Glamping accommodations near Fort Monroe, Virginia offer coastal camping experiences within 40 miles of this historic peninsula. Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this area experiences humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Most glamping sites maintain operations year-round despite seasonal temperature variations, though waterfront locations experience stronger winds from October through March.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers direct water access for both activities with rental options available seasonally. "Lots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do," notes a visitor who brought dogs along for their adventure.
Beach exploration: First Landing State Park Campground provides multiple beach access points via wooden boardwalks. "Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. There is also trails that are on the campground near there visitors center," shares Timothy B.
Historical touring: Chippokes State Park Campground offers plantation tours alongside river views. A visitor explains, "We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Kiptopeke State Park Campground features secluded tent camping areas separated from RV sections. "The only reason I am giving 4 stars is for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my spot being in a cul-de-sac. But driving back to my spot I noticed all the A and B spots for trailers are just on top of each other. But overall a good camping spot if you get back in the woods which are all the tent spots," reports Joseph H.
Convenient beach parking: Holiday Trav-L-Park provides dedicated beach parking for guests. "Best campground in the Va Beach area. 1 mile roughly to the ocean front but they have there own beach parking lot and provide you with a parking pass for use," explains a camper who stayed multiple times.
Multiple swimming options: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers both bay swimming and pool facilities. "It has 5 swimming pools, very clean and well maintained. It has mini golf and paddleboats. Amazing sunset views from the beach. Fishing, crabbing, you name it... they have it," shares Susan P.
What you should know
Military installation proximity: Sites at First Landing near the beach may experience noise from nearby Fort Story. "We were in site 156 which was right near a boardwalk and a bathhouse... be warned if you go to the southern side of the park near the beach that you will be very close to a US military base called Fort Story. You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning," explains Nita D.
Weather considerations: Summer tent camping can be challenging due to humidity. "The campsites were ok. easy to get to. I wouldn't recommend tent camping in the middle of summer - my husband and i both got sick. The beach was nice and quiet, and the water wasn't too cold," warns Grace M.
Pricing variations: Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA offers premium amenities at higher rates. "We wanted to visit Cape Charles and chose the KOA as our base. Arrived on a Sunday (went to dinner at the onsite restaurant on the bay). Because it was after school started and the start of the week, the campground was not crowded at all," notes Stu T.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kiptopeke State Park offers frequent animal sightings. "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there," shares Gabby B.
Playground access: Many glamping sites feature playgrounds for children. "My extended family has been camping here for years. The facilities are great and there is easy access to the beach. Would definitely recommend to any family that wants to start camping or anyone who wants an easy camping experience," recommends Xavier N. about First Landing.
Water safety considerations: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers shallow water areas ideal for younger swimmers. The tent cabins positioned on the lake provide direct supervision opportunities for parents. "Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites. 4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake," explains a reviewer who appreciated the layout.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup locations: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles maintains clean facilities with various hookup options. "This campground is well run and kept clean. The beaches are beautiful. The pools are fun for all ages and clean. The staff are all very helpful," notes Julin S.
Site selection strategy: Kiptopeke offers varied site options with different shade coverage. "Nice easy back-in sites, full hookups in good working order, and friendly hosts. Great walking trails, boardwalks, and beach access. Arrive early to choose shady spots," advises Elizabeth N.
Winter camping considerations: Holiday Trav-L-Park maintains winter operations with covered pool access. "This was our maiden voyage for the family RV--we decided on this destination kind of on a whim and were happy with our decision. We enjoyed biking all over the place, playing on the many small playgrounds, swimming in the dome-covered pool, playing mini-golf, and enjoying our time," shares a visitor who traveled during off-season.
