First Landing State Park Campground offers a quiet camping experience near Norfolk, with campsite fees ranging from $30-45 per night year-round. The park spans 2,888 acres of protected coastal habitat situated where English colonists first landed in 1607. Temperatures average 80°F in summer with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to the 30s with occasional freezing rain or light snow.
What to do
Waterfront hiking trails: First Landing State Park Campground provides extensive trail systems through unique coastal ecosystems. "Always good, to camp first landing... long boardwalk, peaceful beach and calm water," notes Wilfredo D. The trails wind through maritime forest and cypress swamps.
Fishing and crabbing: Northwest River Park & Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities in blackwater canals. A visitor shares, "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water." Local anglers target largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish year-round.
Paddling opportunities: Kiptopeke State Park Campground provides access to protected bay waters ideal for beginners. "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," explains Annemarie R. Kayak rentals cost $15-20/hour.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: At First Landing, the natural vegetation creates secluded camping spaces. "Large, private sites among really cool, bent trees. Clean, up-to-date facilities. Large laundry room," mentions Adam and Suzanne B. Sites are spaced approximately 30-40 feet apart.
Proximity to urban amenities: Holiday Trav-L-Park combines natural surroundings with nearby attractions. "We enjoyed biking all over the place (including a family-friendly bike trail to the VB boardwalk), playing on the many small playgrounds, swimming in the dome-covered pool," writes Amanda P. The campground is located one mile from Virginia Beach.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of bathhouses across Norfolk-area campgrounds. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, a visitor notes, "Bathroom/shower houses were clean and well-positioned close to all of the camping loops." Many facilities feature climate control and hot water available 24 hours.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat and humidity. At First Landing, one reviewer cautions, "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."
Military presence: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby bases. "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning," explains Nita D. about First Landing's proximity to Fort Story.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas can experience standing water after heavy rains. At North Bayshore Campground, a camper notes, "This is a low lying area and standing water at some sites after heavy rains can be an issue." Select elevated sites when possible, especially during hurricane season.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generation activities: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers diverse recreation options for all ages. "My boys love the jump pads, pools and paddle boats. As a family we enjoy the fishing piers, new beach and cafe," shares Beth F. Organized family activities run daily during summer months.
Kid-friendly beaches: Many campgrounds feature protected bay beaches with minimal waves. "The beach is more secluded and you're close to all the activities that Virginia Beach has to offer," explains Timothy B. about First Landing's beach access. These calmer waters are safer for younger swimmers.
Playground options: Several campgrounds maintain multiple play areas. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, one camper reports, "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." Most playgrounds are designed for ages 5-12.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA offers various site options for different preferences. "In my opinion 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," advises Erika S. Request specific site numbers when booking.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require minimal adjustment. At Northwest River Park, a camper notes, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers." Most RV sites feature gravel pads rather than concrete or asphalt.
Beach access logistics: When glamping near Norfolk, Virginia, consider proximity to water recreation. Da'Paul F. recommends Holiday Trav-L-Park: "Best campground in the Va Beach area. 1 mile roughly to the ocean front but they have there own beach parking lot and provide you with a parking pass for use." Many campgrounds offer shuttle service to public beaches during summer months.
