Tent camping near Poquoson, Virginia offers access to coastal wilderness experiences within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The region sits at near sea level with several wildlife management areas and state parks protecting critical wetland habitats. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions between 60-75°F. Mosquitoes and biting flies are typically most active from May through September.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling opportunities: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers affordable kayak and paddle boat rentals by the hour. "This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour," notes Brandon W. who visited the park.
Beach hiking: False Cape State Park features extensive beach access for hiking and wildlife viewing. One camper reported, "We hiked over 30 miles over the weekend, there's so much to do. We saw dolphins playing in the ocean! The beach alive with crabs! Osprey catching fish!" The park includes trails leading to historical landmarks including an old graveyard and church steeple at Wash Woods.
Wildlife observation: The region offers excellent bird watching opportunities throughout the year. A regular visitor to False Cape State Park Campground explains, "Wildlife is in great abundance. Shorebirds and waterfowl with the setting or rising sun make for beautiful pictures!"
What campers like
Remote beach camping: The isolation at coastal sites provides a unique camping experience. A camper at False Cape State Park Campground shared, "Really there wasn't hardly anyone else out there, so it felt like we had our own private beach. We hiked out to our spot, but we saw some people biking into theirs."
Private sites with natural buffers: The campsites at Sandy Bottom Nature Park provide good separation between campers. A visitor noted, "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."
Sunset and sunrise views: Coastal camping locations offer exceptional sky views. At False Cape State Park Campground, a camper highlighted, "The most stunning part was definitely the sunsets. No two looked the same... Nothing better than a beach sunset."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campsites require significant effort to reach. At False Cape State Park Campground, "The first grouping of sites are 6 miles from the closest parking area, and the second grouping are 9 miles away. There are both ocean side and bay side campsites."
Beach camping options: Some locations offer direct beach camping. "For the ocean sites, you have the option of setting up your tent at the marked site behind the dunes, or at a marked location directly on the sand, although depending on the tides the rangers may prohibit camping on the beach."
Pest precautions: Insects are prevalent throughout warmer months. A camper at Wisteria Beach Hideaway warned, "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it." Another camper noted, "Bring bug spray—we went in May and the bugs were already overwhelming—including many, many ticks."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access with kids: Some sites accommodate children despite long approaches. A family camping at False Cape State Park Campground shared, "We brought our 2 and 4 year old children. My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear. The kids loved riding through Back Bay."
Kid-friendly sites: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers accessible outdoor activities for children. A visitor reported, "We took out two dogs with us too. There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions. Definitely will go back!"
Beach safety awareness: Ocean proximity requires additional supervision. "This was exceptionally kid-friendly as there is plenty of sand for kids to play in right at the campsite, and there are very few hazards for small children aside from the ocean itself."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few true RV accommodations exist near Poquoson. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, one visitor shared, "This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved."
Travel distance planning: Access to some areas requires substantial travel. For tent camping Poquoson, Virginia visitors should note, "The park is 5+ miles from the Little Island Park Parking lot, where you have to park if you're staying overnight. So, you have to hike, bike or boat into the primitive campground."
Weekend vs weekday crowds: Timing affects the camping experience. A camper observed, "Several campers report having sections of beach virtually to themselves, especially during weekdays."
