Most campgrounds on Virginia's Eastern Shore operate from April through November, with only Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay remaining open year-round. Tent camping areas on this peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay offer distinct experiences from the RV-focused facilities. Most sites near Onancock sit at elevations under 10 feet above sea level, making drainage a consideration after heavy rains.
What to do
Crabbing from fishing piers: Several rv parks near Onancock, Virginia provide direct water access for catching blue crabs. At Tom's Cove Park, campers can crab directly from the campground pier. One visitor noted, "We loved being able to walk right over to the pier early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise."
Paddle to secluded beaches: The protected waterways surrounding campgrounds create ideal conditions for kayaking. A reviewer at Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday mentioned, "There are fishing piers and boat rentals. They also have vacation rentals if you don't have your own."
Visit historic Saxis Island Museum: This small museum provides context about the region's maritime history. "Visit the Saxis Island Museum which was very interesting. If it's closed you can call a number listed on the door and someone may come open it for you," advised a Tall Pines camper.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Camping sites with direct water access rank among the most requested. At Virginia Landing RV Campground, a camper reported, "The sunset over the old pier is breathtaking. I hope they rebuild the pier. My kids loved catching tiny crabs in the mud every night."
Open camping areas: The expansive layouts at certain campgrounds provide space for outdoor activities. "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," observed one family.
Seasonal quiet: Weekday camping, particularly outside holiday periods, offers a significantly different experience. A visitor at New Point RV Resort observed, "This is a nice relaxing campground. Seasonal. Very quiet at night and activities on weekends."
What you should know
Isolated locations: Most campgrounds near Onancock require advance shopping for supplies. "It is very isolated, make sure you have everything you need, it's a 30 minute drive to the Walmart," warned a reviewer at Virginia Landing RV Campground.
Variable internet connectivity: Cell service and Wi-Fi availability fluctuate dramatically between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, a camper reported, "Very poor to non existent Wi-Fi and cell service (both T-Mobile and Verizon)."
Drainage issues: Heavy rains can affect some campgrounds in this low-lying region. "The middle ones were swampy with almost no space outside with sitting water on sites. The water at 411 drained after three days," noted one camper about certain sites at Tall Pines.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of play equipment. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, a visitor noted, "The playgrounds are large and fun for the younger kids. With all paved streets the campground is perfect for bike riding."
Pool facilities: Water features differ significantly between locations. "The pool is incredible for all ages," mentioned one Bethpage Camp-Resort visitor, while another elaborated, "Pool complex is great, playgrounds are a hit with our son."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy the natural setting. "Walked to the water with the kids to check out the millions of fiddler crabs and a few blue crabs and a hermit crab," shared a camper at Virginia Landing, highlighting an activity that requires no additional equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Level sites with proper drainage remain crucial in this low-lying area. At Tall Pines, a reviewer explained, "The pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced. It's unnecessary, but rent a golf cart to get around the huge campground."
Seasonal availability: Most RV parks Onancock, Virginia are open April through November. A camper at Grey's Point reported, "We stayed here Sept 2020 during tropical storm and covid. Was a great safe location in port of storm, the sites mostly drained well."
RV site amenities: Campgrounds offer varying hookup configurations. "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," noted a Virginia Landing visitor.
