Best Campgrounds near Townsend, VA
Virginia's eastern coast, particularly along the Chesapeake Bay, offers several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. Kiptopeke State Park Campground provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping experiences on the bay shore near Cape Charles. Additional options include First Landing State Park Campground at Virginia Beach, Sun Outdoors Cape Charles (formerly Cherrystone Family Camping Resort), and several KOA locations including Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA. These campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities with most offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities.
Seasonal considerations significantly influence campground availability in this coastal region. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though some like Virginia Landing RV Campground operate seasonally from April through October. Facilities typically include full hookups, with many offering 50-amp service for larger RVs. Beach access constitutes a major draw, with swimming areas along the Chesapeake Bay. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one visitor noted, "After Labor Day there was a much chiller vibe, the beaches were not crowded at all. The slightly cooler and less humid weather made tent camping much better than mid-summer sweatfest, but the water is still warm enough to swim."
The Chesapeake Bay shoreline represents the primary attraction for campers in this area. Sites near the water receive consistently positive reviews, with many visitors highlighting beach access, fishing, and water activities. Several campgrounds feature fishing piers, boat launches, and equipment rentals for kayaking and paddleboarding. Crabbing opportunities remain particularly popular, with one camper reporting they "caught like 40 crabs in half an hour." Many sites in the area lack significant shade, particularly in the RV sections which tend to be more open field camping. The tent-specific areas generally offer more tree coverage and privacy. Hiking trails, boardwalks, and bird watching opportunities supplement water-based recreation, with several parks maintaining nature programs and ranger-led activities during peak season.
