Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Onancock provides access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Campers near Onancock face variable seasonal conditions with hot, humid summers where temperatures often exceed 85°F and milder spring and fall seasons. Sites within 30 miles of Onancock offer various camping styles, from beachfront to wooded settings with different water access points.
What to do
**Beach exploration: At Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday, campers can enjoy both beach swimming and fishing from dedicated piers. "There is a beach area to swim but also 2 pools. There are fishing piers and boat rentals," notes Laure D., highlighting the water activity options.
Wildlife watching: Multiple conservation areas within 30-40 miles provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Oceanside Assateague National Seashore Campground, campers regularly encounter the island's famous horses. "Wild horses meandering through daily," reports Danielle, while Tony P. adds, "There is an app you can use to identify the ponies."
Kayaking and canoeing: Calm bay waters create ideal paddling conditions near several campgrounds. "If you have canoe/kayak/SUPB it is a great point to launch off to explore the nature reserve next to camp Cove," explains Tom C. about Tom's Cove Park, noting the advantage of direct water access.
What campers like
Diverse water environments: Campers appreciate access to different water experiences. "What more can you get you have ocean on the right and calm water on the left you can choose what to do," says Jonny D. about Kiptopeke State Park Campground, highlighting how the park's location provides options between bay and beach environments.
Natural camping areas: The primitive setting at Bayside Assateague Campground draws visitors seeking a more natural experience. "The beach was beautiful, and you can camp roughly 100 yards from it. Many campsites available, and you can actually see the horses," explains Daniel P., emphasizing the proximity to both beach and wildlife.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Tom's Cove Park offer numerous activities for families. "They have RVs for rent, cabins for rent, pull throughs and tent spaces. They are on the water and have a beach area as well as pools and very nice bath houses," reports Amy R., noting the range of accommodation options.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Multiple reviewers warn about insects, particularly during summer months. "Bring bug spray, tiki torches, and mosquito fog spray with all the sitting water around the campground," advises Greg S. about Tall Pines. At Assateague, Wendy W. cautions, "The next problem we encountered was the mosquitoes — they were everywhere and in hoards."
Wind conditions: Horse Camping — Assateague Island National Seashore and other beach-adjacent sites experience significant wind that affects camping setups. "Prepare for wind," warns Tori V., adding, "Check the weather a lot because the storms roll in quickly."
Wildlife interactions: Wild horses require proper management and precautions. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," advises Tony P., sharing practical tips for securing food and supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Many campgrounds offer pools as alternatives to beach swimming. At Tom's Cove Park, Amy R. notes, "We plan to make this a traditional yearly trip my son and I had so much fun!" While Barbara W. adds, "the pool was beautiful and there are lots of activities."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife areas provide learning experiences for children. "There is a camp store and small restaurant, as well as bathhouses, located where daytrippers find parking and dune crossing," explains Kelly N. about Oceanside Assateague, highlighting convenient facilities that make family visits more comfortable.
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds organize special events. "Management was very welcoming — the park does themed weekends throughout the entire year," shares Trey C. about Tall Pines Harbor, while Garrett B. adds, "Stayed a few weeks before Halloween and there were plenty of festive activities going on."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should consider exposure and privacy when choosing sites. "WV sites 1-7 have great views and some shade. WV sites 8-20 are more open and close together. The black tank clean out is near site WV15 so avoid that area," advises Laure D. about site selection at Tall Pines.
Access considerations: Some access roads require careful navigation. "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," suggests MickandKarla W., offering practical directions.
Seasonal timing: For horse campgrounds near Onancock, Virginia, timing affects both availability and comfort. "We've been twice so I guess you could say we liked it. No electric and generators are only allowed until a certain time at night," notes Kirsten J., referring to restrictions at Oceanside Assateague that impact RV campers.
