Searching for the best camping near Portsmouth, VA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Portsmouth is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Portsmouth, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
20 min away
Blackwater Birds and Bees
37 min away
$28 - $40 / night
"Our family stayed at site 99 which is close to the bathhouse and camp host. It is also on one of the small roads that leads to a boardwalk to the beach."
"The cottage is furnished, has a queen size bed and 2 sets of bunk beds; nice living room/dining room combo, full kitchen with dishes, pots, etc.; TV; fireplace; outside deck with grill; and screen porch"
$25 - $92 / night
"Excellent sites, good access roads, plenty of bathrooms, beautifully tiled and modern, climate controlled environment in the bathrooms, nightly entertainment, shuttle stop right at the campground, excellent"
"You can rent sites for RVs or tents, you can rent cabins, campers, and even glamping tents!"
$30 - $47 / night
"We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin."
"Situated along the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, campers can participate in tons of water fun."
"The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The camp store is great. It has ice cream, which my kids loved. Would definitely go again"
$11 - $42 / night
"Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites
4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in."
"The park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. "
$21 - $36 / night
"There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site, however my picnic table has a very very warped bench. But it makes no difference to me as it is only me, and I have my own chairs!"
"Bathrooms were brand new, showers were clean & HOT. Coin laundry available. They are in the process of adding another bathroom/shower building so only running at half capacity when we visited."
$15 - $30 / night
"It each site has a grill, picnic table and a fire ring. A couple of the sites have some drainage issues, but only after repeated heavy rains. "
"He’s awesome and treats everyone like they’re special :)
The tent sites are clean, closely grouped, and the lights from the bathroom shine on them all night (so bring a sleep mask)."
$72 - $105 / night
"We had a personal guide to show us the location of our campsite. Campsites had wood decks which would be nice in warmer weather. Close to highway but reasonably quiet at night"
"The gas grill and fire ring was nice. Fishing in the ponds was good. Store is very limited on what it has. The only reason that it doesn't get 5 stars in the WiFi was very limited."
$55 - $85 / night
"This is a small family oriented campground close to Sandbridge beach. They are located on a small waterway that leads to Back Bay. Good fishing and wonderful area to kayak or paddle board."
"Nice pool & bath house. Owners very nice. Close to Virginia Beach & Sandbridge. Pet friendly."
RangerOur family stayed at site 99 which is close to the bathhouse and camp host. It is also on one of the small roads that leads to a boardwalk to the beach. Thete are 4 boardwalks to the beach over the dunes so keep that in mind when booking your site. This is a pretty big campground and thereare many trees which are dense and it keeps a lot of the campsites private even though they may be close to each other. Some areas are more open with less privacy. The bathhouses are clean but not climate controlled in the summer so be ready for heat and humidity after showering. The staff, camp hosts, and rangers were allvery helpful. The campground is situated on the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. We loved the beach here because we have six small grandkids and they could play in thewater without the worry of large waves and heavy tides. The park also has many awesome trails that you can walk or bike. Also, dogs are totally allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash during any time of the day or night. There are no lifeguards on duty. There are many tent sites and e/w hook up sites. It definitely seemed to be tent heavy while we were there this time. We loved our stay here and have already booked a time to go back in April.
TravelerThis place has it all! Excellent sites, good access roads, plenty of bathrooms, beautifully tiled and modern, climate controlled environment in the bathrooms, nightly entertainment, shuttle stop right at the campground, excellent bike/hike path, wonderful gardens and artwork throughout the park, friendly staff for the most part. Just a great place to camp and enjoy and enjoy life!
GuideThis is a small family oriented campground close to Sandbridge beach. 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. The bathhouse is clean, climate controlled , and never too busy. There’s a game room for relaxing or playing air hockey, pool, and fussball. The owners have corn hole available as well. There’s a small swimming pool in case you want to take a dip although due to excessive rain the week before our trip it was closed for cleanup. There’s a basketball court and small playground. This is a low lying area and standing water at some sites after heavy rains can be an issue. There are a few cabins to rent, pop ups and a bunkhouse camper as well as full and water/elec. hookup RV sites, waterfront sites and tent sites. We’ve stayed here several times and the owners and employees are always very welcoming and accommodating. Pets are allowed on leash and our dogs love it!
TravelerWhat could be better than camping and kayaking on a beautiful river? Maybe try fishing off the new pier or taking a bike ride on a nice long trail after visiting Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens which are all within a very short driving distance! Or even a Ferry Ride across the river to a lovely waterside restaurant where you can experience delicious food and the most amazing sunsets! And no worries if you don’t have a tent or camper, because they have cozy yet roomy glamping tents available!We love camping at CRP! Everyone is always friendly and helpful! Facilities are always clean and well maintained. We have stayed in the spring as well as late summer without any problems. There is a camp store, two bath houses, and a convenient dump station. Playground and fenced pool. A boat ramp for motorized boats as well as a launch site for kayaks. Bring your own or rentals available. Looking forward to our next visit this Spring!
LegendSites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites
4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in. It is a short hike along the lake and placed a short distance from the trail so hikers will not be hiking through the sites. You have a sand bottom tent site, picnic table, fire ring/grill and trash. This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved. This really is a great site. There is an amazing nature center that overlooks Sandy Bottom Lake. Hiking, and biking trails, fishing, boating with boat rentals or bring your own, birding and wildlife viewing. 757-825-4657
LNT
Travel safe
GuideI've lived in this region for 3 decades and never knew this campground was here. It is absolutely humongous! They have about every accommodation you could ask for. You can rent sites for RVs or tents, you can rent cabins, campers, and even glamping tents! Something like 4 pools, mini golf, several bathhouses, named streets, a little store that has a little of everything, very nice staff, a restaurant, small social gatherings for adults and children alike. Oh yeah, did I mention the staff were wonderful??
ScoutI stayed in one of their cottages during October. The cottage is furnished, has a queen size bed and 2 sets of bunk beds; nice living room/dining room combo, full kitchen with dishes, pots, etc.; TV; fireplace; outside deck with grill; and screen porch. There is also a firepit for enjoying the relaxing fire and evening quiet. You have to bring your own firewood. There is a grocery store about 6 minutes away for convenience. Trails, access to the Chesapeake Bay, Spanish moss. manned Visitor Center, privacy and security.
1st Landing has
LegendThis was our first time staying in a yurt at Kiptopeake State Park. We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin. The ones at here are $75/night. This one was awesome! It is hidden down a long walkway from the parking area and is very secluded. The one we stayed in, Yurt 4, only has neighbors on one side. It comes with two picnic tables, a water spigot, fire pit, grill, a big deck around the yurt with rocking chairs, and a refreshing breeze coming off the bay. Unfortunately, the way the yurt is situated, none of that breeze gets inside the yurt and it was very hot inside. Especially if staying here in the summer, I would suggest bringing some fans or a portable a/c for a more comfortable nights sleep. The bathrooms are farther away than I would like with little kids. You have to walk through to the tent campground loop to get to them. Even with a couple negative things about it, I think this is the way to stay here at Kiptopeake and I am already planning our next yurt trip here for next year!
Love this park so much! The beach is amazing. This time we discovered the dog-friendly beach, which was less crowded than the main one. I always like to go out and watch the sunset over the bay, it is magical!
ScoutThe park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. They were very insistent about the "no alcohol" rule.
Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6.
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. The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go. Other than that, expect no amenities. Bugs weren't terrible but were present. Definitely bring bug spray.
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. There is no sound barrier between 64 and the park so every noise just filters right through the trees. Not anyone's fault, but definitely a downside.
Overall when you consider the dirt cheap price of 10.60 per night, this campground delivers as advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does glamping cost in Portsmouth?
Glamping costs in Portsmouth vary based on accommodation type and amenities. At First Landing State Park Campground, cottages with furnished living rooms, full kitchens, queen beds, bunk beds, and outdoor decks provide a premium experience. For more affordable options, Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers tent cabins situated right on the lake. Yurts at state parks typically run around $75 per night, while fully-equipped glamping tents and cabins can range from $100-200+ depending on size, amenities, and season. Most sites require reservations, especially during peak season.
What is glamping in Portsmouth?
Glamping in Portsmouth offers luxury camping experiences with the comforts of home while enjoying nature. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, you can rent fully-equipped glamping tents that provide an upscale outdoor experience without the hassle of setup. The Portsmouth area also features Kiptopeke State Park Campground with yurts that blend camping convenience with comfort. Glamping accommodations typically include real beds, furnished living spaces, and easy access to modern facilities, making them perfect for those who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort.
What glamping amenities are available in Portsmouth?
Glamping sites around Portsmouth offer extensive amenities for a luxurious outdoor experience. Anvil Campground provides premium sites with 50/30/20 amp electric, water, cable, WiFi, and shuttle service to local attractions. Their log cabins and cottages combine rustic charm with modern comforts. At North Bayshore Campground, glampers enjoy access to clean, climate-controlled bathhouses, fishing spots, and waterways perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Many glamping sites include furnished accommodations with real beds, kitchenettes, private decks, grills, and fire pits, while still providing easy access to nature trails and water activities.
When is the best time for glamping in Portsmouth?
The optimal glamping season in Portsmouth runs from late spring through early fall (May-October), with summer offering warm weather ideal for beach access and water activities at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing from the pier, and nearby attractions. Fall provides comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at places like Northwest River Park & Campground, perfect for nature hikes and campfires. Most glamping accommodations are available year-round, though some facilities may have reduced services in winter. For beachside glamping, aim for June through September when water temperatures are most pleasant.
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