Cabin rentals near Hampton, Virginia provide camping comforts with varying amenities across the Chesapeake Bay area. Most cabin sites cluster within a 30-minute drive of Hampton, concentrated along the shorelines where water access enhances the camping experience. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer months can reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Beach exploration: walk the boardwalks at First Landing State Park Campground where accessible wooden paths connect campers to secluded shorelines. "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 shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I've seen at a campground," notes Timothy B. The park also offers trails near their visitors center for morning hikes.
Crabbing and fishing: rent equipment at Kiptopeke State Park Campground which features bay access for water activities. "We got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin. By the way a searobin crocks like a frog when you grab it," shares Annemarie R. The fishing pier extends into deeper water, allowing for varied catches depending on season and tide.
Historical tours: visit working farms at Chippokes State Park where you can see historical agricultural practices. "This hidden gem is just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day and how they can survive into the future," explains Rose H. The plantation buildings remain accessible year-round, though guided tours operate primarily on weekends.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently mention the natural spacing between cabin sites at First Landing State Park Campground. "Large, private sites among really cool, bent trees. Clean, up-to-date facilities. Large laundry room. Close to the bay and a few minutes drive to ocean beaches and the boardwalk," shares Adam and Suzanne B. The bent trees create natural boundaries between sites.
Bay views and hammock spots: Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA maintains hammocks overlooking the bay for relaxing after cabin stays. "Very large beachfront area with lots of room to spread out. They also have a separate dog beach, where my dogs lived their best life," notes Erika S. The Jackspot Restaurant on-site provides food service directly to your cabin or beachside spot.
Clean facilities: Bath houses receive particular attention at cabin sites without private facilities. "The bathhouse was superb! So clean and bright/airy. The playground was just enough to keep my kids entertained," Michelle W. mentions about Cape Charles KOA. Most bath facilities include private shower stalls rather than communal shower areas.
What you should know
Military-only options exist: Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park maintains cabins exclusively for military personnel with ID verification required. "This campground is a recreational opportunity for active and retired military and their families. This campground is located at the Fort Story Navy Base, set in a wooded area not far from a nice beach right at the corner of where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic," explains Janet R. Military personnel should call ahead as reservations require service verification.
Seasonal variations affect experience: Most cabin facilities change dramatically between peak and off-seasons. "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," notes Leo S. about Virginia Beach KOA. Winter campers should confirm which amenities remain operational before booking.
Haunted reputation: Some cabins at Kiptopeke State Park reportedly experience unexplained phenomena. "Stayed at the cabins on the property and it's been well documented that they are haunted. There is a journal/guest log and there are many stories of pennies falling from the ceiling and the rocking chair rocking when no one is sitting in it," reports Kristy B. The park staff neither confirms nor denies these accounts.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: schedule swimming time at Sun Outdoors Cape Charles which maintains five swimming pools spread throughout the property. "This is a great campground. It has plenty to do. 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," Susan P. shares. The pools typically open from 9am to sunset, with quieter times before 11am.
Play equipment: bring outdoor toys to complement playground facilities at camping cabins near Hampton. "Tons of family fun! Cherrystone is located right on the Chesapeake Bay, and every site has a beautiful view. From camp fires, to crabbing and fishing, or organized games and entertainment," Stephanie D. notes about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Most cabins include small open areas for outdoor games.
Wildlife viewing: keep binoculars handy for spotting local animals, especially near dusk. "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady," Gabby B. explains about Kiptopeke State Park. Many cabins position outdoor seating to face natural areas where wildlife appears.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: rent RVs for more space at Williamsburg Campground. "Sites are nice and big. Camp hosts were amazing and always checked on us but not overbearing. Gave advice for the park and we appreciated it," notes Joseph H. RV rentals often provide additional sleeping areas compared to standard cabin options.
Site selection: request shade coverage when booking during summer months. "Arrive early to choose shady spots," advises Elizabeth N. about Kiptopeke State Park. The first two rows of sites typically have minimal tree cover, while back rows offer more shade protection from afternoon sun.
Level sites matter: Request cabins on level ground to avoid water pooling issues. "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," Grace M. shares about weather impacts on camping quality. Level sites drain better during coastal storms.