Newport News Park offers camping options 10 miles northwest of Hampton with drive-in and boat-in access. Sites feature water and electric hookups at most locations, though some areas have only 20-amp service. The heavily wooded campground maintains significantly cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, with summer temperatures averaging 5-10 degrees lower beneath the mature tree canopy.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides kayak and paddle boat rentals by the hour for exploring the lake. A visitor notes, "This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. I would recommend this spot to anyone who wants a convenient family friendly camping/outdoor experience."
Bike to Virginia Beach: Holiday Trav-L-Park offers convenient biking access to nearby attractions. A camper shares, "We brought our own this year and rode the quick 3 miles to the boardwalk during the day." The campground provides transportation options if you prefer not to bike.
Fishing and crabbing: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles provides multiple fishing piers and crabbing opportunities. A visitor mentions, "There is so much for the kids to do! Most sites are nicely wooded and it's located in the Chesapeake Bay." The campground also offers boat rentals for fishing excursions.
Military history exploration: The Colonies RV and Travel Park sits on historic Fort Monroe land with water on two sides. A reviewer explains, "While there you must check out the Fort Monroe Casement Museum. You have water on two sides with excellent walking area."
What campers like
Beach proximity and access: First Landing State Park Campground offers direct beach access from the campground. A camper notes, "The camp ground is beautiful and the people are friendly. Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach." The park provides both forested campsites and beach recreation.
Natural surroundings: The heavily wooded sites at Newport News Park create a natural retreat despite urban proximity. According to one review, "We love it here. Their park is beautiful. The parking pass are well maintained and there's water and electric at every spot in the loop we were on."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at area campgrounds. At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, "Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop." The campground offers full hookup sites in C loop, while A and B loops do not.
Multiple swimming options: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles features five swimming pools plus bay access. A reviewer mentions, "It has 5 swimming pools, very clean and well maintained. It has mini golf and paddleboats. It has a great kids program with lots of activities."
What you should know
Military noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby military installations. At First Landing State Park, a camper explains, "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning. It was not terribly bad."
Highway sound impacts: Sandy Bottom Nature Park experiences traffic noise despite its natural setting. One visitor noted, "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by."
Weather considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort at many Hampton area campgrounds. A First Landing visitor shared, "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."
Site leveling issues: At Newport News Park, many campsites require leveling equipment. A reviewer warns, "Make sure you have leveling chalks as some of the sites are too uneven for auto leveling to work."
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with programming: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers extensive children's activities. A camper shares, "It has a great kids program with lots of activities. Amazing sunset views from the beach. Fishing, crabbing, you name it... they have it."
Consider shoulder seasons: Holiday Trav-L-Park can get crowded during peak periods. A camper notes, "Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses. Otherwise it's a peaceful stay in the winter months."
Look for shaded sites: Virginia Beach KOA offers some shaded areas that are valuable for summer comfort. A visitor advises, "Arrive early to choose shady spots" when selecting a campsite.
Seek specific campground areas: At Kiptopeke State Park, site selection matters significantly. One camper explains, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Newport News Park has varying hookup options across different loops. A camper notes, "Some loops are primitive, some have only 20A service and some have 30A service and water hookup. There are no sewer hookups, but there is a dump station."
Connection planning: Cell service varies across camping areas. At Newport News Park, a camper reports, "AT&T had 2 bars and 6 MB/s w/o a booster, 3 bars and 8 MB/s with it. There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy."
Seasonal considerations: Virginia Beach KOA offers off-season advantages for remote workers. A visitor mentions, "I'm here for hybrid remote work and the T-Mobile signal is nice and strong for my needs, both for work and entertainment. Easy to get in and out of the campground."
