Most RV campgrounds near Chincoteague Island operate from April through October, with a few offering extended seasons into November. The Eastern Shore location experiences mild spring and fall temperatures with humid summers, when daily highs reach 85-90°F. Many campgrounds sit on or near waterfront areas, with bay and marsh views rather than direct ocean access.
What to do
Kayaking on protected waters: Paddle around the marshes and protected waters near Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday, where "beautiful campground with all the amenities you can ask for" offers water access options. "We tried crabbing with no luck and only caught one catfish," noted one visitor who appreciated the fishing opportunities despite limited success.
Visit historic sites: Explore local history beyond the beaches. "Visit the Saxis Island Museum which was very interesting. If it's closed you can call a number listed on the door and someone may come open it for you," recommends a camper who stayed at Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday.
Family water activities: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway offers "free mini golf, free pool and waterside, free canoeing, and free billiards." Another reviewer added, "There are pedal boats and canoes that you can take out on the lake, which you can also fish in."
Crabbing: Catch your own dinner at Sun Outdoors Ocean City, where one camper reported, "Great beach and tiki bar. Pools for the family and very pet friendly... Our dog, Daisy, loved the beach and the dog park and socialization w her pooch friends."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate sites with water views. At Thousand Trails Virginia Landing, "We missed the shade a lot, but the evening breeze off the bay made up for it. The sunset over the old pier is breathtaking."
Wildlife interactions: Camping at Bayside Assateague Campground offers unique wildlife encounters. "A deer hung out by the campfire at night, and in the morning there were horse tracks all over the sight," wrote one camper. Another noted they "chose to stay in October with less people and less bugs."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention cleanliness as a priority. "Very clean bathrooms. Roomy sites. The people that work here are really friendly and helpful," noted a visitor to Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway.
Free shuttle services: Transportation to beaches and attractions adds value. "They have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to Assateague island, Frontier town, and Ocean city," mentioned one camper who stayed at Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway.
What you should know
Mosquitoes can be intense: Be prepared for insects, especially during summer months. "Not related to the campground, but mosquitos in this area are absolutely ridiculous. Make sure you are covered in repellant before you arrive because otherwise, as soon as you open car doors, you are COVERED in mosquitos," warns a camper who visited Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island.
Some RV parks are seasonal only: Most RV campgrounds near Chincoteague Island close during winter months. Virginia Landing operates "April 1 to October 30," while Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway runs "Mar 15 - Oct 31."
Distance to stores: Many campgrounds are remote. At Virginia Landing, one camper advises: "It is very isolated, make sure you have everything you need, it's a 30 minute drive to the Walmart."
Flooding concerns: Heavy rain can affect some campgrounds. A Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island camper noted that "a mild rainstorm during the night caused the septic system to overflow, inundating many of the campsites with black water."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific amenities: Families appreciate campgrounds with dedicated children's activities. "This campground has great sites that are right on the ocean with wildlife all around!" notes a visitor to Bayside Assateague Campground, highlighting how natural features can entertain kids.
Consider activity proximity: Choose sites near playgrounds if traveling with children. At Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway, "Each tent site is far enough away from the other that you feel spread out and private." Another visitor recommends: "Highly recommend our site to anyone with littles as you can literally relax at your site while your child plays at the playground!"
Plan for bugs: Protect children from insects with proper preparation. "We left a day later covered in bumps, most from throughout the night," reported a Bayside Assateague camper about mosquitoes. "Let's also not forget the 'stickers' — little burr-like plant pods that are all on the ground and stuck to anything and everything, especially skin."
Schedule around peak times: For families wanting more space and fewer crowds, timing matters. "We chose to stay in October with less people and less bugs," advised an experienced Bayside Assateague camper.
Tips from RVers
Check road access: Large rigs should plan routes carefully. One RVer at Sun Outdoors Ocean City noted, "Our RV Garmin GPS and Waze brought us in on the back roads at Accomac versus keeping us on US-13. US-13 to Saxis Rd/695 is a much easier and direct route to the CG."
Water view sites fill quickly: Reserve waterfront spots early, especially for summer months. At Virginia Landing, "We stayed in water view site 10. WV sites 1-7 have great views and some shade. WV sites 8-20 are more open and close together."
Pay attention to utilities: Not all services are available at every site. "The black tank clean out is near site WV15 so avoid that area. They pump it out daily," advises a Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday camper.
Consider golf cart rentals: Many larger RV campgrounds near Chincoteague Island offer golf carts. "You can rent a golf cart and you might need it to get from the WV sites to the pool. Not real far but with stuff to carry it's nice to have," suggests a Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday visitor.
