Camping cabins near Chincoteague, Virginia offer easy access to both coastal and woodland environments across Virginia and Maryland's Eastern Shore. The region sits at sea level with tidal marshlands and sandy beaches creating a distinctive ecosystem where mosquitoes and biting flies become particularly active during summer months. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting some low-lying campgrounds after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking the marked trails: Janes Island State Park Campground features well-marked water trails through marshlands and channels. "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite. All these kayak trails are wonderful! Plenty to see, no bugs, no mosquitoes..some biting flies if you go into the lily pad areas," reports one camper at Pocomoke River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing at refuges: The campgrounds provide convenient access to observe wildlife at nearby refuges. "We came here specifically to experience the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island VA National Seashore and the parks did not disappoint. We biked and hiked the parks but you can easily enjoy a lot of the sites via car," notes a visitor at Chincoteague Island KOA.
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: Many cabins offer direct water access for fishing. "There is a fish cleaning station w/ hook & all, for any who want to fish in the park lake," mentions a camper at Janes Island State Park, while another visitor tried "crabbing with no luck and only caught one catfish" at Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Bathhouses receive consistently high marks at several campgrounds. "The bathrooms were nicer than my bath at home and sparkling clean. Staff was amazingly pleasant and helpful," writes one visitor to Janes Island State Park Campground.
Waterfront cabin options: Several parks offer cabins with water views. "We stayed in cabin 33 - which faces the river. It was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Cabins have electric, heat, beds, and some have AC," notes a visitor to Milburn Landing Campground.
Multiple swimming options: Beyond ocean beaches, campgrounds offer various swimming amenities. "The original pool from when this was Tall Pines Harbor is a traditional rectangle. The new one is larger and also has a large splash pad," explains a camper who stayed at Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday.
What you should know
Seasonal bug intensity: Insects vary dramatically by season in this coastal region. "Deer flies bite from the morning sun until it's dark and they are the worst at dusk. Fire smoke doesn't keep them away and Bug spray does not help keep these flies from biting. If you go before June or after September, you're more likely to have a good time," advises a camper at Janes Island State Park Campground.
Site drainage issues: Low-lying areas can become problematic after rain. At Island Resort Campground, one visitor noted, "The pop up sites are nice, shaded and secluded but it's kind of swampy so there were bugs and there was no view of the lake."
Campground regulations: Rules vary between locations. A visitor to Chincoteague Bay Trails End Campground Resort explains, "Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access. There are bath houses, laundromat, country store, restaurant, meeting building with free wifi, pool park, boat ramp, and 2 docks, electric hook up (contact ANEC) water hook up. Sewer dump stations and no trash or trash pick up."
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety for children: Campgrounds offer different amenities for kids. "Lots to do including pools, water park, lots of trails to hike or bike," reports a visitor at Chincoteague Island KOA, while another camper at Sun Outdoors Frontier Town says, "This campground is the best campground I've seen for kids. They have a water park that is included in your stay."
Consider site location: When booking with children, some sites may be more convenient. At Island Resort Campground, a visitor recommends, "We have stayed in the cabins and it was really nice. Also, brought our pop up. The pop up sites are nice, shaded and secluded."
Rental options: Equipment rentals expand recreation possibilities. A camper at Pocomoke River State Park Campground shares, "Kayak and canoe rentals during season and handicap accessible for kayakers with special needs."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At Milburn Landing Campground, one visitor cautions, "The roads around campground are narrow with large trees lining the road. A big rig would have difficulty parking if not on a specific site. Most sites are gravel pad with electric. Would strongly suggest only tents, pop ups and travel trailers under 30'."
Utility hookup variations: Available connections differ between campgrounds and specific sites. "We had requested site 50, back-in with FHUs but were told since the park was fairly empty, we could take a golf cart and go choose a site," shares a visitor to Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday who appreciated this flexibility.
Seasonal availability: Some parks have limited operating seasons. At Chincoteague Island KOA, a review notes the campground runs from "May 1 to Oct 31," while other campgrounds in the area may offer year-round accommodation options.
