Kylie Swanson's $3,800 Nantucket Camp Sparks Local Outcry Over Cultural 'Disrespect'

Nantucket, MA – Social media influencer Kylie Swanson has ignited a significant controversy on the affluent island of Nantucket following the launch of her "Camp Nantucket," a four-day luxury retreat priced at $3,800 per participant. While Swanson asserts her initiative aims to "democratize" the exclusive destination, many long-time locals and business owners contend she is disrespecting the island's deep-rooted culture and economic norms. The dispute highlights a clash between traditional island values and the modern influencer economy.

Swanson, who describes herself as "Martha Stewart if she lived out of a suitcase," hosted eight women for her inaugural Camp Nantucket in June, offering activities like sailing, biking, and private chef dinners. Her arrival on the island in December, initially for a house-sitting engagement, preceded her decision to host the camp, which she promoted after a viral TikTok post. She stated her intention was to provide access for women who desire to experience Nantucket but lack traditional avenues.

However, local businesses have voiced strong objections, accusing Swanson and her team of soliciting free products, comped hotel rooms, and discounts in exchange for social media exposure. Mary Goode, a luxury event planner, recounted, "She basically asked us if we would plan the whole thing for free." Locals also criticized Swanson for hiring off-island vendors, such as a Connecticut-based Pilates instructor, a practice seen as a direct affront to Nantucket's core value of supporting local enterprises.

The sentiment among many island residents is that Swanson, a "washashore" (a term for newcomers), fails to comprehend Nantucket's unique culture and its brief, intense summer business season. Concerns were also raised regarding the camp's lack of a special events permit, which the island's director of culture and tourism, Shantaw Bloise-Murphy, confirmed was denied. An anonymous Instagram account, "Nantucket Brief," and author Sanibel Lazar have publicly labeled Swanson the "Nantucket scammer," further fueling the local backlash.

In response, Swanson, whose family she describes as having "Oklahoma money, but it's not Nantucket money," has largely dismissed the criticism. She asserts her right to be on the island, stating, "I don’t think there needs to be a price of admission. I call bulls**t and if that pisses people off, I'm so sorry." Despite the local outcry, Swanson maintains her business is thriving, reportedly securing a $33,000 deal with a wine company and planning future camps in other exclusive locations, including Martha's Vineyard, Newport, and potentially the Cotswolds.