Campgrounds near Nassawadox occupy the Eastern Shore peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with most sites positioned at elevations less than 50 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters with average lows around 35°F and humid summers that regularly reach 85-90°F. Summer camping typically requires additional cooling solutions as bay breezes don't always penetrate inland camping areas.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Access to multiple beaches for swimming and relaxation at Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. "The beaches are beautiful. The pools are fun for all ages and clean," reports Julin S. Most waterfront campsites offer both bay and pool swimming options with varying beach textures.
Fishing and crabbing: Popular with all ages at local piers and shorelines. "Great place to camp, it has everything you could ask for... located in the Chesapeake Bay," notes Kathie M. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many campers bring crab traps or rent equipment on-site to catch blue crabs directly from piers.
Kayaking and paddling: Explore marsh waterways through marked water trails. At Janes Island State Park Campground, "The water trails have a big variety from large channels to narrow marsh routes and bird watching is excellent," according to Sean F. Most water trails are calm enough for beginners but offer enough variety for experienced paddlers.
What campers like
Private beaches: Less crowded than public beaches at Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. "The park is wide-open, which provided plenty of space for kids to roam and explore. Virginia Landing is located right on the shore and we felt perfectly comfortable allowing the kids to freely run around," writes Jason G. These beaches offer more seclusion than commercial beaches during peak season.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses across multiple campgrounds. "The bathhouses and laundry were in amazing shape. A large camp store that has all the essentials," John M. says about Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities even during busy summer weekends.
Sunset views: Spectacular bay views from waterfront sites. "Gorgeous scenery! Only negative here is that some of the facilities (bath houses and such) are hurting and need updating," reports Carrie A. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many campgrounds position fire rings and seating areas to maximize sunset viewing opportunities over the Chesapeake.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Essential during summer months. "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it," advises Kat H. about Wisteria Beach Hideaway. Biting flies and mosquitoes peak from June through August, especially in marshy areas.
Site differences: Waterfront vs. wooded options vary widely in size and privacy. "Sites are a bit tight, but we assumed as much. The bathhouse was superb!" notes Michelle W. about Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. Waterfront sites typically offer less shade and privacy than wooded sites set further back.
Grocery planning: Limited shopping options in immediate area. "Take your groceries bc the grocery stores aren't great," suggests Anne F. about Cross Rip Camp. Most campers recommend shopping before arrival as the closest full-service grocery stores may be 15-30 minutes from campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple swimming options: Pools and beaches provide alternatives for different ages. "Cherrystone is a super fun campground for the kids. It has multiple pools, plus swimming access in the Bay, mini golf, jumping pillow, and more," shares Christen C. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Families often rotate between pool and beach swimming depending on daily conditions.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific youth activities. "My boys love the jump pads, pools and paddle boats. As a family we enjoy the fishing piers, new beach and cafe," says Beth F. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Nassawadox offer family-centered programming during summer months.
Safety considerations: Check for water depth variations at beaches and swimming areas. "The campground provides opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities that kept our kids entertained throughout our three night stay," notes Jason G. about Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. Most beaches have gradual entries but some areas drop off quickly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider size and shade carefully when booking. "We were in site 317 with full hookups. We missed the shade a lot, but the evening breeze off the bay made up for it," mentions Angelica K. about Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. Many pet-friendly RV parks near Nassawadox have limited shade for larger rigs.
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service vary between campgrounds. "The campground had a spacious layout that allowed for easy RV maneuvering. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a camper just starting out, you'll appreciate the space," reports Jason G. Most campgrounds offer 30/50 amp service but water pressure can fluctuate during peak usage times.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers more space but limited services. "We use to camp here every summer! Brought my kiddos here, it's the same as I remembered! Older campground, lots of sites," writes Ashley I. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many RV campgrounds reduce services after October, with some closing completely from November through March.