First Landing State Park Campground provides seasonal camping experiences from primitive tent sites to RV hookups with significant weather variations affecting visitor comfort. Located in Virginia Beach near military installations, this state park spans 2,888 acres of cypress swamps and maritime forest while offering access to both Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches. Summer temperatures routinely reach 90°F with high humidity, creating challenging camping conditions from June through August when biting insects become problematic.
What to Do
Water activities at bay beaches: First Landing State Park offers calmer water conditions than oceanside beaches, with multiple access points along the shoreline. "Not a bad spot for camping in the whole park. Short drive to Virginia Beach areas and beach access from the park," notes Daniel F. about First Landing State Park Campground.
Kayaking and crabbing: The interconnected waterways provide excellent paddling opportunities with rental equipment available at several locations. At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, "There is a little beach down from our site and our dogs enjoyed their first dip in the bay," reports Jaime W., who appreciated the peninsula location offering both "beautiful bay and creek views."
Birding and wildlife observation: The parks host significant migratory bird populations throughout the year. At Kiptopeke State Park, visitors regularly spot "wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc," according to camper Gabby B., who notes the park is popular for birding enthusiasts.
Fishing from piers and shorelines: Multiple fishing locations accommodate anglers without boats. "I did enjoy the fishing pier and got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin," shares Annemarie R. about her experience at Kiptopeke State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Beach proximity with fewer crowds: Several campgrounds offer direct or nearby beach access away from tourist areas. "The beach is more secluded and you're close to all the activities that Virginia Beach has to offer," explains Timothy B. about First Landing State Park Campground.
Shaded campsites: Mature trees provide essential shade during hot summer months. Adam and Suzanne B. appreciate First Landing's "large, private sites among really cool, bent trees. Clean, up-to-date facilities," mentioning the convenience of being "a few minutes drive to ocean beaches and the boardwalk."
Multiple swimming options: Pools and beach swimming provide cooling alternatives during summer heat. Holiday Trav-L-Park features "4 swimming pools, game room etc" according to Cliff M., who notes it's "the closest commercial campground to the Virginia Beach oceanfront & boardwalk as you can get."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent positive feedback across campgrounds. At Northwest River Park & Campground, Joseph H. was "amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night."
What You Should Know
Military activity proximity: Several campgrounds border military installations with associated noise. At Little Creek MWR RV Park, "Expect to hear aircraft all the time. You get used to it quickly, but can be loud," warns Eleanor the Airstream R., adding that "traffic getting off base starting around 1500-1600 is bad, so plan accordingly."
Flooding during rain events: Low-lying coastal areas experience standing water after storms. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, one reviewer noted "the primitive slot we're nice a little small for what it is, but you just feel packed in which it's no state park and I get that."
Seasonal insect pressure: Biting flies and mosquitoes become problematic during summer months. Grace M. advises against First Landing in peak summer: "I wouldn't recommend tent camping in the middle of summer - my husband and i both got sick."
Limited availability: Reservations fill quickly for prime season weekends. "We stayed during Memorial Day weekend last year and had a fantastic time!" reports Ashley R. about Holiday Trav-L-Park, though noting challenges with "lack of regulating sound ordnances late at night when people lap the campground in their golf carts blasting country music."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At North Bayshore Campground, Tina C. notes "a basketball court and small playground" among amenities that make it "a small family oriented campground close to Sandbridge beach."
Educational opportunities: Historic sites and nature programs enhance family experiences. Xavier N. recommends First Landing: "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."
Off-season benefits: Consider camping during spring or fall for better conditions. Amanda P. enjoyed Holiday Trav-L-Park during winter: "This was our maiden voyage for the family RV... 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."
Dog-friendly activities: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, Jenn P. observed "they built towers for the osprey to build nests. I watched birds catch crabs next to the bathhouse," noting it was "very pet friendly."
Tips from RVers
Extended hookups: Bring additional hoses and cables for some sites. At Little Creek MWR RV Park, Eleanor warns "the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect."
Site selection strategy: Request specific site numbers based on needs. At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, Aaron S. advises "try and get C loop spots 15-21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop," adding that "C loop has full hookup where A and B do not."
RV height considerations: Some campgrounds have low-hanging trees. Joseph H. shares about Kiptopeke: "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."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some locations. Gary D. reports about Northwest River Park: "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks. Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."
