Portsmouth area campgrounds accommodate tent, RV, and cabin campers throughout the year in coastal southeastern Virginia. This region experiences mild winters with average lows of 32°F and humid summers with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. The flat terrain makes for easy site access, though many campgrounds struggle with drainage during heavy rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking and boating access: Northwest River Park & Campground has boat-in camping options and rentals available. "Love this camp ground. Just love how clean it is. Bathrooms, showers are a big plus. Nice trails and fishing. Will be visiting again," notes sykeethia T.
Shoreline fishing opportunities: Kiptopeke State Park Campground offers fishing piers with unique catches. "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," shares Annemarie R.
Historic exploration: Fort Monroe has preserved military history sites connected to The Colonies RV and Travel Park. "Located on historic Fort Monroe, VA the fort has a lot to offer. No reason to leave but if you do there's plenty in surrounding areas," according to Becky W.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Virginia Beach KOA provides transportation to the oceanfront. "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," explains Marc W.
Lake activities: Sandy Bottom Nature Park features tent platforms near water recreation. "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," reports liz J.
Wooded sites for summer heat relief: Newport News Park offers significantly cooler temperatures under its canopy. "Stayed 21 days in June and temps at our site averaged about 5-10 degrees cooler than outside the park. Fairly decent sized spots, some are hit or miss when it comes to bare dirt, grass, mossyness, leaf/pine covered grounds," notes Geored1.
What you should know
Military presence: Camping near Fort Story means potential noise from training. "We were right near a US military base called Fort Story. You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning. It was not terribly bad," shares Nita D. at First Landing State Park.
Storm drainage issues: Holiday Trav-L-Park sites can flood during rain. "The site was half gravel and half grass. The grading wasn't great and the gravel was thin. Lots of water puddles and the grass was swampy," comments Rebecca E.
Highway noise levels: Sandy Bottom Nature Park has constant traffic sound. "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," explains liz J.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Holiday Trav-L-Park spreads swimmers across facilities. "Several pools to choose from so you don't have to be packed in at one main pool with all the campground guests," notes Da'Paul F.
Pet beaches: Kiptopeke State Park provides dedicated swimming areas for dogs. "They also made a beach side for pets to swim at. Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc," explains Gabby B.
Educational centers: First Landing State Park Campground offers nature programs near hiking trails. "There is also trails that are on the campground near there visitors center," shares Timothy B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Newport News Park requires preparation for uneven sites. "Many are deceptively unlevel, particularly on the outside of the loops. Make sure you have leveling chalks as some of the sites are too uneven for auto leveling to work," advises Tanya R.
Seasonal pricing advantages: Virginia Beach KOA offers significant off-season discounts. "Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses. Otherwise it's a peaceful stay in the winter months," shares Leo S.
Concrete pad quality: The Colonies RV and Travel Park provides sturdy parking. "Site had everything you need. Bay on one side and ocean on the other. Little country store with good prices on things that campers actually need too," mentions Tim W.
