Camping near Chincoteague Island, Virginia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With stunning beaches, wild ponies, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families and nature lovers alike.
What to do:
- Explore Assateague Island National Seashore: This area is famous for its wild horses. One visitor mentioned, "The wild horses are amazing, but please heed the warnings about how brazen they can be if you leave food out. They WILL raid your site."
- Canoeing and kayaking: The canoe trails at Janes Island State Park Campground are beautiful. A camper shared, "The Canoe trails are absolutely beautiful and the horizon seems to go on endlessly."
- Fishing and crabbing: Many campgrounds, like Tom's Cove Park, offer great fishing spots. One reviewer noted, "Great location on the water with a free marina for campers as well as good fishing, crabbing, and water fun."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Pocomoke River State Park Campground said, "It had some of the cleanest bathrooms for a State Park."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide generous spacing between sites. One camper remarked, "The sites were spaced out. Close to the ocean."
- Wildlife encounters: Campers love seeing the local wildlife. A review from Bayside Assateague Campground mentioned, "Horses came by to visit 1-2 times a day."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Oceanside Assateague Campground warned, "If it’s dead calm, you’re going to deal with mosquitoes and flies."
- No electric hookups at some sites: If you need power, check your campground options. A visitor at Bayside Assateague Campground noted, "The electric sites are very hard to book and need to be booked a year in advance."
- Reservations are essential: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Assateague State Park Campground advised, "To make a reservation, you will need to start going in when they let sites loose."
Tips for camping with families:
- Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like pools and playgrounds. A family at Sun Outdoors Frontier Town said, "There is a lot to do; the water park is good and the lazy river is nice and big."
- Pack bug spray: Protect your family from pesky insects. A camper at Oceanside Assateague Campground reminded others, "Bring your bug spray…otherwise a magical experience!"
- Bring your own camp toilet: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A visitor at Bayside Assateague Campground mentioned, "I never used the bathhouses (bring my own camp toilet and camp shower bag)."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Castaways RV Resort Campground noted, "These sites are small and we paid $250 for a weekend."
- Use a golf cart for convenience: Renting a golf cart can make getting around easier. A family at Sun Outdoors Ocean City suggested, "I suggest renting a golf cart to unlock the full potential of the grounds."
- Be prepared for noise during busy seasons: Some campgrounds can get lively. A visitor at Sun Outdoors Frontier Town mentioned, "It was bike week so the campground was a bit more lively than we anticipated."
Camping near Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, see wildlife, and create lasting memories with family and friends.