1) First Landing State Park Campground
One of the most popular parks in Virginia is the First Landing State Park, right on the Chesapeake Bay. It is the first State Park established in the state and is recognized as the spot where English settlers landed in back 1607. The park has 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking as well as 1.5 miles of Bay Front sandy beach for swimming, paddle boarding and shell collecting. The habitat is a mix of maritime forests and cypress swamps so you know you might see rock pigeon, morning dove and osprey. During the winter you can scan the ocean for humpback whales and harbor porpoises. The campground itself has a variety of accommodations from primitive tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, cabins and yurts. All are walking distance to the sandy beach. Make your reservations early if you plan to stay during the busy summer months and bring your sunscreen for one of the absolute best places to camp near Virginia Beach!
2) False Cape State Park
Further down the coast, past Sandbridge Beach is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. False Cape State Park is just past the wildlife refuge and has campsites on the ocean and bay side. The state park and wildlife refuge work together to provide tram tours for visitors where they might come across some of the wildlife in the park and along the shore like loggerhead turtles, tundra swans and sandpipers. From the beachside campsites you might even see a dolphin or two leaping out of the water near shore. If you want an adventurous camping trip then staying right on the sandy beach at False Cape State Park might be what you are looking for. You can only access the sites by foot, bike or kayak/canoe and you have to have reservations. During high tides the campsites may be closed and be sure to be aware of the tides when choosing the location for your tent. There are four different camping areas with some on the Bay side and others right on the Atlantic ocean. There are pit toilets and water available and while you can’t have a campfire on the beach you can use your camp stove to cook up some pasta or soup for dinner. Sounds like an adventure!
3) Virginia Beach KOA Holiday
At the other end of the spectrum is the resort-like Virginia Beach KOA Holiday. The campground has two large pools a giant water slide, playground, and a jumping pillow. The park is only 2.5 miles from the beach with a shuttle or rent some bikes and bike to the beach for the day. There are planned activities for families and kids as well as a basketball, volleyball and a zip line. Choose from tent camping, RV sites or one of the cabins. Some of the deluxe cabins even have private baths and upgraded patios with patio table and chairs. Some RV campsites have full hookups and some of the tent sites have either water/electric or no hookups. Definitely one of the absolute best places to camp near Virginia Beach!
4) North Bay Shore Campground
Located south of the Virginia Beach area, also near the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the North Bay Shore Campground. This 100 site campground is an amazing find with many of the right on the bay. There is a mix of tent camping, RV sites, cabins and you can even rent a pop-up camper for a hassle free camping trip. The campground has a swimming pool, rec room and a playground. Rent one of the boats to explore the Wildlife Refuge or head over to Sandbridge Beach, Oceanside, for some swimming. There is both freshwater and saltwater fishing where on the ocean side you can fish from shore for cobia, flounder and drum or take a boat out further for some deep sea fishing for marlin or tuna! A remarkable way to spend a weekend camping trip (or longer!).
5) Holiday Trav-L Park
One of the absolute best places to camp near Virginia Beach is at the popular Holiday Trav-L Park. This family friendly campground has four swimming pools, mini-golf, playground and snack bar right on site. There are planned activities and special events like the NAS Ocean Air Show, Neptune Festival and the Fall Oyster Fest. The campground has tent sites, RV sites and cottage/cabin/trailer rentals. Although there is tons of activities to do right at the campground, people come to Virginia for the beach. Luckily the beach is only 2.5 miles away and you can take a shuttle, drive and park in the reserved Holiday Trav-L parking lot or take the paved bike trail that goes right from the campground. So much to do and see, and not just in the summer!
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