Campgrounds near Portsmouth, VA offer various outdoor experiences within 30 miles of the city. The coastal location features mild winters with average lows around 30°F, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity. Tent campers often prefer spring and fall seasons when temperatures are more moderate and insect activity is reduced.
What to do
Water activities on Chesapeake Bay: Kiptopeke State Park Campground offers fishing from their pier where you can catch unique local fish. One camper noted, "I got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin... a searobin crocks like a frog when you grab it."
Walking trails through coastal woodlands: First Landing State Park Campground provides scenic hiking options through unique terrain. A visitor mentioned, "There is also trails that are on the campground near there visitors center," and another added that the park features "large, private sites among really cool, bent trees."
Paddling on calm waters: Sandy Bottom Nature Park has kayak and paddle boat rentals on their inland lake. A reviewer stated, "There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour" and another simply said "To kayak here it's the bomb!"
Historical exploration: Fort Monroe near The Colonies RV and Travel Park offers military history exhibits. One visitor recommended, "While there you must check out the Fort Monroe Casement Museum. You have water on two sides with excellent walking area."
What campers like
Secluded beaches away from crowds: The Colonies RV and Travel Park provides beach access without typical tourist congestion. A camper described it as "a beautiful flat grassy area with beautiful mature trees" and another mentioned "you are surrounded by water" with "a little beach down from our site."
Family-friendly amenities: Holiday Trav-L-Park offers multiple swimming pools and playground options. One visitor explained, "Several pools to choose from so you don't have to be packed in at one main pool with all the campground guests" and another noted they "had fun the whole time" at the "super nice" pool.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature bird watching and animal sightings. At Kiptopeke, campers reported, "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc." One campground even features purpose-built wildlife accommodations, with a visitor noting, "I like they built towers for the osprey to build nests."
Clean, modern facilities: Virginia Beach KOA maintains high cleanliness standards. A reviewer noted, "The campgrounds and bathhouse are kept clean. Campsites are equipped with fire rings (of some sort) and accessible picnic tables."
What you should know
Military proximity creates noise: Several campgrounds have overhead aircraft or training noise. At Virginia Beach KOA, "Expect to hear aircraft all the time. You get used to it quickly, but can be loud." Another campground reports "you will hear occasional machine guns and artillery" and morning reveille.
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat and insects. One camper at First Landing advised, "I wouldn't recommend tent camping in the middle of summer - my husband and i both got sick."
Reservation challenges: Some campgrounds have complex booking systems. A Northwest River Park visitor explained, "After being given 4 different numbers and talking to 6 different people I gave up trying to change the reservation. From now on if I camp here, I will make the reservations directly with the park."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas can experience water issues during rainy periods. A Northwest River Park camper noted, "Because this area is near wetlands some of the campsites were flooded throughout the weekend. If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season benefits: Visit during shoulder seasons for reduced crowds and prices. A Virginia Beach KOA visitor noted, "Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses."
Playground options: Northwest River Park & Campground offers multiple play areas for different age groups. A visitor mentioned, "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water" but praised the "great job with events and education" for kids.
Bathroom proximity: Choose sites near facilities for families with young children. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, a visitor warned, "The tent sites are clean, closely grouped, and the lights from the bathroom shine on them all night (so bring a sleep mask)."
Transportation to attractions: Some campgrounds provide shuttle service to nearby beaches and attractions. A Virginia Beach KOA camper shared, "They have transportation via Trolly bus that comes through frequently throughout the day to transport you to Various beach side activities where otherwise you would have to pay for parking."
Tips from RVers
Extended hook-up equipment: Prepare extra-long hoses and cords for some sites. An RVer at Little Creek MWR RV Park reported, "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."
Site layout considerations: Kiptopeke State Park Campground offers varying levels of privacy. A camper advised, "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites." Another recommended, "Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop."
Off-base access timing: For military campgrounds, plan around gate schedules and shift changes. One visitor noted, "Traffic getting off base starting around 1500-1600 is bad, so plan accordingly" and "many of the gates are closed" making "base access difficult and confusing."
