Deserted beach camping in the DC-area

April 25, 2009 5:21 AM

I'm looking for extremely primitive beach camping sites (preferably on the Chesapeake) in the DC/MD/VA area. I'm talking about places with no running water, no bathrooms, nothing but nature for miles around. Assateague Island's backcountry camping sites are a perfect example of what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by charmston to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (4 answers total)

Shenendoah National Park has some options for primitive camping.
posted by COD at 6:38 AM on April 25, 2009

It's not on the Chesapeake, but the Appalachian Trail is chock full of sites exactly like you describe. They're about as primitive as you can get without just hiking out into the woods at random. The Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, so there's definitely something within reasonable driving distance of you.
posted by valkyryn at 8:55 AM on April 25, 2009

This government site has a good search function for campsites, and not just in parks. Lots of land belonging to the Army Corps of Engineers is available for camping at very low prices (~$10/night as opposed to $25/night).
posted by The White Hat at 10:03 AM on April 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

False Cape State Park on the Virginia/NC border has portions that fit the bill. It's a Virginia State Park.
posted by Phoenix42 at 12:48 PM on April 25, 2009