Camping options near Portsmouth, Virginia range from basic tent sites to premium glamping accommodations within a 30-minute drive. The coastal plain geography creates a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, making the region accessible for camping year-round. Water features prominently in the camping experience with most sites located along rivers, lakes or near the Chesapeake Bay.
What to do
Fishing from shore or pier: At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, visitors can catch unusual species. "I did enjoy the fishing pier and got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin. By the way a searobin crocks like a frog when you grab it," reports Annemarie R.
Kayaking and boating: The waterways near North Bayshore Campground provide excellent paddling opportunities. "They are located on a small waterway that leads to Back Bay. Good fishing and wonderful area to kayak or paddle board. You can even bring a boat," notes Tina C.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems exist within a short drive. Adam and Suzanne B. mention, "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. Near plenty of restaurants and activities. Hiking and biking in the park."
What campers like
Privacy and natural setting: First Landing State Park Campground offers wooded sites. "Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. The shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I've seen at a campground," shares Timothy B.
Multiple swimming options: Campers appreciate having both pools and beaches nearby. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, one visitor noted, "The pools are nice and clean but can get crowded as expected. Very good campground though imo and we are going back in july."
Wildlife viewing: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers excellent animal sighting opportunities. "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. It was so pretty & so fun," says Gracie B.
What you should know
Military proximity affects some sites: Camping near bases means occasional noise. "We were in site 156 which was right near a boardwalk and a bathhouse... be warned if you go to the southern side of the park near the beach that you will be very close to a US military base called Fort Story. You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning," warns Nita D.
Highway noise can impact relaxation: When glamping close to Portsmouth, Virginia, consider the campground location relative to major roads. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, a camper observed: "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by."
Summer heat affects tent camping: Plan accordingly for hot nights. "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," cautions Grace M.
Tips for camping with families
Guided activities for kids: Northwest River Park & Campground offers various supervised programs. "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more," notes Patricia L.
Winter options with climate control: For glamping close to Portsmouth during cooler months, some sites remain comfortable. "We enjoyed biking all over the place (including a family-friendly bike trail to the VB boardwalk), playing on the many small playgrounds, swimming in the dome-covered pool (there are three more of them for warm weather), playing mini-golf, and enjoying our time," shares Amanda P.
Campground with pet-friendly beach: Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area combines camping with pet beaches. "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," says Kimberly F.
Tips from RVers
Drainage issues during storms: Some sites experience standing water. "Your about a mile to the beach the rv sites look every well kept the primitive slot we're nice a little small for what it is, but you just feel packed in which it's no state park and I get that," notes Joshua S.
Level sites matter: When glamping in an RV near Portsmouth, check site descriptions carefully. "Sites are a bit tooo close for me. I don't like camping right on top of people and as soon as I walk out of my tent there's people on every side of me," mentions Annemarie R.
Seasonal operation schedule: Some campgrounds have limited availability. North Bayshore Campground only operates from May through October, while others like First Landing State Park and Northwest River Park offer year-round options with varying amenities during winter months.
