Best Tent Camping near Norfolk, VA

State parks and wildlife refuges surrounding Norfolk, Virginia provide diverse tent camping opportunities, from coastal beaches to inland forests. False Cape State Park Campground in Virginia Beach offers primitive tent-only camping with both oceanside and bay side options. Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton features 11 primitive tent sites, including two group sites, all requiring a short walk from the parking area. Merchants Millpond State Park, though in North Carolina, is within driving distance and offers canoe-in and backpack tent camping in a unique swamp environment.

Tent campsites at False Cape State Park require significant effort to access, with a 5-6 mile hike or bike ride through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge from the Little Island Park parking lot. Campers must carry all supplies, though drinking water is available at the park. Sandy Bottom's walk-in tent sites feature sand platforms, picnic tables, and fire rings with nearby trash cans. The bathrooms with flush toilets are located near the parking area. Merchants Millpond's primitive tent sites are accessible by canoe or kayak, with some sites requiring a 4.5-mile paddle. Bug spray is essential at all locations, particularly during summer months when insects can be abundant.

According to reviews, False Cape State Park provides exceptional solitude for tent campers. One visitor noted, "Even on the Fourth of July weekend, with every campsite booked, this place was quiet and felt very removed from the beaches several miles north in Virginia Beach." Oceanside campers can choose between sites tucked in live oaks or directly on the beach. Sandy Bottom Nature Park campers report highway noise as the primary drawback, with one camper stating, "No matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway." The park compensates with convenient access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and boat rentals. Backcountry tent camping at these locations offers varying levels of privacy, with False Cape providing the most secluded experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Norfolk, Virginia (9)

    1. Sandy Bottom Nature Park

    5 Reviews
    Newport News, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 825-4657

    $11 - $42 / night

    "The park is centrally located with easy highway access.  Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from.  The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. "

    "Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites 

    4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake

     The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in."

    2. False Cape State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Knotts Island, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 426-7128

    $20 / night

    "We hiked in on the East Dike trail through Back Bay, about 5.4 miles, with everything for the weekend on our backs."

    "False Cape is a primitive campground that can only be accessed by walking or biking through the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge along the southern coast of Virginia."

    3. Wisteria Beach Hideaway

    2 Reviews
    Onemo, VA
    35 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."

    4. Carter's Cove Campground

    1 Review
    Lackey, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 220-0386

    5. Merchants Millpond Canoe-In Campground — Merchants Millpond State Park

    4 Reviews
    Gatesville, NC
    43 miles
    +1 (252) 357-1191

    $17 - $57 / night

    "We did the canoe-in camping and brought out Hobie kayaks (beware if you bring them our mirage drive seemed to find every downed tree or cypress knob under the water 😜) Buoys marked the different routes"

    "We were looking for a reasonably quick (one overnight) camping trip that was different, but within a 2ish hour drive."

    6. Bennetts Creek Canoe In Campground — Merchants Millpond State Park

    2 Reviews
    Gatesville, NC
    43 miles
    +1 (252) 357-1191

    $17 / night

    "The campsights are pretty close together so don't expect privacy on a busy weekend. The scenery is TOP KNOTCH!"

    "My group and I stayed at the Benett’s creek high ground primitive camp sites 1-3. It was a 4.5 mile paddle to the site, then roughly 1.5 down to the dock with a staged vehicle."

    7. Merchants Millpond State Park Backpack Campground

    1 Review
    Gatesville, NC
    43 miles
    +1 (252) 357-1191

    $17 / night

    "Around 7pm because we had a late start. Unfortunately we didn't stay because our site was hike in and I thought I did drive in. So we ended up getting a hotel instead."

    9. Big Woods WMA

    Be the first to review!
    Wakefield, VA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 367-1000
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Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Norfolk, VA

644 Reviews of 9 Norfolk Campgrounds



Guide to Norfolk

Tent camping near Norfolk, Virginia offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene lakeside sites to well-equipped parks, there's something for everyone.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can be as low as $10 per night at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, making it a budget-friendly choice for campers.
  • Virginia Beach RV Resort offers tent sites starting around $130 per night, providing a more upscale camping experience with amenities.
  • For a unique experience, Wisteria Beach Hideaway features comfortable tent camping with access to beautiful beaches, perfect for those looking to relax by the water.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • The stunning nature center at Sandy Bottom Nature Park overlooks a picturesque lake, ideal for wildlife viewing and educational experiences.
  • False Cape State Park Campground offers a remote beach experience, accessible only by hiking or biking, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • The scenic trails at Carter's Cove Campground provide opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Kayaking is a popular activity at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, where visitors can rent boats and explore the tranquil waters.
  • Fishing and boating are available at False Cape State Park Campground, making it a great spot for anglers and water lovers.
  • Hiking trails at Big Woods WMA offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the local flora and fauna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Norfolk, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norfolk, VA is Sandy Bottom Nature Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Norfolk, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Norfolk, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.