Sandy Bottom Nature Park, near Hampton, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from the city. This park offers a mix of camping options, including tent sites and unique accommodations like yurts and tent cabins right by the lake.

The campground is known for its beautiful trails that wind through the area, perfect for hiking and biking. Visitors rave about the chance to kayak and fish in the serene waters, with boat rentals available for those who want to explore the lake. As one happy camper put it, “To kayak here it’s the bomb!”

While the sites are first-come, first-served and require a short hike from the parking area, the effort is worth it. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around the fire. Just remember to bring your own firewood and bug spray, as the park is a natural habitat for wildlife.

The park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. With a nature center and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a great choice for families and anyone looking to unwind in nature.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Newport News is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Virginia camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Newport News, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Newport News

The Best Camping Near Newport News, Virginia

This campsite and park is a ton of fun. We've never camped here but we lived about 5 minutes down the road from the park and absolutely loved it. There are miles of trails around the lake and through the woods you can follow. It is extremely dog friendly with a fenced in dog park as well. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour. This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. I would recommend this spot to anyone who wants a convenient family friendly camping/outdoor experience.

Great for outdoor activities

Lots of hiking trails to walk &amp; turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do. It was so pretty &amp; so fun. We took out two dogs with us too. There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions. Definitely will go back!

Super fun!

Love

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. 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

Nature in the County 

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.  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.

Photos of Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Real photos from real campers