Best Campgrounds near Chincoteague Island, VA

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. Several campgrounds 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Chincoteague Island, Virginia (45)

    1. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    55 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-3030

    $40 - $80 / night

    "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."

    2. Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island

    32 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 336-3111

    "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."

    3. Tom's Cove Park

    20 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 336-6498

    $4200 / night

    "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."

    4. Shad Landing Campground

    28 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 632-2566

    $23 - $29 / night

    "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."

    5. Pocomoke River State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    14 miles
    Website

    $19 - $71 / night

    "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"

    6. Assateague State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-2120

    $28 - $39 / night

    "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"

    7. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    39 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-1441

    $40 / night

    "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."

    8. Pine Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (757) 336-5200

    $45 - $70 / night

    "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."

    9. Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Bloxom, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    $35 - $159 / night

    "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."

    10. Chincoteague Bay Trails End Campground Resort

    3 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 824-3428

    "Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access."

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Recent Reviews near Chincoteague Island, VA

523 Reviews of 45 Chincoteague Island Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Ocean City

    Beautifully kept, with dirty Bathrooms

    This place was very nice. Best beer selection I’ve seen at a campground. Nice little beach! Nice pool, tiki bar and great deli. One issue. The bathrooms were very dirty and not cleaned the 3 days I was there. Same soap pieces in the shower all 3 days. Same gunk stains on urinals.

  • B
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Strawberry Crossroads

    A work in progress.

    We had a nice time & plan on returning.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Strawberry Crossroads

    Good potential!

    Private.startup on a nice piece of land very close to Assateague. A little Rustic with some small cabins. RV sites are very large and located along a treeline. 30 amp power works fine but odd numbered sites have the outlet on the wrong side of the trailer. Power is for two sites. Economical but limits how you can park to how long your cord is. Very clean facilities. I think it’ll keep getting better every year.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday

    Long and nicely spaced sites

    We stayed at site 411 for five nights. 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. The water at 411 drained after three days. The pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced. It's unnecessary, but rent a golf cart to get around the huge campground; it's great for going from your site to the pool, arcade, beach, or fishing pier. We tried crabbing with no luck and only caught one catfish. The staff was super helpful and friendly during all of our interactions.

    Bring bug spray, tiki torches, and mosquito fog spray with all the sitting water around the campground.

  • Shanna S.
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Pocomoke River State Park Campground

    We will be back! Again!

    We’ve camped here twice and have had great experiences!

    The sites are spacious, the bathhouses are clean, and we really enjoy the river view.

    T-Mobile service is good here.

  • Saymith B.
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Bethany Beach Training Site

    Great place for military families

    We've stayed here on multiple occasions. The trailers are great and equipped with everything you need. Ours had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. Another time, we brought our own RV. Great water pressure and electric hookup. They have additional showers available in a separate building. Very clean with hot water. There's a small playground and a walking/running track. There's a pond you can use a canoe. They rent them in the office. The laundry facilities are amazing! I love to go here and return home without tons of stuff to wash (and it's free!). The facilities are very safe. The gate is operated 24/7 by a security guard. I feel very safe here with my kids even when they're playing on the road since the speed limit is 15 mph (I think). The staff here is always very friendly and helpful. There is nothing to buy once you're here and if you have something delivered they will have to meet you at the gate.

    The beach and the shops are about 2-5 minute drive max. Beware, finding a parking spot at the beach is tough and not the cheapest.

    It is a great town and we love it. I am grateful we have this available to us since we don't have many weekends together!

  • Joe R.
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    Windy!

    We got a site to stay on our way through to OBX. We booked and arrived after hours, which wasn’t an issue as they were like 3% occupied. Sites were pretty level (within 2 inches) and had centrally located bathhouse. We were at the north campground. The winds were nuts and over 50mph. We switched sites to spare our slide side, so caution to look at windy before going. The views of the bridge were amazing. The noise of the coast guard waking up is alarming, but neat. It was trumpets and sounded like a horse race at 7am!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 16, 2025

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    So much to do!

    General: 129 sites with water and electricity, eight tent sites, one island site, two yurts, and eight cabins. 

    Site Quality: All are level and sand/grass. There are many trees and reasonable separation between sites (although you can easily see your neighbors). A large picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Our site had a water view and was peaceful. 

    Bath/Shower house: Bathhouses are located in the A and C loops plus additional ones by the tent camping area. All seemed to be reasonably clean and were cleaned on a rolling basis, starting at 10 am for the A loop. The shower had immediate hot water, but you only get about 30 seconds of water before you have to push the button again. A little clunky but a good way to save water. 

    Activities/Amenities: So much to do! Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season). 45-minute Pontoon boat tours are available on weekends Memorial Day– Labor Day. There are several boat docks if you bring your own boat. There is a small camper store/office that closed shortly after our arrival. There is a single washer/dryer in Loop C. I was mystified that you could only use liquid detergent (I use laundry sheets). Because there is only one for the entire campground, I wouldn’t count on doing laundry. If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I’d never heard of– Gaga ball). There is an additional playground in the day-use area, plus a volleyball net. There is also a nature center. Recycling and dumpsters between Loops A and B and another between Loops C and D. 

    We camped here several years ago but in the off-season, and wanted to kayak among the bald cypress trees (I highly recommend this). Glad we came back!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island

    Great

    Close to Chincoteague and Assateague if you're there to see the wild ponies. The tent sites weren't so much as individual sites so much as you just set up somewhere in the huge grass field. Close to a lighthouse and I believe it made a sound occasionally but I camped here a few years ago now so I can remember. Realized I missed reviewing this place when I went on this road trip for some reason and wanted to add my review.


Guide to Chincoteague Island

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.