3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Horse Camping — Assateague Island National Seashore accommodates tent and RV campers with horses at its dedicated equestrian campsites. Located near Bloxom, Virginia, these horse campsites provide drinking water, toilets, trash disposal, and sanitary dump stations, though no dedicated horse corrals are available. Campfires are not permitted at the horse camping area, which differs from other camping sections within the seashore. Reservations are not available for the equestrian sites, and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites are specifically designed for visitors bringing their own horses to explore the island's natural areas.
The equestrian trails connect directly to the horse camping area, providing immediate access to miles of beach and inland riding opportunities. Riders can explore the island's diverse ecosystem, including marshlands, maritime forests, and beaches where the famous wild ponies roam. Horse owners must bring their own feed and water buckets, as natural forage is protected. Trailer parking is available directly at the campsites, simplifying the logistics of horse camping. The campground maintains strict guidelines regarding interaction with the wild horse herds to ensure both domestic and wild equines remain safe. Most riders report the terrain is manageable for horses of varying experience levels, with primarily flat sandy trails and beach routes. Seasonal considerations include increased mosquito activity during summer months and potential flooding during storm seasons.
"The seasonal weekenders had gone home, and we preferred the larger, more private area behind the site to walk our dogs."
"We stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see."
from $35 - $159 / night
"People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."
"Close to the Marina, Downtown, The Blvd and the Beach. Staff are helpful but also gives you space to live."
from $4200 / night
"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."
"Sites were not too close to one another. We had site 13 on ocean loop 1. Just a few steps, and you’re on the beach. Nice picnic table and fire pit."
Available next weekend
from $40 - $80 / night
"Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access."
"As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look!"
"Some sites are on the beach, and you can position your tent to be on the dune looking at the water- some are inland a bit more but still a very short walk to the beach."
from $40 / night
"The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24."
"It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $53 / night
"Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."
"Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there"
Available next weekend
from $32 - $413 / night
"Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season. Roosters here"
"Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
"Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"
TravelerGreat spot, sometimes difficult to reserve but so many spots right on the sand. There are walking trails on the bay side and great road for biking. The ponies can be aggressive and you must lock up your food in the provided areas. Great views of the stars.
ScoutThis campground was very enjoyable. I spent a lot of time at the fishing pier, learning to ID birds I had never identified before. Brown pelicans were everywhere near the sunken ships. I also talked to the Hawkwatch people for a bit.
My campsite was far enough from the bathroom I couldn't hear the door slam, but since I was the only one in the F loop, that wouldn't have mattered. Since the loop was so empty, it was an absolute pleasure.
Had the campground been full, I would have felt too close to the people in tents in the sites next to me.
One great thing was that there weren't tent pads so we didn't have to worry about how to fit two tents on to one tent pad.
ScoutWe have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
LegendWe stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see. This is a really beautiful area of the Delmarva Peninsula and just minutes away from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuges and Assateague Island NS.
This campground is huge with a great selection of standard and premium RV sites that provide full hookups and spacious gravel or paved pads. Some have water views and some are back-in sites with the water directly behind them. Our site was a buddy site which worked great for our stay with our friends. It was long enough so we didn’t have to unhitch our tow car but still had enough room to maneuver into and out of the site and could reach our hook-ups. The site was perfectly level (in fact, all sites in the park are level as this is a very flat area) and the area where we parked the RV was paved and the rest of the driveway was gravel. The patio had pavers and our fire pit was raised with bricks around it. The utilities were well-placed and the 50-amp was strong and the water pressure good. Our site was in the open which we loved because it was cool when we visited so we relished the sunshine. There are plenty of other sites located under tall pines (which we really don’t like because of all the sap that gets on our coach and car). Many of the sites are rented as seasonal sites but there are plenty left for transient campers. The list of amenities is a mile long and covers the typical ones you would find at a “resort.” Some of the best ones are the zero-entry pool (which was closed while we were there) and splash park and the private beach. The sandy beach would be a nice place to bring a chair and hang out admiring the view of the bay. Most of the amenities (like the pool, recreation hall, café, and bounce pillow) are centrally located so keep that in mind when you are booking your campsite as you may, or may not, want to be in that area. The restrooms were clean and newer (keep in mind we were there very early in the season when the campground was practically empty). The laundry facilities were clean and there were plenty of machines (all but one didn’t work) and were reasonably priced. We really liked the access to water that this park provides Pocomoke Sound and the tidal pond. It’s a great place to relax in a chair, swim, or put in a kayak.
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!
GuideI stayed in campsite C21! It was clean, quiet, and spacious! The bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot! So much to do from hiking to beaching to fishing! Dog friendly too!
GuideRight 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
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
Equestrian camping destinations near Bloxom, Virginia allow visitors to explore diverse coastal ecosystems with their horses. Located on the Delmarva Peninsula, this area sits at a modest elevation, with most land under 50 feet above sea level and featuring sandy soil ideal for equestrian trails. The region experiences warm summers with average temperatures in the 80s and moderate winters, creating a long riding season from March through November.
Beach riding access: Horse camping at Assateague Island National Seashore connects directly to shoreline riding routes. "We stayed on the Bayside of the campground. Our site was close to the bathhouse, which was modest with cold water and vault toilets. Fresh water pump was nearby, as well," notes Wendy W. from her equestrian camping experience.
Kayak with horses in view: Launch from waterfront sites to observe wild horses from a different perspective. At Tom's Cove Park, one visitor shared: "If you have canoe/kayak/SUPB it is a great point to launch off to explore the nature reserve next to camp Cove. Lots of wild horses to see. Remember to bring bug spray!!!"
Trail exploration: Multiple interconnected trail systems allow for varied riding experiences through marshlands and maritime forests. "The site was pretty level and had a paved area. Easy to back into. Not much as far as privacy and the bathrooms are pretty basic," notes a reviewer about nearby camping facilities with trail access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The proximity to wild horse herds creates unique observation chances. At Bayside Assateague Campground, a camper mentions: "Horses will roam right into campsite," providing an up-close wildlife experience not common at standard campgrounds.
Beachfront camping sites: Direct access to beaches from equestrian-friendly campgrounds. "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. about his experience camping near the shore with equestrian facilities.
Seasonal benefits: Visiting during shoulder seasons offers fewer bugs and crowds. "We chose to stay in October with less people and less bugs. Hiking and bays nearby to kayak or canoe at. Beautiful place to stay," recommends Jodi J. who enjoyed the off-peak benefits of the area's horse-friendly camping.
Bug preparation essential: Biting insects can be intense, particularly during summer months. At Oceanside Assateague Campground, a camper warns: "Love this place but be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter," highlighting the need for proper insect protection at equestrian sites.
Horse interaction guidelines: Wild horse management policies must be strictly followed. "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 a camper describing the importance of proper food storage.
Limited facilities: Many equestrian camping areas have basic amenities only. "Bathhouses were not particularly sanitary. Sea gulls like to start screaming at 6 am. Lack of campsite privacy. Loud neighbors," notes one camper about the trade-offs when staying at horse-accessible campgrounds.
Wildlife education opportunities: Create horse identification activities for children. At Frontier Town RV Resort, a visitor shares: "This campground is the best campground I've seen for kids. They have a water park that is included in your stay. The activities are great and your only minutes away from ocean city or Assateague State Park. Where the ponies run wild."
Beach alternatives: Balance horse observation with swimming options. "They have a wonderful pool and are a short distance from chincoteague beach! Great place to stay with family! Sites are big we fit two large tents on one site," recommends Amanda S. about family-friendly accommodations near equestrian areas.
Scheduling considerations: Plan activities around heat and bug conditions. "We enjoyed our stay very quiet and easy to find. It was nice being on the water two," notes a camper who found the waterfront locations helpful for keeping children comfortable during summer camping trips.
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose pull-through sites when available with your horse trailer. At Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday, an RVer advises: "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 pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced."
Utility considerations: Verify water and electric availability for horse care needs. "Our RV Garmin GPS and Waze brought us in on the back roads at Accomac versus keeping us on US-13. If the Temperanceville address doesn't work, replace Temperanceville with Sanford, VA, per their website," shares an experienced RVer about navigating to horse-friendly camping areas.
Weather preparations: Eastern Shore locations can experience sudden storms and wind. "The site was an easy back-in with the utilities nicely placed. Tall Pines is a large campground with a lot of nice amenities," notes an RVer who appreciated the well-designed sites that accommodated their rig during changing weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bloxom, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bloxom, VA is Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday with a 4.4-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bloxom, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Bloxom, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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