45 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chincoteague Island and the surrounding coastal areas offer a mix of established campgrounds with amenities ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. Assateague Island National Seashore features both oceanside and bayside camping with opportunities to observe wild ponies in their natural habitat. Jellystone Park, Tom's Cove Park, and Pine Grove Campground provide developed camping options directly on Chincoteague Island, while several other mixed-use campgrounds are located within a short drive. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals and glamping opportunities for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Camping in this coastal region operates primarily from April through October, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during the summer months when tourism peaks. A visitor noted, "We were there in early October so it was empty. Great biking!! Mosquitoes still bad when in the refuge." The area experiences significant seasonal variations in both visitor numbers and insect activity. Waterfront sites typically command premium pricing and fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote sections of Assateague National Seashore. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities including potable water, restrooms, and trash disposal, while others offer full hookups for RVs.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the unique coastal ecosystem and wildlife viewing opportunities. The top-rated campgrounds near Chincoteague Island provide direct water access for fishing, crabbing, and boating activities. "We had fun crabbing off the dock with other campers, going into town was very convenient totally within walking distance for ice cream," reported one visitor to Jellystone Park. The proximity to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague beaches is a significant draw for many campers. Sites vary considerably in size and privacy, with some campgrounds featuring densely packed arrangements while others offer more spacious accommodations. Family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities are common at the larger commercial campgrounds, while the national seashore sites provide a more natural experience with fewer conveniences but greater immersion in the coastal environment.
"We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."
"If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Had an amazing time at this KOA in Chincoteague Island. Only one mile from the beach where the horses roam. Maui Water park was so fun, my kids loved it. The staff here was very kind and courteous."
"Campground has easy walking access to the National Park, shops, restaurants, and mini golf. Just outside the gate is the water park and food truck court."
"Beautiful location on Chincoteague Island. Basic amenities, but clean and well maintained. We have a 39’ft RV and had no problem with their pull through sites. Bring your fishing rods!!!"
"People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."
from $4200 / night
Check Availability"It’s just 45 minutes away from the beach at Assateague Island and an hour or so to Ocean City or Chincoteague."
"Open from April to September (except Waters Edge and Robins Nest loops which are open year round) the tent sites here can be a little close together. Particularly the sites at Waters Edge."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"I thought our site was tucked more in the forest based on the maps, but it was pretty close to the other sites. Good birdwatching from the site! Definitely some insect pressure at the site."
"Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel"
from $19 - $71 / night
Check Availability"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"We set out to hike the 12 miles down to the Virginia side of Assateague. would have been lovely if we had gotten an early start. we got stuck in a nasty storm about 6 miles into our hike and had to take"
from $28 - $39 / night
Check Availability"The sites are close to bathrooms (I believe the national side has pit latrines). There are also showers, albeit cold. The sites are a decent size but be advised, they are completely sandy."
"We camped in the walk-in sites toward the end (south side) of the ocean side sites. You park along side the road and walk on a boardwalk to your site."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Older but nice campground only about 7 minutes away from Assateague Island and the beach. The bath house needs to be updated but all we cared about was that there was plenty of hot water."
"Great access to heart of Chincoteague and easily 30-50% cheaper than big name parks on island."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The seasonal weekenders had gone home, and we preferred the larger, more private area behind the site to walk our dogs."
"We'd reserved 406, but Sun Outdoors turned into KOA, so we got a different site lucky us, 'cause the middle ones were swampy with almost no space outside with sitting water on sites."
from $35 - $159 / night
Check Availability"Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access."
GuideParked with my class B van! Amazing you can hear the ocean at night. No electricity so be prepared. Horses will walk through your campsite. Clean and quiet. No cell service. Lots to do with hiking and beaching! Be prepared for cold outdoor showers!
GuideWasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
TravelerRight off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
LegendIf you want to be close to the water, this is a great place to camp. There are lots of amenities and various ways to “camp” at this resort. In addition to full hook-up RV sites, there are cottages and glamping tents. Some cottages have a cool rooftop deck with furniture which would be a great place to watch the sunset.
This campground is in a nice location for exploring the area, but a bit pricey. It might be worth it if you use the amenities, but we did as we spent more time offsite. Since this campground is new, some sites look pretty rustic and it would be nice if there was more grass. Overall, we found the sites to be pretty close together. If you want to pay more, you can get a waterfront site or one with a paved patio and table and chairs, otherwise, you get a picnic table on a gravel pad. All utilities worked well and we were glad we had 50 amp since there was an unseasonable hot spell. The park is big-rig friendly and getting in and out was easy and not low hanging branches to avoid.
Some of the amenities include a food truck(not open when we were there), playground, pickleball courts, camp store, and more. There is a nice pool with a large deck but since we were early in the season it was not open. Along the water is a nice boardwalk and there is a long pier for fishing or to tie up your boat. (We took advantage of the free fishing. Saltwater anglers in VA can fish for free if you register for the Fisherman Identification Program, no license required.) If you have a large group gathering there is a large pavilion with charcoal grills and picnic tables open to campers for free.
The reason we came to the area was to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see the wild ponies. The refuge is fifteen minutes away and definitely worth it. Stop in at the visitor center to browse the exhibits before setting out to see the ponies. There is a nice viewing deck off the Woodland Trail that is a great place to see the ponies. Also stop at the Assateague Lighthouse to see the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. One more stop to make is at the Island Creamery (voted one of the 50 best places to eat in Virginia).
RangerThis is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼♀️
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
TravelerTrap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
GuideWe arrived on a beautiful mid April day. We were walk-ins and had the choice for a site on the beach or the inland campground. The inland sites were in a very open, treeless circle along the marshlands. Not particularly attractive or ugly, not private, but WARM compared to what we experienced mid April along the beach. Although beautiful and right on the beach, the wind nearly blew us over. Fires were impossible due to wind and damp wood purchased at a beach kiosk. No one could brave those winds for more than a short time. Showers are cold water. Pit toilets were good. That being said, what a unique experience with the horses and proximity to the beach.
Chincoteague Island lies on Virginia's Eastern Shore, separated from Assateague Island by a narrow channel. The campgrounds in this area sit at sea level with minimal elevation changes, making the terrain accessible for most campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions between 50-75°F. Most campgrounds report consistent ocean breezes that help mitigate both heat and insects at oceanside locations.
Beach access points: The Bayside Assateague Campground offers multiple scenic points for water activities. "The beach was beautiful, and you can camp roughly 100 yards from it. Many campsites available, and you can actually see the horses," shares Daniel P., highlighting the proximity to both beach and wildlife.
Kayaking from campsites: At Tom's Cove Park, water access enables unique exploration. A visitor noted, "My husband and son kayaked from the campground over to a lovely sand bar off of Assateague Island. They got within very close range of a herd of ponies grazing at low tide, hung out, and enjoyed their private slice of nature."
Biking to wildlife viewing areas: Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground provides access to less-traveled beaches. One review explains, "Assateague Island also has TWO bike/hike access beaches, and those are our favorite. You can drive to Assateague from Chincoteague with your bikes, and then park."
Fishing and crabbing: Many campgrounds offer dedicated fishing piers. "We had fun crabbing off the dock with other campers, going into town was very convenient totally within walking distance for ice cream," notes one visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Watching wild horses is a highlight at Assateague State Park Campground. "The best thing about this place are the sparkling clean bathrooms with flush toilets and free hot water showers. They also offer sinks with running hot water for washing dishes which makes more ambitious campsite cooking a breeze," mentions Melanie.
Off-season tranquility: Many campers prefer visiting outside peak summer months. "We chose to stay in October with less people and less bugs. Hiking and boys nearby to kayak or canoe at. Beautiful place to stay," says Jodi J. about her experience at Bayside Assateague.
Water access options: Multiple water features appeal to different campers. "What more can you get you have ocean on the right and calm water on the left you can choose what to do," explains Jonny D. about Tom's Cove Park.
Natural soundscapes: Campgrounds near the ocean offer unique sensory experiences. "Falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean is one of the relaxing thing there is. Waking to see wild horses each morning is an experience I'll never forget," shares Paully B.
Seasonal bug considerations: Insect activity varies significantly by season. Michael W. advises about Bayside Assateague Campground: "Love this place but be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter."
Horse behavior awareness: Horses may approach campsites looking for food. "A small herd of them (around 8) decided to hangout in our campsite waiting for their meal. This meant we couldn't get ours. As soon as any food would come into 'nose-shot,' they would start advancing on us," explains one visitor.
Wind exposure: Oceanside sites experience consistent winds. "It is really neat to be able to camp right on the sand dunes and by the beach but prepare for lots of wind. Check the weather a lot because the storms roll in quickly," notes Tori V.
Campsite privacy varies: Site layouts differ across campgrounds. "The sites are very close to each other, but on a less busy week, this is less of a problem as the camping area isn't full," explains one camper about site spacing.
Pool alternatives: Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island offers multiple water options. "There is a pool, jumping pillow, and playground. The water park adjacent cost an additional fee. They have 3 day passes and after 3pm packages," notes one family visitor.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs. "The park has programs and we painted a picture of Chuck the Owl (he was our model) which was fun," shares Cindy S. about her experience at Pocomoke River State Park.
Bike-friendly environment: Most campgrounds accommodate cycling families. "Great place to stay with family! Sites are big we fit two large tents on one site. They have a water park down the road and fishing off the pier," explains Amanda S.
Food storage solutions: When camping with kids, proper food storage prevents wildlife issues. "The ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," advises Tony P.
Site selection strategy: At Pine Grove Campground, RVers find value and space. "Large sites. Staff bends over backwards (let us borrow a length of water hose when ours was too short by a couple feet). They make you feel like family," says Tim S.
Electric hookup availability: Power options vary across campgrounds. "30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run. No water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot," explains Jason B.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions for larger RVs. "RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," cautions one RVer.
Seasonal rates: Off-peak camping offers significant savings. "Also very reasonable. Office is only open about 9-3 but they allow you to 'just find a spot and check in the next morning'," shares Ron H. about Pine Grove Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Chincoteague Island, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chincoteague Island, VA is Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.
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