Every year our group of friends get together for a reunion and from now on, it will always be at Matoaka!!! Amazingly friendly staff and one of the best camping locations I've had the pleasure of staying at. We were not sure of how many could make it, so we rented two cabins (12 & 4) and a campsite. Cabin 12 was our group spot, with a fireplace, screened porch and bedding for 6. A rainy afternoon meant a fire in the fireplace, relaxing on the screen porch and grilling right outside! Cabin 4 was more rustic but was perfect for those of us who didn't bring camping gear. The campsite was about a four minute walk from the cabins with a breathtaking view of Bay and two firepits. It was level and very well maintained. A Porta-Potty station was located nearby and was clean and well stocked. The beach was an easy walk through a beautiful bamboo forest and everyone had a blast fossil hunting!
I have been coming here for 30 years. First as a student and then with my family. We've spent countless hours and vacations here. There is nothing else like it anywhere. If you want peace and quite, but still with lots to do in the area for you or you and family, this is the place to go. We became friends with the original owners, Connie and Larry, who were the nicest people. They are gone now, but the family has continued to operate and maintain the place beautifully. I can't recommend it enough.
I typically come here to Day Trip. I've only rented a cabin one time. The cabins are primitive and not fancy, but the very basics are provided. The best part about Matoaka is being surrounded by nature and having access to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. I love, love, love the area, and have fossil-hunted on the beach here since I was a kid. You can also fish, crab, kayak (although getting your 'yak up and down the hill requires some muscle), bird-watch, photograph, sunbathe, etc. This is truly a lovely and unique spot.
We stayed for 3 nights and were not ready to go home. We were in Cabin #8, which is quite a bit less rustic than the other cabins. The cabin was great, nothing fancy, but had what we needed. The location is breath taking and the beach is a little slice of heaven! My 3 yr old had a blast playing in the sand and the water's edge. My 12 yr old spent hours fossil hunting and swimming in the bay. We found quite a few small fossils which made our stay all that more exciting! The owner's were extremely sweet and welcoming. Everyone we crossed passed with was quick with a smile and a hello. One of the gentleman on the beach was sweet enough to allow my 12 yr old to bother him with all kinds of questions about the fossils we were finding. It was a great few days away and we are all looking forward to booking a longer visit next year!