Several state parks and private campgrounds within 45-60 minutes of Onancock, Virginia offer cabin accommodations ranging from basic to deluxe models. The area's moderate climate allows year-round cabin camping with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 30°F. Most cabins in this coastal region are situated at elevations between sea level and 15 feet, providing access to both Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean environments.
What to do
Water activities: Pocomoke River State Park offers extensive kayaking trails with varying difficulty levels. According to a visitor, "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite. We have also kayaked out of Byrd Park, in Snow Hill. All these kayak trails are wonderful! Plenty to see, no bugs, no mosquitoes..some biting flies if you go into the lily pad areas."
Wildlife viewing: Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island provides easy access to natural areas for observing wild ponies. One camper noted, "Close to Chincoteague and Assateague if you're there to see the wild ponies. The tent sites weren't so much as individual sites so much as you just set up somewhere in the huge grass field." The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring these iconic barrier islands.
Fishing opportunities: Janes Island State Park Campground features well-marked water trails and abundant fishing spots. A reviewer mentions, "The park has well-marked kayaking trails. Normally you can rent kayaks from the park, but since they were closed, we used Kayak Crisfield. Kayak Crisfield met us at the marina with all the paperwork and made it an easy alternative." Another camper added, "On the Bay, a few electric sites. Clean restrooms. Nice dock for boats and great kayak trails."
What campers like
Privacy and natural setting: Pocomoke River State Park Campground cabins provide seclusion without sacrificing comfort. A visitor explained, "The twin bunk beds were extremely comfortable and felt rather large with two of us sleeping in them. The cabin stayed warm and exceeded expectations. The hikes were a nice little nature stroll with well maintained trails and was very clean!"
Multi-generational appeal: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers activities for all ages with cabin options. One reviewer stated, "This campground is well run and kept clean. The beaches are beautiful. The pools are fun for all ages and clean. The staff are all very helpful." Another camper mentioned, "My boys love the jump pads, pools and paddle boats. As a family we enjoy the fishing piers, new beach and cafe."
Waterfront cabin locations: Kiptopeke State Park Campground features cabins with scenic views. According to a visitor, "Beautiful campground. The hike trails are nice, wide and easy. Will definitely try to return. Only draw back is no water or sewer hook ups, but dump and water station is clean and close." Another camper noted, "Nice easy back-in sites, full hookups in good working order, and friendly hosts. Great walking trails, boardwalks, and beach access."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer insect activity requires preparation at most locations. A Janes Island State Park visitor warned, "Unfortunately the bugs were so bad, it was nearly impossible to enjoy. No-see-ums bite all day long, bug spray helps with these. 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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. At Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday, a camper reported, "The bath house is not close to the water view or water front sites." Conversely, at Pocomoke River State Park, a visitor noted, "Clean Bathrooms in each loop with nice showers and plenty of hot water. Handicap accessible in showers, bathrooms, cabins, walkways, parking."
Cabin variations: Amenities differ substantially between parks and cabin types. At Thousand Trails Virginia Landing, a guest shared, "We rented a cabin here for a couple of days. This place is quiet and beautiful. Has so much to see and do. There is mini golf, volley ball, fishing, and a playground for the kids." However, another camper cautioned, "This place is absolutely beautiful and must have been amazing in its prime. No updates are being made and most everything was shut down."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer superior playground facilities. A Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island visitor mentioned, "This campground is super clean, has nice sized sites, everyone is friendly and helpful. It's our favorite campground." Another noted, "There are lots for the kids to do, jump pillow, playground, camp activities, pool and there is a water park for an additional fee."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with controlled entry provide peace of mind. At Chincoteague Bay Trails End Campground Resort, a camper observed, "Gated campground. This is more for seasonal and year round campers. People are very nice." Another visitor added, "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."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance family experiences. At Pocomoke River State Park, a visitor shared, "The park has programs and we painted a picture of Chuck the Owl (he was our model) which was fun." Another camper noted, "When not blocked by pandemic proposals, the nature center is a hub of educational activity and some great ranger programs."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room between cabins and RVs. At Janes Island State Park, a camper explained, "Not many pet sites, nice pool, new bath houses, descent animal resource center." Another visitor noted, "The sites are vary in size but are a bit tight, especially since they ask you to keep everything on the gravel area. We have a fairly large tent and, combined with the van, it would have been a tight fit to get another tent or car into the site."
Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons improves experience at popular locations. At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, an RVer shared, "Arrive early to choose shady spots." Another noted, "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay!"
