Campgrounds near Vineyard Haven range from secluded island spots to full-service RV resorts within 30-45 minutes of the ferry terminal. Vineyard Haven sits at sea level with a humid continental climate featuring summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent morning fog. The region's sandy soil and pine forests create distinctive camping terrain across Cape Cod and mainland Massachusetts.
What to do
Hiking forest trails: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers multiple hiking trails through pine forests. "Lot's of sites...pretty pine forrest...nice home base to explore the Cape. Dog friendly, fire ring at sites. Good shower houses," notes camper Penny P. The trails require careful navigation as they aren't always well-maintained.
Fishing for stripers: Bourne Scenic Park provides direct canal access for fishing. "If you like fishing this is your place," says Rick R. The park sits along the Cape Cod Canal where anglers regularly catch striped bass during early morning hours from May through October.
Kayaking kettle ponds: Nickerson State Park Campground features several freshwater swimming ponds accessible by kayak. "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," reports Phil Y. The park rents kayaks during summer months for $25 per half-day.
Biking along canal: Horseneck Beach State Reservation connects to several coastal biking routes. "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," explains Kyle C.
What campers like
Private island camping: Washburn Island Campsites offers boat-access-only sites for solitude-seeking campers. "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. 1 composting toilet," explains Tim C. Reservations open six months in advance and fill quickly for summer dates.
Beachfront access: Horseneck Beach State Reservation puts campers steps from the water. "We go to Horseneck for a weekend each year. If you book early enough you can get a site along the beach. Either way you can hear the waves from all of the sites at night and they're all a short walk to the beach," writes Jess G.
Off-season quiet: Shawme Crowell State Forest offers year-round camping with fewer crowds in fall and spring. "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," shares Gina M.
Stargazing opportunities: Scusset Beach State Reservation provides exceptional night sky viewing. "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, away from the lights of the mainland," explains Angela T.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Campers across all Cape Cod campgrounds report tick concerns. "The tick situation was just very difficult. We drowned ourselves in tick spray, but the ticks were overwhelming," warns a Horseneck Beach camper. Daily tick checks and permethrin-treated clothing are recommended regardless of season.
Limited tent sites: Scusset Beach prioritizes RVs with only five designated tent sites. "There are 5 'wooded' tent sites, where campers are allowed to have tents as well as a fire on the site. All other sites are located in a wide open area and are best suited for motor homes and trailers," notes Angela T.
Reservation timing: Nickerson State Park Campground fills months in advance for summer dates. "This place is beautiful! There are great sites, gorgeous ponds for swimming, trails for hiking, 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," advises Virginia W.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience significant highway noise. "The Park is quite large with 465 sites, some of which have views of the canal. Price is right and always very well maintained. It is also very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially friday nights. Not recommended for light sleepers but very convenient," warns Tim C. about Scusset Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Peters Pond RV Resort offers multiple play areas and water activities. "We stayed at the campground and loved it. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great. Kids loved the little pool slide. Also enjoyed the golf cart rentals," says John D. The resort also features organized weekend activities for children during summer months.
Swimming beaches: Bay View Campground provides clean swimming areas suitable for children. "This campground has EVERYTHING one might want or need. It IS right off an expressway so there's a little traffic noise but the giant sites and quaint stone fire pits make up for that 'con'. If you are a walker, you'll enjoy the hilly accessible paved roads," notes Lisa D.
Rainy day alternatives: Nickerson State Park offers indoor nature programs during inclement weather. "Great place to spend a summer vacation. This state park is an oasis in the middle of a busy tourist destination. The sites are large, although no hook ups. Lots of programs for kids. Miles of bike paths that connect to many towns on Cape Cod," explains Glenn B.
Off-season camping: Consider spring or fall visits to avoid crowds. "We loved this campground, and have been coming here for a few years. It's dog friendly, and even though dogs aren't allowed on the swimming beaches, you can bring them to different parts of the pond for swimming, and no one gives you trouble," recommends Katelain T. about Nickerson State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bourne Scenic Park requires significant leveling blocks at many sites. "Utilities were well-placed and all worked well. The cable hook-up yielded 99 channels. Campsites have a picnic table and fire pit. There was no wifi but our Verizon phone picked up a strong signal. Leveling was not an issue for us in our site (C-25) but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks."
Gray water disposal: Some campgrounds offer limited hookups but alternative disposal options. "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," notes an RVer about Bourne Scenic Park.
Site selection strategy: At Cape Cod Campresort, select sites carefully based on size needs. "Spots are beautiful. Private little lake with rentals & fishing, 2 pools, playground, store, etc. and it's all conveniently located in cape cod. We very much enjoyed our stay here," shares Aliceon W. RV campers should request premium sites for additional space and privacy.
Dog-friendly options: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Vineyard Haven offer designated pet areas. "This campground has a great dog park, pool, large pond," notes Orange L. about Peters Pond RV Resort. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, though some provide dedicated off-leash areas.
