Camping in Norfolk, VA offers year-round access to both beach and inland sites. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter camping temperatures range from 30-50°F. Most Norfolk camping areas remain accessible during winter months though beach camping becomes less popular as water temperatures drop to the low 50s.
What to do
Beach access activities: First Landing State Park Campground provides both bay and ocean recreation opportunities. "Always good, to camp first landing... long boardwalk, peaceful beach and calm water," notes Wilfredo D. The park has convenient beach access with calmer waters compared to oceanfront beaches.
Fishing and crabbing: Kiptopeke State Park Campground offers excellent fishing spots along the Chesapeake Bay. "This park is a nice place to bring your family to camp, fish, crab and relax by the beach and collect seashells," mentions Annemarie R. The park also has a fishing pier where visitors can catch unusual species.
Paddling and boating: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides affordable kayak and paddleboat rentals on its lake. "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," says Gracie B. The 456-acre park also features numerous trails around the lake.
What campers like
Military history exploration: The Colonies RV and Travel Park sits on historic Fort Monroe with unique positioning. "Located on the far end and on a beautiful flat grassy area with beautiful mature trees. While there you must check out the Fort Monroe Casement Museum. You have water on two sides with excellent walking area," explains one camper.
Diverse pool options: Holiday Trav-L-Park offers multiple swimming areas rather than a single crowded pool. "Several pools to choose from so you don't have to be packed in at one main pool with all the campground guests," explains Da'Paul F. The campground is located about a mile from Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Private, tree-lined sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at First Landing. "Large, private sites among really cool, bent trees. Clean, up-to-date facilities. Large laundry room. Close to the bay and a few minutes drive to ocean beaches and the boardwalk," notes Adam and Suzanne B.
What you should know
Military noise presence: Sites near military installations experience periodic training noise. At Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park, you'll hear "reveille" in the morning, and at First Landing, "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning," reports Nita D.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers significant cost savings. "Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses. Otherwise it's a peaceful stay in the winter months," explains Leo S. about Virginia Beach KOA.
Beach parking considerations: Some campgrounds provide beach access solutions. Holiday Trav-L-Park is "1 mile roughly to the ocean front but they have there own beach parking lot and provide you with a parking pass for use," notes Da'Paul F., solving a common challenge for beach visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational appeal: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers activities for various age groups. "This is a great campground. It has plenty to do. 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," Susan P. explains.
Budget-friendly options: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides affordable camping close to amenities. "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice," reports liz J., noting the campground charges just $10.60 per night.
Beach alternatives: First Landing State Park offers family-friendly camping without oceanfront crowds. "My extended family has been camping here for years. The facilities are great and there is easy access to the beach. Would definitely recommend to any family that wants to start camping or anyone who wants an easy camping experience," shares Xavier N.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay considerations: Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area has reservation limitations to be aware of. "Very nice campground, in a wooded area, by a lake/reservoir, has about 25 spots (FH), you can only book up to 90 days, and for a total of 180 days in a year," advises Maria K.
Hookup logistics: At Little Creek MWR RV Park, prepare for connection challenges. "Full hook up (electric/water/sewer) on sites; some have fire pits, some don't. Also the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had a long electric cord that reached and had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect," warns Eleanor the Airstream R.
Site selection tips: When selecting RV sites, consider shade coverage. At Kiptopeke State Park, "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites," notes Ashley I., while advising that "tent sites are wooded, no rvs allowed."
