Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nassawadox, VA
Kiptopeke State Park Campground's pet-friendly beach area allows dogs to swim alongside their owners, with a separate designated shoreline from the main swimming beach. Thousand Trails Virginia Landing and Sun Outdoors Cape Charles both welcome pets with spacious sites and pet exercise areas. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside designated off-leash areas. Campers report clean, well-maintained dog parks at several locations, with waste stations positioned throughout the grounds. Pet-friendly accommodations include tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and select cabins that allow dogs with proper vaccination records. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Welcome Center provides a convenient pet exercise area for travelers crossing the Bay Bridge Tunnel, allowing RV parking for up to 48 hours with clean facilities and access to nearby trails. Several campgrounds charge additional pet fees ranging from $5-10 per pet per night, with some properties limiting the number of pets allowed per site. Campgrounds maintain 24-hour security patrols that help enforce pet policies and quiet hours.
Trails throughout First Landing State Park accommodate leashed dogs with multiple hiking options through wooded areas. The Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA offers a fenced dog park where pets can run off-leash, while Kiptopeke's pet beach provides water access specifically for dogs. During summer months, campers should be mindful of hot sand and pavement that can burn paw pads, with early morning or evening walks recommended. Wildlife encounters are common in the region's campgrounds, with rabbits and deer frequently spotted in the evening hours. Most campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination for all pets, with Newport News Park specifically requesting rabies certificates upon check-in. The Virginia Beach KOA provides bus service that runs from the campground to Virginia Beach proper, allowing visitors to bring beach gear while keeping pets comfortable at the campground. Williamsburg KOA is the only campground in the area with breed restrictions, specifically not allowing pit bulls on the property despite welcoming other dog breeds.
