I do not camp.
Not in the traditional sense.
In the hey-girl-we-have-a-sweet-cabin-that-will-give-you-all-of-the-luxuries-of-home sense, sure.
But never in the traditional sense.
I’m just not an outdoorsy type girl.
And, it’s not for lack of effort.
My parents used to drag me take me camping constantly as a kid and I learned pretty quickly that there were things that I was suited for (visits to spas and luxury resorts) and things I wasn’t (being outside with the bugs, without access to an air conditioned space).
I just don’t like sleeping outside, or even really being awake outside. I don’t like bathing in a communal space, I don’t like being hot and sweaty and dirty. I don’t enjoy wildlife unless it is behind a fence or a glass window. I never enter wild water unless I can clearly see my feet when I look down. I don’t like bugs or snakes or amphibians of any genus. I don’t like odd nature smells or loud nature sounds. And, on top of everything, I have a severe allergic reaction to mosquito venom (or whatever you call it) and they suck down my blood like free crack in a trap house.
What it boils down to is that I am more of a pee-in-peace-central-air-and-real-mattresses type of gal and I have zero shame about it.
People try to shame those of us who don’t enjoy spending time in nature into spending time in nature, but I’m not doing this for them.
I do it for The Dudes who have yet to develop a healthy and entirely sensible aversion to the great outdoors.
They love most of the things I just listed as total campsite turnoffs so we compromise.
That’s why when the Chincoteague Island KOA reached out and invited us down for a family adventure, I had one question: will there be cabins?!
Yes!
There were cabins!
Which meant the Chincoteague Island KOA was exactly my idea of the best of both worlds.
I could enjoy the modern conveniences and necessities of indoor living and my kids could run wild, and free, campground style.
I armed myself with copious amounts of bug spray, packed my shower pouf (because YES! We had a shower!), loaded up on the comfort foods, and set off for a three day adventure to Chincoteague Island KOA with Mimi and Papa in tow (to show them exactly how “camping” should be done).
It was epic!
Seriously, one of the most fun vacations we’ve had outside of Disney in a very long time.
I know you’d love it too.
15 Reasons You Must Take Your Family Beach Camping at Chincoteague Island KOA
Two words: bounce pillow.
I’m not even sure that’s what this thing is called, but whatever you call it, it means fun. Serious, next level fun. The Dudes could’ve stayed on it for hours.
They have cabins.
And the cabins have beds and TVs and bathrooms and AC. They are clean and roomy and the enclosed patio that protects you from the flying creatures of evil (more commonly known as mosquitos) is amazing.
They also have RV hookups and primitive sites.
If you’re about that life.
You can rent a golf cart.
And motor around the campground on it.
You can also rent a pedal cart or a bicycle.
Dude 2 rented his bicycle with his own money and had SO much fun riding around the campgrounds.
You can fish in the pond.
It is right on site –a mere 5 minute walk from the furthest campground. But it’s better to head to the sea or the bay to fish, or to charter a boat for a few hours.
They have a pool.
And a playground.
They have a daily activities schedule.
It includes super fun things like movie night and organized games for the kids. And they often have bigger, fun events (like 80s parties with a photobooth and a DJ).
They have a general store on property too.
It sells pretty much everything you might have forgotten but realize you need after you get there.
It is super close to the beach.
About 3 miles down the road and you are there.
And within reasonable walking distance to some seriously tasty food trucks.
In fact, there is even one right on property where you can snag some delicious eats when you don’t feel like firing up the grill. We enjoyed Bettye’s Big Bad Burgers and the homecooked donuts at Sandy Pony’s.
The bathrooms are super clean.
Should you find yourself without a cabin or an RV to clean up in, the camp restrooms are clean and comfy. With a pair of shower shoes I probably could’ve even survived myself.
You can ride their trolley around town for a tour.
It is parked right on site and takes visitors around Chincoteague Island every Wednesday.
The city of Chincoteague is charming with plenty of things to do.
There are countless delicious places to eat, cute shops to enjoy, and excursions to book. We went on a super fun nature cruise and a chartered fishing trip. They even have an adorable theater in town so you can catch a flick on a rainy evening.
Looking for another East Coast beach destination? Check out our trip to Ocean City too!
Disclosure: We were hosted by the Chincoteague Island KOA. Our accommodations and excursions were complimentary. All opinions are my own.