Travel the Island

Once you have reached your destination here on the island, there are many options for getting around!

Travel with your personal vehicle
Visiting the island with your own vehicle allows exploration of everything Martha’s Vineyard has to offer at your own pace, and on your own schedule. Getting around Martha’s Vineyard in your vehicle is easy, and free parking is available in most areas. Factors to consider when deciding to bring your own vehicle: the duration of your stay, the size of your party and the amount of equipment you are packing for your trip. Remember: if you decide to bring your vehicle, you will need a ferry reservation with The Steamship Authority well in advance of your trip. Please visit our Travel to MV section for more information.

car

Rental Cars
If you wish to have access to a car, but do not want to bring your own, rental cars are available on the island, and close by to both ferry ports.

For more information about rental cars: http://web.mvy.com/Car-Renting-Leasing

Bicycles
Martha’s Vineyard is a very bike friendly island! If you are a savvy biker, that may be the only mode of transportation you need while here. Bring your own bike, rent from one of the many shops available on the island, or rent them right here at our campground!

MVFC has adult mountain bikes (varying sizes) available for daily rent of $30 per day.

Bike paths are present throughout the island – check out the MV Chamber of Commerce page for more info, including a map www.mvy.com/bikingmv.html

Public Transportation
The island of Martha’s Vineyard is fortunate to have a wonderful public bus system called The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA). Bus service is reliable daily and year-round to all the towns on the island. Buses are readily available at both the Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs ferry terminals, as well as the airport, which make it a convenient option upon arrival to the island. VTA buses are equipped with bike racks (first come first serve). Bonus: A bus stop is located at the entrance to MVFC – the bus comes by approximately every half hour! Check the schedule on the VTA website listed below for more specifics on routes and times.

You may pay as you go – please note: cash only, and exact change is needed – or you may purchase passes that meet your needs depending on length of stay. Passes can be purchased on the bus, or at the Steamship Authority.

For more information, visit the VTA website www.vineyardtransit.com

Be sure to check out their suggestions on how to see the island in one day! www.vineyardtransit.com/Pages/VTA_Schedule/one_day

Taxi Service, Uber and Lyft
Taxi service is available all over the island, and is readily available at both ferry terminals, as well as the airport.

Taxi service information: http://web.mvy.com/Taxicabs

Uber and Lyft are also available throughout the island, mainly during peak season months.

Beaches

The island is home to many picturesque beaches! Many of the beaches are public, and many offer free parking. Get there early to get a spot during the peak season!

For a list and map of island beaches, visit the MV Chamber of Commerce wesbite: www.mvy.com/beaches.html

Which beaches do our campers frequent the most?

Joseph Sylvia State Beach (commonly known as State Beach) in Oak Bluffs/Edgartown:

  • Approximately 7 miles from MVFC
  • Long stretch of public beach, free parking
  • Short walk from car to beach
  • Mild waters, as it is located on the northeast side of the island
  • Accessible via bike path
  • Kayak and paddleboard rentals typically available nearby

South Beach in the Katama section of Edgartown

  • Approximately 9 miles from MVFC
  • Long stretch of public beach, free parking
  • Walk from car to beach varies depending on parking location
  • Accessible via bike path
  • Surf/waves present due to open ocean location on the south shore of the island

Long Point Beach and Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury:

  • Approximately 6 miles from MVFC
  • Long stretch of open ocean south shore beach, also with access to calmer waters at Long Point Pond
  • Access via Waldron’s Bottom Road in the summer – car or bicycles needed to access this beach due to remote location that is not accessible via bus
  • Trustees of Reservation property – Admission fee
  • Typically have kayak and paddleboard rentals available

Eastville Beach

  • Approximately 2.5 miles, closest swimming beach to MVFC
  • Easy access to watch a sunset, mild waters
  • Public beach, free parking
  • Short walk from car to beach

Things To Do

Here is a quick list that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do on Martha’s Vineyard! In order to provide you with the most up to date and accurate information, we have provided the resources and websites listed below to learn more or utilize a directory!

  • Island Tours
  • Biking
  • Lighthouses
  • Live Music
  • Gingerbread Cottages
  • Farms
  • Yoga
  • Pirate Adventures
  • Felix Neck Wildlife Sancturary
  • Chappaquiddick Island
  • Diverse Restaurants
  • Swimming
  • Farms
  • Hiking
  • Sailing Charters
  • Bowling
  • Biplane Rides
  • Art Galleries
  • Arboretums
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Shopping
  • Nightlife
  • Water Sports
  • Fishing Charters
  • Mini Golf
  • Flying Horses Carousel
  • Parasailing
  • Museums
  • Mytoi Japanese Garden
  • Featherstone Center for the Arts

West Tisbury Farmer’s Markets – weekly June to October

Chilmark Flea Market – weekly, Late June to Labor Day Weekend

The Vineyard Artisans Festivals – weekly in the summer, also take place on Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day weekends

Oak Bluffs Open Market – weekly May – October

Thank you to the MV Chamber of Commerce for providing sample itineraries for your trip to the island:
https://www.mvy.com/sample-itineraries.html

Island Events

Visit the following websites to scope out island events during your travel dates:
Vineyard Gazette Calendar: https://calendar.vineyardgazette.com/

MV Times Things to Do: https://www.mvtimes.com/things-to-do-4/#!/

Island Resources

Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce
Visit the Chamber at their Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven location – just about 1.5 miles from MVFC! Maps, brochures and information desk available! The MV Chamber also has a robust website, chock full of resources for planning your trip on Martha’s Vineyard. Visit their page and take some time to view all the resources they have to offer, including maps, travel guides, directories, guides to the various towns and events happening on the island. Bonus: Many of the resources are able to be downloaded!
Information booth also located at the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal, and on the corner of Oak Bluffs Ave. and Circuit Ave. Ext. in downtown Oak Bluffs.
Homepage: www.mvy.com
Maps: www.mvy.com/maps.html

Martha’s Vineyard Online
A Vineyard guide and directory; a service of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group.
www.mvol.com

Vineyard Visitor
“The Insider’s Guide to Martha’s Vineyard”
Variety of recommendations, guides and maps dedicated to finding whatever suits you: beaches, restaurants, trails, farms, galleries, etc…
www.vineyardvisitor.com

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation
The local land trust for the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The website will guide you through their trails, preserves and conservation land. Bonus: Download the TRAILSMV app off their website!
www.sheriffsmeadow.org

Trustees of Reservation
The Trustees have seven properties for you to visit on Martha’s Vineyard. Visit their website to learn more about these unique properties.
www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/mv/

Martha’s Vineyard Landbank Commission
The landbank has miles of public trails and beaches available for you to enjoy.
www.mvlandbank.com/

Mass Audubon – Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Felix Neck has 4 miles of trails through woodlands, salt march and shoreline for exploration and discovery. Programs are also available on site.
https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/felix-neck