Campgrounds and RV parks near Parksley, VA

The main draw is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, home to the famous wild ponies, the red-and-white Assateague Lighthouse, and beach access on the Virginia end of Assateague Island National Seashore. The refuge has a wildlife loop for driving, walking, or biking, plus short trails and a visitor center with exhibits and pony-viewing tips. On the water, kayaking and paddleboarding through salt marsh is the signature activity. Janes Island has more than 30 miles of marked water trails through a 2,900-acre Chesapeake Bay salt marsh, with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bikes available to rent from the camp store. Crabbing, surf fishing, and boat tours are widely available. In town, the working waterfront of Crisfield and the shops and seafood restaurants of Chincoteague Island round out a rainy-day plan.

Late spring through early fall is peak season on the Eastern Shore. Summer brings warm ocean temperatures, long beach days, and the highest campground occupancy. Weekends and the last week of July, when the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim takes place on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July, book out months in advance across every campground listed. Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for RV travel. Days are mild, humidity is lower, and biting insects are far less aggressive than in midsummer. Fall migration also brings strong birding on the refuge. Insects are part of the natural environment, and visitors should expect and prepare for biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks during the summer season, especially at Janes Island State Park and inside the wildlife refuge; bug spray is essential. Winter is quiet. Some private campgrounds close or reduce services, while the mainland section at Janes Island includes 5 camper cabins open May through October and 4 full-service cabins open year-round. Coastal storms and occasional tropical systems are possible from late summer into fall.

Sites in this region skew toward flat, open, or lightly wooded pads on sandy soil. Full hookups are common at the private resorts; expect pools, camp stores, playgrounds, and organized family activities at properties such as Trails End Campground Resort and Sun Outdoors Chincoteague Bay. Waterfront sites at Tall Pines Harbor Waterfront Campground and Tom's Cove Park face bay or channel water rather than open ocean. Janes Island State Park is more rustic, with heated bathhouses, a boat ramp, a small marina, and a camp store, and paddling, fishing, and quiet as the main attractions. Cell service is generally usable but can be patchy in the marshes. Bring bug spray, sun protection, and gear for both hot humid afternoons and cool coastal nights. Wildlife includes deer, shorebirds, and, near the refuge, occasional wild ponies visible from designated viewing areas.