The Chesapeake Bay region near Townsend, Virginia offers camping opportunities within a coastal ecosystem characterized by tidal marshes and sandy shorelines. The area experiences mild winters with average temperatures around 45°F and humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching above 85°F. Campgrounds in this region typically have minimal elevation changes, making most sites accessible for all types of camping setups.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: Kiptopeke State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access with unique catches. "I did enjoy the fishing pier and 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," reports Annemarie R., who warns that these fish "have sharp spines on their gill plates and dorsal fins that inject a mild poison."
Beach activities: The Chesapeake Bay offers calm waters ideal for swimming with children. "The beach and staff there are nice. Crabbing and fishing there's very popular. Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at," explains Gabby B. about her experience at Kiptopeke State Park.
Hiking opportunities: Wooden boardwalks and nature trails are accessible throughout the region. At First Landing State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "hiking and biking in the park" with "large, private sites among really cool, bent trees," according to Adam and Suzanne B.
What campers like
Private tent sites: While RV sections tend to be open, tent areas often provide more seclusion. At First Landing State Park, campers appreciate that "the campsites were surrounded by the forest but you're in walking distance to the beach," as Timothy B. notes. He adds that "the shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I've seen at a campground."
Bay views for sunsets: Thousand Trails Virginia Landing offers spectacular evening views. "The sunset over the old pier is breathtaking," shares Angelica K., who adds "my kids loved catching tiny crabs in the mud every night." Robert P. agrees that "the scenery is amazing, especially at dusk and dawn."
Multi-pool options: Many campgrounds feature multiple swimming pools to prevent overcrowding. At Virginia Beach KOA, visitors enjoy "two great pools, tons of activities for the kids even during the week," according to Marc W., who adds they "have transportation via Trolly bus that comes through frequently throughout the day to transport you to Various beach side activities."
What you should know
Proximity to military installations: Campsites along the southern Chesapeake Bay may experience occasional noise from nearby bases. At First Landing State Park, campers on "the southern side of the park near the beach" 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.
Site selection considerations: For more privacy, research specific site numbers. At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, James A. advises: "Hint: for more privacy (tent campers) ask for site 6 or 7." At Kiptopeke State Park, Aaron S. recommends: "Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop."
Loop-specific amenities: Different camping loops may offer varying hookup options. "C loop has full hookup where A and B do not," notes Aaron S. about Kiptopeke State Park. At First Landing, the variation in sites means "the first two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover," according to Ashley I., who adds that "tent sites are wooded, no RVs allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season advantages: Consider camping after the summer rush for a better experience. Rebecca E. at Holiday Trav-L-Park warns about summer conditions: "The main playground was a mud pit. No real place to swim on the bay, but they do have a pool." The mini golf course can be "run down - missing bricks and flooded ball holes" during busy periods.
Kid-friendly activities: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles (formerly Cherrystone Family Camping Resort) offers extensive recreation options. "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," shares Susan P., adding that "the restaurant has the best food."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature wildlife that fascinates children. At The Colonies, Jenn P. reports: "I like they built towers for the osprey to build nests. I watched birds catch crabs next to the bathhouse." At Virginia Landing, families can enjoy "clamming, kite flying" in a "wide-open" park where kids can "freely run around," according to Jason G.
Tips from RVers
Winter camping considerations: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced rates. Leo S. notes that at Virginia Beach KOA, "prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses." He adds it's "peaceful stay in the winter months."
Connectivity for remote work: For those needing to stay connected, signal strength varies by location. Leo S. reports that at Virginia Beach KOA, "T-Mobile signal is nice and strong for my needs, both for work and entertainment. Easy to get in and out of the campground."
Site levelness and hookup access: At Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA, "spots were pretty tight, but we assumed as much," reports Michelle W., who appreciated that "the bathhouse was superb! So clean and bright/airy." Erika S. recommends "spot 818 is the best spot at the resort. You have the best of both worlds, sun and shade and it's a large spot with room to spread out."
