Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area offers full hookup sites positioned around mature trees, providing natural shade during summer months. Located near Saunders Road, this campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers with sites that include grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers should expect some noise from the busy road, with cars and occasional emergency vehicles audible throughout the night.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Sandy Bottom Nature Park has a lake where visitors can fish or rent boats at affordable rates. "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 Gracie B., who visited Sandy Bottom Nature Park with her dogs.
Kayaking and canoeing: Gosnold's Hope Park provides water access for paddlers with a dedicated launch area. "There is a great kayak/canoe and boat launch. Campground is at the back of the park and is covered with mature trees," according to N I., who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Hiking on boardwalks: First Landing State Park features wooden boardwalk trails that connect different areas of the park. "There are wooden boardwalk trails in the park and a few of them leads to different areas on the beach. We used 2 of them that were wheel chair accessible," reports Annemarie R. about her stay at Kiptopeke State Park.
What campers like
Beach access: The Colonies RV and Travel Park provides direct access to a secluded beach area. "This place was relaxing and peaceful. It's located on a peninsula with beautiful bay and creek views. You can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. There is a little beach down from our site and our dogs enjoyed their first dip in the bay," shares Jaime W. about The Colonies RV and Travel Park.
Multiple swimming options: Virginia Beach KOA offers two pools and a lazy river, providing alternatives to ocean swimming. "Nice, large sites, 2 pool, 1 lazy river. 1 stocked store. Planned activities," says angie S., highlighting the amenities at Virginia Beach KOA.
Natural shade: Newport News Park features heavily wooded sites that provide cooler temperatures. "Peaceful park filled with plenty of tall trees to stay cool during the summer months. Stayed 21 days (max limit) in June and temps at our site (B46) averaged about 5-10 degrees cooler than out side the park," reports Geored1 who stayed at Newport News Park.
What you should know
Highway noise: Sandy Bottom Nature Park sites experience noise from Interstate 64. "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. There is no sound barrier between 64 and the park so every noise just filters right through the trees."
Military presence: Some campgrounds are located near military installations with occasional activity. "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. about First Landing State Park.
Reservation requirements: Several parks have specific booking windows and stay limits. "You can only book up to 90 days, and for a total of 180 days in a year," explains Maria K. about Bethel Park's reservation policy, while Sandy Bottom Nature Park requires in-person reservations with the visitor center open 9-6 daily.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Newport News Park has multiple play areas for children. "There is a small playground in the campground area, but right next to the campground is a large play area that has a rock wall that our kids really loved playing at," shares The B. about their family experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers educational wildlife encounters. "This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved," notes N I. about Sandy Bottom Nature Park.
Tent camping with kids: Some parks offer primitive tent sites with basic amenities. "We tent camped here over Labor Day weekend as our first family camping trip, and we all had such a good time! Our boys (8, 6, & 4) had so much fun on the big playground and paddle boating," shares Kimberly F. about Bethel Park, mentioning the helpful staff and clean sites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: At Kiptopeke State Park, RV sites vary significantly in sun exposure. "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay! Tent sites are wooded, no rvs allowed," advises Ashley I.
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain that may require additional equipment. "Make sure you have leveling chalks as some of the sites are too uneven for auto leveling to work. We had a 32' class c rig and had no problems other than the auto leveling not working which caused us to move sites 3 times," warns Tanya R. about Newport News Park.
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open year-round with reduced rates. "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," shares Leo S. about Holiday Trav-L-Park.
