F in July and August, with morning fog common near coastal areas. Access to Martha's Vineyard requires ferry transportation from mainland ports including Woods Hole, with advance vehicle reservations recommended during summer months.
What to do
Fishing at Cape Cod Canal: The canal offers excellent saltwater fishing opportunities just a short drive from the ferry terminal. "One of the best Islands in Massachusetts," notes Rick R. about Marthas Vineyard Family Campground, while visitors to Bourne Scenic Park mention "If you like fishing this is your place."
Biking along paved trails: Multiple interconnected bike paths provide car-free exploration options. "The bike path along the canal, easy access," highlights Our Greight Escape about Bourne Scenic Park. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through several campgrounds, offering miles of paved paths for riders of all skill levels.
Swimming in freshwater kettle ponds: Natural freshwater swimming areas offer alternatives to ocean beaches. At Nickerson State Park Campground, "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," according to Phil Y.
What campers like
Convenient public transportation: Many campgrounds have bus stops directly outside their entrances. "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," notes Alicia F. at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for regional exploration. "Close to all the towns for activities, beaches, and dining. Bus stop right at front of campground," writes Zack at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground. Similarly, Anne M. appreciates Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins for "the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and the ferry to the islands."
Cleanliness of facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities even during peak season. "The bathroom and showers were near spotless despite the summer crowd, and it was common to see cleaning occurring throughout the day," notes Brad B. at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Peak season fills quickly at most facilities. A reviewer at Nickerson State Park warns "This spot fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed." Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically May through mid-October.
Noise considerations: Location can impact sleep quality at some campgrounds. At Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, Mary V. cautions, "I've been camping for over twenty years and this campground is by far the noisiest campground I have ever been to." Similarly, at Bourne Scenic Park, one camper notes "where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare with leveling blocks for many locations. At Bourne Scenic Park, a reviewer notes "the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with child-specific amenities: Many facilities offer dedicated recreational spaces for children. At Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, Michael J. mentions they "Had good kids crafts." Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins features "a jump pad for the kids which is nice and playground is older but kids still had fun."
Consider shoulder season for dog owners: Pet policies vary significantly across the region. Uriah A. notes that Marthas Vineyard Family Campground "Dont allow dogs during peak season," while Bourne Scenic Park appears more accommodating, as one reviewer states "Dog owners will appreciate the paved trail that runs the length of the canal and easily accessible from the campground."
Evaluate campground pace: Some facilities maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "This campground was recently bought by Sun RV so there already some changes happening," notes Anne M. at Cape Cod Campresort, while Judy P. describes Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground as "the perfect family campground with lots of activities for the whole family. Be prepared for a busy campground."
Tips from RVers
Request specific site types: Not all sites match online descriptions. A visitor to Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins reports: "Booked site in early July for Sept stay. Paid for a premium glamping site 2200 Sq ft with paver patio. Didn't pay site lock fee... Arrived and was given a site in 'motorhome row'. Very small and no paver patio."
Know the site surfaces: Surface materials vary widely between campgrounds. Lee D. observes at Bay View Campground, "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."
Verify hookup details: Available utilities differ between and within campgrounds. At Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, Jean C. notes: "More than half the sites designated as tent only; a few of the sites are designated for tent/pop-up. The tent sites tend to be on short spurs that may be hilly and uneven, so would be difficult to navigate with a trailer or larger vehicle."
