V
V C.
Scout
ScoutVirginia Beach KOA
kid friendly
It was nice and kid friendly just didn’t have any room. you are packed in here.
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Townsend, Virginia (53)
1. Kiptopeke State Park Campground
54 ReviewsTownsend, VA2 milesWebsite+1 (757) 331-2267$132 - $413 / night
"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."
"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."
2. First Landing State Park Campground
119 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VA19 milesWebsite+1 (757) 412-2300$32 / night
"FLSP is a real Gem in the midst of a very busy Virginia Beach. The campsites range from tenting with no hookups to 20, 30, and 50 foot sites with water and electric."
"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."
3. Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
39 ReviewsCape Charles, VA8 milesWebsite+1 (757) 331-3063"It's nearby for Tidewater Virginia campers. Great swimming, fishing, boating and playground opportunities"
"This campground is close to Virginia Beach and is super accessible . My kids loved the paddleboats as well as the waterpark. There is a general store and a little arcade ."
4. Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA
13 ReviewsTownsend, VA2 milesWebsite+1 (757) 331-1776"Location-wise, you are not too far away from downtown Cape Charles, where you can enjoy lots of shopping, restaurants and bars. The closest grocery store is about 15 minutes away."
"Close to bike trails for some great rides. Great sunset views."
5. Sunset Beach Resort
5 ReviewsTownsend, VA3 milesWebsite+1 (757) 331-1776"On-site restaurant and on Bay Beach within walking distance. Very nice bath houses."
"Our campspot was a short walk to the beach which is nice."
6. Holiday Trav-L-Park
46 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VA26 milesWebsite+1 (866) 849-8860$25 - $92 / night
"We stayed at Holiday Trav-L-Park in Virginia Beach for the first time for 3 nights in July. As our travel trailer is small, we were able to stay in site #152. "
"I stayed here to go to a concert in downtown Virginia Beach when high-season hotel rates made booking a room too pricey."
7. Chesapeake Beach KOA
4 ReviewsTownsend, VA3 milesWebsite$59 - $89 / night
"Situated in the Chesapeake Bay, they have a large beach front area with plenty of room for chairs and blankets. They have a great pool area with plenty of seating."
8. Virginia Beach KOA
37 ReviewsVirginia Beach, VA27 milesWebsite+1 (757) 428-1444"Definitely plenty to do and a short Uber distance to the World Famous Virginia Beach."
"You can take trolley to Virginia Beach. The pools were clean and lots for kids to do without leaving."
9. The Colonies RV and Travel Park
11 ReviewsHampton, VA21 milesWebsite+1 (757) 788-4305$25 - $59 / night
"Lovely small campground located inside a National Park land. Full hookup sites are named after the original 13 colonies. Nicely situated between Williamsburg, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach."
"One of the most scenic and peaceful campgrounds in the state of Virginia, you are right by the water (it’s almost like an island), 2 minutes walking distance from a secluded beach, add two more minutes"
10. Thousand Trails Virginia Landing
11 ReviewsNassawadox, VA23 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Was a nice place to stay about 1.5 hour drive to either Virginia Beach or assateage."
"We stayed near the water with full hookups. This place is absolutely beautiful and must have been amazing in its prime. No updates are being made and most everything was shut down."
Recent Camping Photos near Townsend, VA
159 Photos of 53 Townsend Campgrounds
Ross B.
Kiptopeke State Park Campground
Alexa D.
Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA
adam B.
Sunset Beach Resort
Stacey G.
Sun Outdoors Cape Charles
Janet R.
Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park
Adam and Suzanne B.
First Landing State Park Campground
Jenn P.
The Colonies RV and Travel Park
autumn L.
Thousand Trails Virginia Landing
RL
Wisteria Beach Hideaway
Star C.
Holiday Trav-L-Park
todd B.
Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area - Park and FamCamp
Marc W.
Virginia Beach KOA
Recent Reviews near Townsend, VA
647 Reviews of 53 Townsend Campgrounds
KEVIN B.ScoutSandy Point Resort Campground
Don't run up on Liz
4 OUT OF 5 STARS! Sandy Point Resort Campgrounds is a great place to bring your kids/grandkids for camping, fishing and swimming but stay to the front of the campgrounds, the back area by the shower house where the permanent residents live is sketchy balls. I am a retired military Veteran and we have been bringing our family and friends here for 15+ years. My daughters are in their mid-20s now and they still love camping here. They have so many fun memories whether it was catching frogs, catfishing at night, playing cornhole or swimming off the pier. To this day we still laugh about our fun times.
Unfortunately our time at Sandy Point has ended, I have been banned. Yes banned. My wife and I went fishing there one weekend afternoon and did not buy the day pass,$7.50 per person. We have been fishing like this over the years and had never been charged or told we needed a day pass. In all honesty we did not know. We always bought our bait at the onsite store and from the store you can see the fishing area we always went to so it wasn’t like we were sneaking on. On this particular day we had just started setting up to fish when Liz, an employee that works in the store and lives in the back area of the campground(sketchy balls) pulled up to where we were at. Accompanying Liz was her husband who my wife and I thought was also an employee of the campground. He is not. When Liz asked if we had a day pass I said no and did not know we needed one because we had been coming here for so long. I said no problem I’ll go get one. I never stopped smiling and never raised my voice. It was not an issue to get the pass. Liz’s husband(remember, not an employee) started in on us, he was rude, he looked like he was ready to fight and as I’m walking toward the store to get the day pass he was following and harassing me. Earlier when I was in the store buying bait Liz came in and told the employee working that they(Liz and husband) needed more beer. So Liz and husband had been drinking before coming over to ask if we had gotten the day pass. No issue with Liz talking to us, she’s an employee but husband…no, he should not have said a word. He was downright harassing us. Forward ahead about 4 or 5 weeks, my wife and I go back for another weekend afternoon to fish. I went in the store to buy bait and the day pass, Liz is working. She asked if I was Kevin and then told me I have been banned from the park. When I asked why she said that I had come back to fish and did not buy the pass. I told her I had not been back since the last time when she told us about the pass. She then said well you were confrontational that day. I told her I never stopped smiling or was not even close to confrontational. She then said well your wife ran up on me. Now folks, this is one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard about my wife. She does not run….anywhere….hahaha. I told Liz my wife does not run and Liz said well she jogged up on me. Again folks…this did not happen. The reason for being banned changed four times while I stood there. Liz has been working at Sandy Point for a few years and I always…repeat always tried to make her laugh or smile when I saw her. I have never done anything to make her or any employee feel threatened or uncomfortable. I am always smiling and always in a great mood. Liz on the other hand will remind you of a disgruntle Eeyore, never happy or smiling. Always seeming as if she hates being there and has no joy in life. I never understood this because she gets to live on the campground. But because of not buying a day pass to fish(didn’t know), being accused of doing it again after being told(didn’t do it), being confrontational(nope), my wife running/ jogging toward Liz(hahahaha), I have been banned. So unfortunate.
I have reached out to Janice, the owner, by phone and email. No return calls back and no response to my email. All my wife and I are asking for is a sit down with Janice and Liz so we can tell our side of what happened. I assure you Janice what you are being told by Liz is not what the truth really is. I am a 24 year Veteran, family man and good person. I guarantee my character references will blow the doors off of Liz’s.
So I would give the campground 5 stars but because the shower house needs a little cleaning up and sometimes it gets rowdy after quiet hours on the weekend from other guest I can only give it 4 stars. Still a fun place to camp and enjoy time with family and friends as long as you don’t run up on Liz.
PearlScoutHoliday Trav-L-Park
When it’s the off-season, it’s the OFF-SEASON!
We are currently camping in the 100-200 area. It's January and there are very few rv's here. But, the water pressure is still weak. If you camp here, make sure your onboard tank is full and your water pump works because you're going to need it. Only certain comfort stations are open. The sites are dumpy and not well maintained. The campers here are run down and it looks like a trailer park. The pool is covered and heated though. So, that's a positive. The pool is green and there are no bathrooms/showers on the pool deck. The bathrooms/showers are outside the pool area across rough pavement which gets burning hot in the summer time.
Daniel W.ScoutHoliday Trav-L-Park
When it’s off-season, It’s OFF-SEASON!
We are currently camping in the 100-200 area. It’s January and there are very few rv’s here. But, the water pressure is still weak. If you camp here, make sure your onboard tank is full and your water pump works because you’re going to need it. Only certain comfort stations are open. The sites are dumpy and not well maintained. The campers here are run down and it looks like a trailer park. The pool is covered and heated though. So, that’s a positive. The pool is green and there are no bathrooms/showers on the pool deck. The bathrooms/showers are outside the pool area across rough pavement which gets burning hot in the summer time.
Leo S.
GuideSea Mist RV Campground
Very nice base RV campground
I've stayed at two sites and they were spacious and flat. Connections were well maintained. Bath house was very nice for a campground. I'd stay here again!
Beth B.
LegendNorth Landing Beach Campground
Relaxing time with friends
We stayed in RV close to friends, both in RV sites and in cabin. Park is well maintained and friendly staff. Lots of included activities, my family played pickle ball, mini golf, and bocce ball. We were there in October and the park had a haunted house with included hay ride. My teenage sons had a great time. They even got into the water both days we were there because weather was still warm.
- KKaren A.Scout
Thousand Trails Williamsburg
Nice camp ground indoor pool and hot tub are nice features spots are pretty tight for bigger 5th wheels
People are very friendly and helpful. I do wish they would escort to site
Vidalia S.LegendWare Creek Wildlife Management Area
Ware Creek parking lot
Parked overnight in designated parking area. No motorized vehicles beyond signs. Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit. No amenities. Good t-mobile coverage. Fires allowed, but no cleared fire ring.
- jjoann B.Scout
Camp Cardinal RV Resort
Nice venue
Just like a koa, pool ( not open in Nov.), jump pad, ice cream store, on water, . A plus there are 4 sites with dog enclosure gates . Lots of dirt roads to ride bikes for toddlers
Guide to Townsend
The Chesapeake Bay region near Townsend, Virginia offers camping opportunities within a coastal ecosystem characterized by tidal marshes and sandy shorelines. The area experiences mild winters with average temperatures around 45°F and humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching above 85°F. Campgrounds in this region typically have minimal elevation changes, making most sites accessible for all types of camping setups.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: Kiptopeke State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access 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," reports Annemarie R., who warns that these fish "have sharp spines on their gill plates and dorsal fins that inject a mild poison."
Beach activities: The Chesapeake Bay offers calm waters ideal for swimming with children. "The beach and staff there are nice. Crabbing and fishing there's very popular. Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at," explains Gabby B. about her experience at Kiptopeke State Park.
Hiking opportunities: Wooden boardwalks and nature trails are accessible throughout the region. At First Landing State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "hiking and biking in the park" with "large, private sites among really cool, bent trees," according to Adam and Suzanne B.
What campers like
Private tent sites: While RV sections tend to be open, tent areas often provide more seclusion. At First Landing State Park, campers appreciate that "the campsites were surrounded by the forest but you're in walking distance to the beach," as Timothy B. notes. He adds that "the shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I've seen at a campground."
Bay views for sunsets: Thousand Trails Virginia Landing offers spectacular evening views. "The sunset over the old pier is breathtaking," shares Angelica K., who adds "my kids loved catching tiny crabs in the mud every night." Robert P. agrees that "the scenery is amazing, especially at dusk and dawn."
Multi-pool options: Many campgrounds feature multiple swimming pools to prevent overcrowding. At Virginia Beach KOA, visitors enjoy "two great pools, tons of activities for the kids even during the week," according to Marc W., who adds they "have transportation via Trolly bus that comes through frequently throughout the day to transport you to Various beach side activities."
What you should know
Proximity to military installations: Campsites along the southern Chesapeake Bay may experience occasional noise from nearby bases. At First Landing State Park, campers on "the southern side of the park near the beach" 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," explains Nita D.
Site selection considerations: For more privacy, research specific site numbers. At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, James A. advises: "Hint: for more privacy (tent campers) ask for site 6 or 7." At Kiptopeke State Park, Aaron S. recommends: "Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop."
Loop-specific amenities: Different camping loops may offer varying hookup options. "C loop has full hookup where A and B do not," notes Aaron S. about Kiptopeke State Park. At First Landing, the variation in sites means "the first two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover," according to Ashley I., who adds that "tent sites are wooded, no RVs allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season advantages: Consider camping after the summer rush for a better experience. Rebecca E. at Holiday Trav-L-Park warns about summer conditions: "The main playground was a mud pit. No real place to swim on the bay, but they do have a pool." The mini golf course can be "run down - missing bricks and flooded ball holes" during busy periods.
Kid-friendly activities: Sun Outdoors Cape Charles (formerly Cherrystone Family Camping Resort) offers extensive recreation options. "It has 5 swimming pools, very clean and well maintained. It has mini golf and paddleboats. It has a great kids program with lots of activities," shares Susan P., adding that "the restaurant has the best food."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature wildlife that fascinates children. At The Colonies, Jenn P. reports: "I like they built towers for the osprey to build nests. I watched birds catch crabs next to the bathhouse." At Virginia Landing, families can enjoy "clamming, kite flying" in a "wide-open" park where kids can "freely run around," according to Jason G.
Tips from RVers
Winter camping considerations: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced rates. Leo S. notes that at Virginia Beach KOA, "prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses." He adds it's "peaceful stay in the winter months."
Connectivity for remote work: For those needing to stay connected, signal strength varies by location. Leo S. reports that at Virginia Beach KOA, "T-Mobile signal is nice and strong for my needs, both for work and entertainment. Easy to get in and out of the campground."
Site levelness and hookup access: At Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA, "spots were pretty tight, but we assumed as much," reports Michelle W., who appreciated that "the bathhouse was superb! So clean and bright/airy." Erika S. recommends "spot 818 is the best spot at the resort. You have the best of both worlds, sun and shade and it's a large spot with room to spread out."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Townsend, VA?
What camping is available near Townsend, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Townsend, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 53 campgrounds and RV parks near Townsend, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Townsend, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Townsend, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Townsend, VA is Kiptopeke State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 54 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Townsend, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Townsend, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Townsend, VA.
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