Chesapeake Campgrounds Chesapeake, Virginia

Searching for the best camping near Chesapeake, VA? Chesapeake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Chesapeake, VA (57)

    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground

    1. First Landing State Park Campground

    113 Reviews
    342 Photos
    676 Saves
    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    First Landing State park camping site type:

    EW-20ft: Electric/water site for tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 20 feet long. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20-amp service.

    EW-30ft: Electric/water site for tents, pop-ups, RVs up to 30 feet length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20, 30 and 50-amp service.

    EW-50ft: Electric/Water site for RVs only 32-50 feet in length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20, 30 and 50-amp service.

    Std-20ft: No electric/water on this site. Accommodates tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 20 feet in length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers.

    Sites 44 - 65: Group Campground - No electric/water on these sites. Three-site minimum purchase required. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. Good for tents. Group camp area - site specific; maximum six people per site. A large shelter, which is available to only group campers, may be rented.

    Each yurt has a large wooden deck, two picnic tables, a pedestal grill and a fire ring with cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles is allowed for each yurt. Those with additional vehicles must pay the daily parking fee and park in available overflow spaces in the campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $28 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park

    2. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    44 Reviews
    51 Photos
    106 Saves
    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Welcome to Holiday Trav-l-Park in Virginia Beach! Our sites, amenities and activities offer something for every person in the family along with every type of camper from tent to motorhome. On top of that, getting to the beach is a breeze – we are the closest campground to the resort area with a parking lot 1 block off the beach for our guests, take the seasonal city trolley or ride your bike to the beach.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $92 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA

    3. Virginia Beach KOA

    33 Reviews
    93 Photos
    169 Saves
    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    At Virginia Beach KOA Holiday®, we make it easy to try it all! We're your perfect base camp to enjoy the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, iconic three-mile Boardwalk and many local area attractions. Relax and have fun with your family and friends in the great outdoors at our beautiful campground, full of amenities and fun-filled activities for all ages.

    Cabin, RV and Tent Camping in Virginia Beach

    Our Virginia beach campgrounds have experiences to suit every kind of camper. Whether you prefer the comfort of glamping in one of our Deluxe Cabins, or a more rustic, outdoorsy experience, you'll feel right at home at Virginia Beach KOA Holiday®. We even have big-rig access and tons of great RV-friendly amenities so that we can serve as your local Virginia Beach RV resort. Our fully furnished Deluxe Cabins offer a luxurious, yet cozy, atmosphere complete with bathrooms, kitchen supplies, comfy beds, linens and a big screen TV. Or try our Camping Cabins for a rustic feel, yet with the convenience of electricity, beds and air conditioning. Park your RV at our Pull-Thru RV Sites with KOA Patio®, all with free cable and Wi-Fi. Or pitch a tent and enjoy a traditional camping experience. Whatever accommodation you choose, you can rest assured you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful location.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    4. Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    178 Photos
    341 Saves
    Townsend, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $47 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from North Landing Beach

    5. North Landing Beach

    15 Reviews
    40 Photos
    173 Saves
    Knotts Island, North Carolina

    If you haven’t experienced Virginia Beach Camping, get ready for an amazing experience at North Landing Campground RV Resort & Cottages. From RV sites to cottage rentals, North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages has it all!!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground

    6. Merchants Millpond State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    65 Photos
    129 Saves
    Sunbury, North Carolina

    Located in Gates County 10 miles south of North Carolina's northeastern border with Virginia, Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Hiking the surrounding trails or paddling the placid, shallow waters of the pond offer a great way to explore this wetland environment. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an "enchanted forest," particularly at Lassiter Swamp. Visitors have even spotted the American alligator here, at the northernmost point of its range.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 - $110 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from North Bayshore Campground

    7. North Bayshore Campground

    11 Reviews
    31 Photos
    162 Saves
    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Bayshore campground offers a quiet setting away from busy highways with access Back Bay and surrounded by the protected Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Amenities: -Cabin’s and Pop-up rental available. -Water, Electric & WiFi at most sites -Private showers and Bathroom stalls -Swimming pool (Seasonal) -Recreation Hall (Foosball, Pool, Air Hockey,Ping Pong, Cable TV) -Playground (Volleyball, Swings, Play-sets, Basketball & More) -Picnic tables, Fire Pits & Grills available -Fresh water fishing from our canals -Boat ramp & Dumping Station (Free for registered guest

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $55 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwest River Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from False Cape State Park Campground

    9. False Cape State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    63 Photos
    351 Saves
    Knotts Island, North Carolina

    Primitive camping year-round. No cabins. The park does not offer same-day reservations. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular amenities or to make a reservation, call (800) 933-PARK.

    All campers must receive their confirmation letter and information packet before camping at this park. Carefully and thoroughly read the information you receive. False Cape is unusual and can be unpleasant for those who are unprepared. The packet is generally sent via email, but if you need it sent by postal mail, be sure to allow enough time to receive it. No exceptions. All overnight guests must bring two copies of their confirmation letter. One must be placed on the dashboard of their vehicle; the other clipped to the site marker.

    Because False Cape is very primitive and has unusually restrictive access, reservations are not available online. For safety's sake, please take the time to carefully read and follow the information below.

    Parking is never available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for overnight guests. Campers must instead park at the Little Island City Park, leave a copy of their confirmation letter on the dashboard, and walk from five to nine miles through Back Bay Refuge to the park’s campsites. Pets are not allowed access to the park through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. See below for more information. Beach camping is subject to tides. During significant high tide events, the park may close the campsites. All park guests are subject to Back Bay Refuge and Little Island City Park's rules and regulations. Campers must be out of the refuge before sunset when arriving and departing False Cape State Park. Be prepared for biting insects during summer. They are very common. Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach - the place from which most visitors depart to False Cape - is closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, at noon the day prior to Thanksgiving Day, on Thanksgiving Day, at noon on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. On days when the lot is closed, False Cape staff will meet incoming and outgoing campers at 1 p.m. sharp to let current campers depart and incoming campers enter with enough time to hike, bike and set up camp before nightfall (about 5 p.m.)

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Market

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    10. Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    39 Reviews
    101 Photos
    294 Saves
    Cape Charles, Virginia

    At Cherrystone you'll find over 300 acres of natural waterfront on the Chesapeake Bay with over 700 sites, many shaded by tall trees. Our many features makes for great camping near Virginia Beach - including camping cabins, on-site camper rentals, five swimming pools, four fishing piers, beautiful beach, large dog park and their very own dog beach, newly renovated Cafe/Lounge, a well-stocked General Store and the Bait and Tackle Shop. Our waterfront location will delight you with breathtaking sunsets, wildlife and a wide variety of birds. And don't forget all that there is to do! Throughout the season, we have themed weekends and plenty of planned activities for the entire family including fishing and crabbing, taking full advantage of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Chesapeake

Recent Reviews in Chesapeake

575 Reviews of 57 Chesapeake Campgrounds


  • Frank B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Machicomoco State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Machicomoco!

    I was visiting the Yorktown battlefield the next morning so I chose to camp here for the first time.  The facilities are nice and modern, and the environment is quiet.  Just what I was looking for.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    Labor Day weekend camping

    Great spot for families. A lot of activities for everyone. The adult pool was very nice and clean. My son and his wife kayaked and had a great time. Cape Charles is a quaint town for shopping and is only 10 min away. Only issue we had were the kids on bikes riding in front of the golf cart and cars. No parental supervision. Very scary and unsafe. Other than that it was a great trip and we will be back.

  • Valenica A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area - Park and FamCamp
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area - Park and FamCamp

    Frequent Policing for Black People

    I arrived at the location and, within 10 minutes, police officers showed up to monitor me, despite my behavior being no different from that of others around me. The next morning, I returned and, once again, within 10 minutes, the police were called to watch me. I plan to document these incidents and file a formal complaint, but I want to warn other Black individuals to exercise caution when visiting this place. I'm unsure whether the issue lies with the organization itself or if it's the Bethel campers falsely reporting my actions, but it’s striking that simply walking to decompress has led to repeated police presence. I plan to document each experience, timing my arrival and the police arrival and then look into why I believe I'm being racially profiled. While this isn't blatant racism, it sure aligns with interpersonal racism is much harder to detect if there isn't a pattern and you know how it operates.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Good campground, boardwalk to beach needs maintenance.

    Good campground as usual. bathrooms well maintained and cleaned twice a day when we were there. Campsite is right next to the bathroom and has a good amount of shade. Bathrooms had two sinks to clean dishes. Boardwalk nearby to the beach was very convenient, however quite a few boards look like they need replacement. One highlight was watching the school of dolphins from our kayaks, not far from the beach. Never saw that before.

  • Christine The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Right on Chesapeake Bay with Sunset!

    Most of the sites have shade a few do not have any shade. If you do not like traffic noise, stay far away from the main road that the park is located off.

    You can not see the water from any campsite and all sites are a little walk to get to the beach of the bay.

    Light waves on the bay. It has beautiful sunsets with dolphins playing there in the evening.

    We stayed in site 5 which is literally in the bathroom front yard with NO SHADE.

  • Stephen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Outer Banks West - Currituck Sound KOA

    Nice site by the water

    We stayed here for two nights during our trip along the Outer Banks. We had a great time and enjoyed our stop here. Our site had a great view of the water and we could see the Currituck lighthouse at night. Our boys enjoyed kayaking around the sound and riding their bikes to the playground. It seemed like they are working to add more amenities and upgrades so I’d stay again next time we make it that way. Also, Diggers Dungeon is only a few miles away so if you have kids make sure to stop and let them see the monster trucks.

  • Kaylee G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Machicomoco State Park Campground
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Very Sunny

    We had a very hot stay. We stayed at campsite 13 which had wonderful shade in the late afternoon. Be prepared with a wagon to transport items from your car to your campsite if choosing the no water/electric sites. Short walk from parking to sites. 

    The interpretive area was really fun to explore in the evening during golden hour and beyond. Great view of the sunset over the river.

  • Kevin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Hock Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Rocky Hock Campground

    Convenient Location

    We have family in Edenton and have stayed at Ricky Hock many times. It is just north of town and has large mostly pull through sites with full hookups.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Beach KOA
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Amenities but…Traffic Noise!!!

    Great pad sites but sparse vegetation and zero privacy. Road noise was constant and lots of traffic on the beach access highway.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Chippokes State Park Campground

    Great park for cultural and natural history

    Chippokes State Park is located on the grounds of an old historic plantation, actually one if the original plantations in the area dating back to the 1600’s. The land grant was huge, and as a state park now it provides a rich opportunity to learn about the James River, the natural and indigenous history of the region, the settlement history and role of this plantation in Virginia History, and more. Visiting here provides hiking opportunities to learn about fossils along the river shore, the temperate forest in the woods, and history around the old plantation. Taking the ferry across the river from Jamestown to get here was part of the adventure too. There is a nature center and visitor center that provides lots of info and programs near the river , a network of easy park roads for biking, and the plantation itself, set back further away from the river, provides a wealth of learning, including about the history of crops and trade in this area, and about the lives of the slaves who worked the plantation. The grounds right around the plantation are, in fact, a memorial to the hundreds of souls who lived and worked the land here. It was an amazing learning experience to come to the park, and the options to stay over in the park include standard campsites in a wooded campground, or cabins. The campground has all the usual state park amenities, and was very quiet when we were there in November—so late fall is a great time to come, as the fall weather was amazing

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Cheatham Annex / Yorktown Naval Weapons Station RV Campground
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Military Park Cheatham Annex / Yorktown Naval Weapons Station RV Campground

    Camping in the middle if “The Historic Triangle”

    This is an amazing recreational campground for military families and retirees that is located right on the York River between Williamsburg and Yorktown. It is immediately adjacent to the Colonial Parkway for easy access to historic Jamestown as well, making for a great base for exploring the historic sites and state and national parks of the area. There are several Navy Bases in the area, so this is an easy retreat for active duty folks, but also open to uniformed service personnel or retirees and families from all over the country.

    The campground is multi-faceted. There is everything for everyone—camper cabins (some dog friendly and some handicapped accessible) as well as an RV park with hookups as needed, and also standard tent sites as well as primitive tent cents. The various camping areas surround a central recreational area that includes golf course, playground and swimming pool, but there are also wooded hiking trails, two lakes with rowboats and kayaks and fishing, as well as shoreline and piers on the York River itself. The RV campground has a nice central bath house with showers snd toilets as well as laundry facilities. There is a small convenience store as well as a cafe if needed, but you are so close to Williamsburg and its myriad cafes and shops that you have amazing options! We have stayed here several times now, in fall and spring, and it was a great home base for exploring the whole “historic triangle

  • Clinton R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Trav-L-Park
    May. 28, 2024

    Holiday Trav-L-Park

    It's what you make of it.

    This is a wonderful spot if you want to avoid the high dollar hotel stays in Virginia Beach. There are a lot of amenities at this place, however you have to pay for some of the activities. This should be included in the price. The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other. If that. It seems that this park is more in it for the money than the camping experience. That being said, there are a ton of things to do if you have a young family or just want to be rowdy. Lol. I went during memorial weekend, but I was told it's like this all of the time. The site that I had was very uneven. I had to put a 5-in lift on one side of my travel trailer and drop the tongue nearly to the ground due to the uneven pad to park on. Only room enough for one car. Overall it was a good experience, and you can't help but get to know your neighbors. Lol maybe that's what their plan was. Know your neighbors.

  • Bjoern The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    May. 28, 2024

    Carova sands

    Fantastic adventure

    That was a great experience! Go there only if Greg says it's ok. He knows how demanding it can be to get to his ground if you're not used to driving off-road. You need a 4x4 car. Wonderful five star primitive campground. No water, no toilet. Bring your own. Explore the property, the sound and the sea. We saw deer, wild horses, coyotes, eagles, turtles, dolphins but also mosquitos and ticks. Bring repellent. I will never forget the two days camping. Greg is a great host! Thank you for this incredible experience!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Carova sands

    Incredible beautiful place

    I am so thankful to Greg and Mary for humbly allowing me to stay on their beautiful property. What a unique and incredible place. The wild horses came to visit me daily, bald eagles, osprey...kayaked on the calm waters of the sound..hiked the beach and biked the trails up through false cape state park. Just an incredible opportunity I am so thankful that I was given, and by the nicest of people you can find. And I'll be back one day for those tires Dave! Haha, thanks to everyone that showed me around, a memory to be cherished.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Creek MWR RV Park
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Little Creek MWR RV Park

    Utilitarian

    Overall, this campground is utilitarian at best. We stayed for five nights in April in a 25' Airstream. It is on a military installation so you need to have access.

    - RV office does not open; if you have any issue, you have to call the reservation line or see the camp host...but there was nothing to mark who the camp host was and they never stopped by.

    - Roads are decrepit with major potholes and in need of repair. The roads and some sites flood when raining. There are two one way roads in, but without a map of the campground available, you don't know which one to turn down in advance.

    - Bathrooms are dated but clean.

    - Dumpster not emptied in timely fashion. It was overflowing the first two days here and people were piling trash around it until it was emptied on a Wed.

    - Full hook up (electric/water/sewer) on sites; some have fire pits, some don't. Also the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had a long electric cord that reached and had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect. Water pressure was good.

    - Concrete pads and free laundry were nice. Ground around the concrete pads were rutted where folks either parked off the pad or didn't know how to park on it.

    - Free wifi if you sign up for MWR's, but we used our T-Mobile home internet with good connection (4 bars). AT&T on our phones was 1 bar at best.

    - Several small hiking trails nearby on base that were good for walking the dog.

    - Traffic getting off base starting around 1500-1600 is bad, so plan accordingly.

    - Expect to hear aircraft all the time. You get used to it quickly, but can be loud.

    - Seemed like some active duty personnel were staying here, as we saw them leaving in the mornings and coming back at the end of the day in uniform.

    - We didn't find firewood for sale on base and bought some out in town near another campground. 

    - Follow the signs on base to the golf course and keep driving past the driving range to find a small beach on base.

    Not the best look for a military campground, but if you just need a place to park to access the other amenities of the base and area cheaply, this is it.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from First Landing State Park Campground
    Mar. 30, 2024

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Very nice facilities

    Good: Beautiful campground. Very clean facilities and close by. Easy access to water. Close proximity to beach and hiking. 120 - was able to get two RTT on one site.

    Bad: close proximity to other sites. Busy campground in general. Kids running around. Lots of standing water, once bugs start coming out would be a ton of mosquito.

  • Taylor P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Carova sands

    The best and most unique camping spot!

    I had the privilege of getting to stay on this property for a week while camping and exploring the outdoors in the obx. It was not only beautiful, but felt very safe as well! Greg and his wife Mary were extremely kind! They made an effort to help familiarize myself with the area while checking in and giving tips! I was also lucky enough to see the wild horses at camp & at the beach 3 out of 4 days i was there. This was truly one of the best camping experiences i’ve ever had. If you are ever in the area and craving a unique experience, I recommend reaching out to Greg and considering staying here.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Feb. 25, 2024

    Carova sands

    Perfect Getaway

    First, Greg is an amazing communicator. He gave great instructions for finding the camp site. Plus, checked in to make sure everything was going ok and gave tips.

    It was such a peaceful location and I even had the privilege of seeing a horse on the grounds on 2 different nights.

    I’m so glad I had a chance to stay here and hope to have the opportunity to visit in warmer weather.

  • Charli R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
    Feb. 21, 2024

    Merchants Millpond State Park Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    We went for Valentine's Day weekend. Only a couple of other people were there, and we hardly saw them. We used site 11. I still think it's the best one, it's the largest, right next to the main trail head, & bath house trail right ahead of the site. The bath house was real nice. They had heaters running and they were so toasty, also very clean. Trails were nice too, we used our ebikes on the bike trail.

  • Connor D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carova sands
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Carova sands

    First camper

    This is a must see spot. It is located right on the sound and the beach. It is located on private property that requires 4 wheel drive capable vehicle to access. You have to drive down the beach to reach this spot. Greg and his wife were extremely friendly and wanted to share the amazing property that they own. They have a dock with access to the sound which I used to explore the sound on my kayak. I recommend giving Greg a call if you want to experience a very unique and amazing camping experience.



Guide to Chesapeake

Camping near Chesapeake, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water by kayaking or fishing at First Landing State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "One highlight was watching the school of dolphins from our kayaks, not far from the beach."
  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Kiptopeke State Park Campground, provide easy access to beautiful beaches. A visitor noted, "The campground had beautiful beach access."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Chippokes State Park Campground, where one reviewer shared, "The trail system was magical. We hiked early in the am and it was such a therapeutic hike through the forest and swamp."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, one guest said, "The showers/restrooms were excellent."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA mentioned, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Chickahominy Riverfront Park said, "Beautiful views off the bluff of the river."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Anvil Campground noted, "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it," but others might find it disruptive.
  • Tight Campsites: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA mentioned, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."
  • Limited Shade: Some sites may lack shade, especially during hot summer days. A reviewer at Kiptopeke State Park Campground pointed out, "There are very few shaded ones."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One camper at Cherrystone Family Camping Resort said, "Many activities for small children, along with bingo, karaoke and corn hole tournaments."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially near water. A visitor at Kiptopeke State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray."
  • Check for Events: Some campgrounds host special events. A camper at Virginia Beach KOA enjoyed, "They had live music most nights, which is always a hit or miss, but still fun."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Ensure your site is level for a comfortable stay. A reviewer at Williamsburg Campground mentioned, "The power was stable and the water pressure was good."
  • Check Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park appreciated, "Full hookup 30 amp 50 amp fresh water dump station sewage hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt roads, which can get dusty. A visitor at Chickahominy Riverfront Park noted, "Dirt roadways = dusty."

Camping around Chesapeake, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to historical exploration. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions