First Landing State Park Campground
C
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Beautiful but noisy (updated)

Updated after a second trip (August 2020) This campground is generally really lovely, lots of trees, good Chesapeake beach access, but not very well designed for tent camping. Some of the sites are as I observed on our first trip, but all are not created equal. A lot of them are small and close to the camp road and run right into each other (no privacy) and lack sufficient flat space to pitch two tents. So many of the camper/RV sites have lots of flat private space behind where the RV would be parked, which would be great for pitching tents. The map is not to scale; sites 130, 132, and 133 back on to site 84, for example. Site 83 backs on to site 93, which in turn is open to 94. These three would be nice for a large group camping together. The sites on the east side of the campground back right on to the boundary fence of the neighboring military base (barbed wire fence). Restroom capacity (in COVID times) is supposedly limited to the safe number of 10, but 10 would be way too many. Four stalls and three sinks do not work out to 360+ square feet of space.

Initial review (August 2019) The tent sites at this campground were gorgeous. Deep and private-feeling and well shaded. But so close to the road. I saw the map that clearly indicates Shore Drive running alongside the campground and I thought, “It can’t be that close!” But it is. Four lanes of 55mph traffic running within 25 yards of all the tent sites on the south side of the campground.

We had such a fun time, despite the noise and lack of sleep, that we will almost certainly go back, but will definitely book one of the interior loop sites or maybe even one of the 20’ camper sites instead. Additional points: multiple daily nature programs for all ages in summer, really helpful staff, but the “camp store” doesn’t sell many camp supplies or groceries except ice and firewood.

  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of First Landing State Park Campground by Ch. A., August 10, 2019