Glamping near Cheriton, Virginia centers around the Chesapeake Bay shoreline where the Eastern Shore peninsula narrows to just 5 miles across. The region sits at sea level with tidal marshes and sandy beaches dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 65-75°F range with frequent bay breezes.
What to do
Beach activities: access varies by location. At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, visitors enjoy two distinct beaches. "This park is a nice place to bring your family to camp, fish, crab and relax by the beach and collect seashells. It has 2 beautiful beaches, one that allows pets and the other does not," notes Annemarie R. The park features wooden boardwalk trails leading to different beach areas, including wheelchair-accessible options.
Water sports: rentals available on-site. Cherrystone Family Camping Resort provides various water equipment. "There is plenty to do. Pool, beach, fishing, boat rentals, golf, paddle boats, bike rentals, and crabbing. They also have a snack shack that steams crabs, and a restaurant on site if you don't feel like cooking," writes Melissa P. The resort also offers charters and sunset cruises at affordable rates.
Birding and wildlife viewing: dawn/dusk optimal. The Eastern Shore peninsula serves as a critical migration corridor. "Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails," shares Stuart M. Wildlife sightings often include deer, rabbits, and various shore birds, particularly during migration seasons.
What campers like
Sunset views: westward-facing sites premium. Visitors consistently mention spectacular bay sunsets as a highlight. "We had a site looking over the water and amazing sunsets," shared a visitor about their glamping experience at First Landing State Park Campground. The park offers yurts and cabin accommodations with water views. "Large, private sites among really cool, bent trees. Clean, up-to-date facilities," Adam and Suzanne B. note.
Clean facilities: regularly maintained. Campers appreciate the well-kept amenities at Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA. "Beach is gorgeous and clean. Sites are easy to back into and connect. Bath houses are clean but could use some bleach," reports Alexa D. The KOA maintains multiple bathhouses across the property, making them accessible from all camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: multiple species available. The Chesapeake Bay provides diverse fishing experiences. "I did enjoy the fishing pier and got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin," shares Annemarie R. Local piers and boat launches allow access to both shallow and deeper water fishing without requiring a boat.
What you should know
Site locations vary significantly in shade coverage. At Kiptopeke State Park, site selection impacts comfort. "First two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Tent sites are wooded, no RVs allowed," explains Ashley I. Sites further from water typically offer more shade but sacrifice water views.
Seasonal considerations important for comfort. Summer brings heat, humidity and insects. "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there," mentions Gabby B. Most glamping sites open from April through November, with peak demand in July and August.
Local supplies limited: prepare accordingly. Virginia Landing RV Campground sits in a remote location. "It is very isolated, make sure you have everything you need, it's a 30 minute drive to the Walmart," warns Sean R. Most campgrounds offer basic supplies at camp stores, but selection and prices vary considerably.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: available at select sites. Family-friendly amenities differ across locations. "We had a blast! There is a TON of stuff for the kids. The pools and water activities were PERFECT!" reports one camper. However, facilities vary widely. "The main playground was a mud pit. No mulch or sand to absorb the water. The other playgrounds were small and/or run down," notes Rebecca E. at Holiday Trav-L-Park.
Activities for children: scheduled programs available. Organized events keep kids engaged. "It has a great kids program with lots of activities. Amazing sunset views from the beach. Fishing, crabbing, you name it... they have it," Susan P. shares about Cherrystone. Many campgrounds offer weekend events including holiday-themed weekends through October.
Beach suitability: varies by location. Not all beaches are equally child-friendly. "This campground is a resort KOA - those are campgrounds with more amenities. With the campground on the bayside its so close to the oceanside that the beaches still have that ocean feel," explains Tara M. about Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. Beach gradients, wave action, and facilities differ between locations.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: density varies. Many campgrounds place RV sites close together. "The only reason I am giving 4 stars is for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my spot being In a cul-de-sac. But driving back to my spot I noticed all the A and B spots for trailers are just on top of each other," notes Joseph H. about Kiptopeke State Park.
Hookup availability: check before booking. Full-service sites are limited at some locations. "This is a great campground. Well maintained, nice and quiet. C loop has full hookup where A and B do not," advises Aaron S. Reservation systems typically indicate hookup availability, but calling ahead confirms current status.
Level site challenges: bring leveling equipment. Some campgrounds have grading issues. "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," shares Rebecca E. Bringing extra leveling blocks and stabilizers helps manage uneven terrain.
