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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Nassawadox, Virginia (48)

    1. Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    39 Reviews
    Cape Charles, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-3063

    "Nice dog park and dog beach."

    "It's nearby for Tidewater Virginia campers. Great swimming, fishing, boating and playground opportunities"

    2. Thousand Trails Virginia Landing

    11 Reviews
    Nassawadox, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Was a nice place to stay about 1.5 hour drive to either Virginia Beach or assateage."

    "We stayed near the water with full hookups. This place is absolutely beautiful and must have been amazing in its prime. No updates are being made and most everything was shut down."

    3. Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-2267

    $30 - $47 / night

    "Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at. Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big."

    "It has 2 beautiful beaches ‘ one that allows pets and the other does not . There are wooden boardwalk trails in the park and a few of them leads to different areas on the beach ."

    4. First Landing State Park Campground

    119 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $28 - $40 / night

    "We live on the other side of Virginia, but have enjoyed returning to First Landing whenever we get the chance. We love the fact that we can visit the beach AND camp."

    "20 miles of Trails!! Lots of trails to hike and mountain/hybrid bike. We were surprised at the quality and the number of trails available. We were never bored."

    5. Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA

    13 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-1776

    "They also have a separate dog beach, where my dogs lived their best life."

    "We are beyond impressed with views the staff, the location, the restaurant, the dog beach/park, the activities and the list goes on."

    6. Sunset Beach Resort

    5 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-1776

    "On-site restaurant and on Bay Beach within walking distance. Very nice bath houses."

    "Our campspot was a short walk to the beach which is nice."

    7. Janes Island State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Crisfield, MD
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 968-1565

    $21 - $87 / night

    "There is a marina and kayak trails. They have both primitive and full service cabins. There are 3 camping loops."

    "Dogs are allowed at half the sites. They had the cleanest nicest showers we have ever seen at a campground. Fantastic camp store with long hours. Camper size Old Bay was there!!"

    8. Cross Rip Camp

    5 Reviews
    Onemo, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 987-1582

    "Lots of activities: fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating,regattas, hiking/walking, and fresh waterpond catch & release."

    9. Wisteria Beach Hideaway

    2 Reviews
    Onemo, VA
    23 miles

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Loved the location - the beaches were surrounded by pine, wetlands, and tall grasses - it felt remote and not overdeveloped! This campsite is comfortable!"

    "Super close to a few different beaches. The bug screen and hammock that are part of the site was so appreciated. Also, having a shower was great - it felt like we were glamping! Went in September."

    10. Gwynns Island RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Onemo, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 725-5700
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nassawadox, VA

642 Reviews of 48 Nassawadox Campgrounds


  • Donita A.
    Sep. 26, 2019

    Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay

    Very Nice

    This is the first time we have camped at this Thousand Trails RV Resort and we were pleasantly surprised. Beautiful campground that is well maintained. This campground is very family oriented and offers an abundance of activities for children and adults alike. It is also pet friendly and offers a dog park for your furry friends. We will definitely be back!!

  • Trina C.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Anvil Campground

    Fantastic campground with a multitude of amenities!

    Beautiful recently renovated family owned/run campground since 1954. Super friendly staff! All sites provide 50/30/20 amp electric, water, cable and WiFi. Premium to standard include sewer. Big rig friendly, log cabins and cottages. Only campground to provide shuttle service to area attractions, events and restaurants. Pet friendly. Features: beach park, dog park, nature trails, play grounds, corn hole, tiki toss, arcade..... Beautiful new bath house. Discount tickets to attractions available. Reservations recommended, deposit required.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2022

    Newport News Park

    Uptown Country

    Sites: 188 

    Reservations: 757-888-3333 or 800-203-8322 

    Fees: $33.00-$50.00 

    24 hour security 

    Store, heated showers, toilets, picnic table, grills, dump station, electric and water hookups, laundry, playground, group sites Pets welcome with a rabies certificate This is a beautiful country, woodland natural setting with RV/tent sites interspersed among the forest with nice separation between sites. Paved road in good shape. There is an 18 hole championship disc golf, archery range, Fido Field dog park giving the fur babies an acre to roam. The park itself has 7,111 acres to include a aero model field. Hiking, biking, birding, so may options and pursuits. 

    LNT 

    Travel safe

  • Kevin M.
    Mar. 18, 2017

    First Landing State Park Campground

    A favorite state park in Va!

    We live on the other side of Virginia, but have enjoyed returning to First Landing whenever we get the chance. We love the fact that we can visit the beach AND camp.

    Campsites are within walking distance to the ocean. VA Beach boardwalk is a short drive away. Beach is dog friendly, obviously pick up after your dogs. Park Rangers patrol and help you feel secure without being overbearing. Visitors Center offers lots of info about things to do. Camp store offers firewood and ice as well as odds and ends you might have forgotten. They also have some really nice bathhouses although not all of them have been renovated.

    Bring flip flops for the shower and sandals/walking shoes. Bring bug spray.

  • E
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Sun Outdoors Cape Charles

    Huge campground!

    We stayed here for 12 days during the pandemic. The campground is huge, with lots of amenities. We stayed in the large sites, in the last row beside the field, which was nice, gave extra parking and extra space to play. The spots for smaller campers looked difficult to find/park, but it was very empty so difficult to say. Nice dog park and dog beach.

  • B
    Aug. 21, 2019

    Williamsburg Campground

    Very nice campground

    The cabin we stayed in was very nice. It had a very large back deck with a picnic table. We chose one without a bathroom, and the bathhouse was a very short walk. They have plenty of recreational activities for the kids. The staff was friendly and helpful. The playgrounds and pool were very clean, and the store had everything we needed. It is a very short drive off the highway and an easy commute to all of Williamsburg’s attractions. My only complaint is that my dogs typically travel everywhere with me, but I was not allowed to bring them on this trip because pit bulls are the ONLY breed they don’t allow on the campgrounds. However, if you have other breeds there is a very small dog park for them to run around and play. Other than that we really enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay at other KOAs when the dogs are not with us.

  • Brandon W.
    May. 4, 2019

    Sandy Bottom Nature Park

    Great for outdoor activities

    This campsite and park is a ton of fun. We've never camped here but we lived about 5 minutes down the road from the park and absolutely loved it. There are miles of trails around the lake and through the woods you can follow. It is extremely dog friendly with a fenced in dog park as well. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour. This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. I would recommend this spot to anyone who wants a convenient family friendly camping/outdoor experience.

  • Amy I.
    Jun. 7, 2018

    Williamsburg Campground

    our first trip in Tex the Apex

    this was our first trip in our travel trailer, so we didn’t know what to expect. the campground was very clean, we constantly saw crew keeping it up. we had a campfire and roasted s’mores. the general store was fully stocked. the pool and water park area were my daughter’s favorite. they had big jumpy things for the kids, an out door movie theater and a nice playground. our dog enjoyed the dog park.

  • Sean & Holly H.
    Dec. 25, 2021

    Holiday Trav-L-Park

    Off-season

    This place is huge! Great amenities, but hardly any are open during the winter and it seems many have been closed due to covid. Store, game room, and restaurant is closed. They do have a heated indoor pool, laundry, numerous restrooms, and a great dog park. There is yard/tiki art and paintings around the park. The mini golf course is a bit run down, but it's free during off season and the course greens are in good shape. I would love to see the place in the summer.


Guide to Nassawadox

Campgrounds near Nassawadox occupy the Eastern Shore peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with most sites positioned at elevations less than 50 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters with average lows around 35°F and humid summers that regularly reach 85-90°F. Summer camping typically requires additional cooling solutions as bay breezes don't always penetrate inland camping areas.

What to do

Waterfront activities: Access to multiple beaches for swimming and relaxation at Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. "The beaches are beautiful. The pools are fun for all ages and clean," reports Julin S. Most waterfront campsites offer both bay and pool swimming options with varying beach textures.

Fishing and crabbing: Popular with all ages at local piers and shorelines. "Great place to camp, it has everything you could ask for... located in the Chesapeake Bay," notes Kathie M. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many campers bring crab traps or rent equipment on-site to catch blue crabs directly from piers.

Kayaking and paddling: Explore marsh waterways through marked water trails. At Janes Island State Park Campground, "The water trails have a big variety from large channels to narrow marsh routes and bird watching is excellent," according to Sean F. Most water trails are calm enough for beginners but offer enough variety for experienced paddlers.

What campers like

Private beaches: Less crowded than public beaches at Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. "The park is wide-open, which provided plenty of space for kids to roam and explore. Virginia Landing is located right on the shore and we felt perfectly comfortable allowing the kids to freely run around," writes Jason G. These beaches offer more seclusion than commercial beaches during peak season.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses across multiple campgrounds. "The bathhouses and laundry were in amazing shape. A large camp store that has all the essentials," John M. says about Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities even during busy summer weekends.

Sunset views: Spectacular bay views from waterfront sites. "Gorgeous scenery! Only negative here is that some of the facilities (bath houses and such) are hurting and need updating," reports Carrie A. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many campgrounds position fire rings and seating areas to maximize sunset viewing opportunities over the Chesapeake.

What you should know

Bug preparation: Essential during summer months. "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it," advises Kat H. about Wisteria Beach Hideaway. Biting flies and mosquitoes peak from June through August, especially in marshy areas.

Site differences: Waterfront vs. wooded options vary widely in size and privacy. "Sites are a bit tight, but we assumed as much. The bathhouse was superb!" notes Michelle W. about Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. Waterfront sites typically offer less shade and privacy than wooded sites set further back.

Grocery planning: Limited shopping options in immediate area. "Take your groceries bc the grocery stores aren't great," suggests Anne F. about Cross Rip Camp. Most campers recommend shopping before arrival as the closest full-service grocery stores may be 15-30 minutes from campgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple swimming options: Pools and beaches provide alternatives for different ages. "Cherrystone is a super fun campground for the kids. It has multiple pools, plus swimming access in the Bay, mini golf, jumping pillow, and more," shares Christen C. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Families often rotate between pool and beach swimming depending on daily conditions.

Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific youth activities. "My boys love the jump pads, pools and paddle boats. As a family we enjoy the fishing piers, new beach and cafe," says Beth F. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Nassawadox offer family-centered programming during summer months.

Safety considerations: Check for water depth variations at beaches and swimming areas. "The campground provides opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities that kept our kids entertained throughout our three night stay," notes Jason G. about Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. Most beaches have gradual entries but some areas drop off quickly.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Consider size and shade carefully when booking. "We were in site 317 with full hookups. We missed the shade a lot, but the evening breeze off the bay made up for it," mentions Angelica K. about Thousand Trails Virginia Landing. Many pet-friendly RV parks near Nassawadox have limited shade for larger rigs.

Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service vary between campgrounds. "The campground had a spacious layout that allowed for easy RV maneuvering. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a camper just starting out, you'll appreciate the space," reports Jason G. Most campgrounds offer 30/50 amp service but water pressure can fluctuate during peak usage times.

Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers more space but limited services. "We use to camp here every summer! Brought my kiddos here, it's the same as I remembered! Older campground, lots of sites," writes Ashley I. about Sun Outdoors Cape Charles. Many RV campgrounds reduce services after October, with some closing completely from November through March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nassawadox, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nassawadox, VA is Sun Outdoors Cape Charles with a 4.6-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nassawadox, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 48 dog-friendly camping locations near Nassawadox, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.