Camping opportunities near Seaford, Virginia span from the Chesapeake Bay shoreline to inland forests with sites that often remain open year-round despite the region's high summer humidity. The area sits at near sea level along the eastern coast with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups and water access with varying degrees of shade coverage.
What to Do
Beach access with minimal crowds: First Landing State Park Campground offers both maritime forest and shoreline experiences. "The beach is more secluded and you're close to all the activities that Virginia Beach has to offer. There is also trails that are on the campground near there visitors center," notes Timothy B.
Fishing and crabbing adventures: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles provides multiple fishing piers and crabbing opportunities. "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., highlighting the diverse water activities available.
Historical exploration: Chippokes State Park Campground combines camping with historical learning. "Love Chippokes! Feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation! Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all," explains Ashley I.
What Campers Like
Peaceful water views: Machicomoco State Park Campground offers scenic York River vistas. "The interpretive area was really fun to explore in the evening during golden hour and beyond. Great view of the sunset over the river," describes Kaylee G., pointing to the park's natural beauty.
Family-friendly amenities: Kiptopeke State Park Campground offers pet-friendly beach options. "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there," notes Gabby B.
Private wooded sites: First Landing provides secluded camping spots. "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," shares Adam and Suzanne B.
What You Should Know
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense at certain campgrounds. "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," warns Grace M. about First Landing.
Site spacing varies significantly: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers well-spaced sites. "The sites 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," explains liz J.
Military noise at some parks: First Landing sites near Fort Story may experience military sounds. "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning. It was not terribly bad," notes Nita D.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach-friendly options: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles offers multiple water activities for children. "The jump pads, pools and paddle boats. As a family we enjoy the fishing piers, new beach and cafe. The camper spaces are perfect, not to close to your neighbor. We love this place!!" shares Beth F.
Playground access: Bethel Park features play areas for children. "We tent camped here over Labor Day weekend as our first family camping trip, and we all had such a good time! Our boys (8, 6, & 4) had so much fun on the big playground and paddle boating," reports Kimberly F.
Ferry ride adventures: Chippokes provides unique transportation experiences. "About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...its free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids! You can follow history or ride plenty of roller coasters at Busch Gardens," explains Philip S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Kiptopeke has variable sun exposure for RV sites. "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay!" advises Ashley I.
Full hookup locations: Machicomoco offers newer facilities for RVers. "New park. Bathrooms and showers were great. Gravel pad. Full sun. Not a fan of the deep gravel around the fire pit and picnic area. Hard to walk in," mentions Brian P.
Proximity to attractions: Chippokes provides convenient access to regional destinations. "We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside," notes Philip S.
