The idea of going on a camping trip usually conjures up images of a dense forest or rugged mountainside. And there are more than a few of these in this amazing state. But that’s just the beginning. Did you realize Virginia had so many incredible coastal camping sites as well? You can trade in the sound of chirping crickets or howling coyotes for soft breezes and lapping waves when you go waterfront camping in Virginia. You won’t just have a day at the beach – you can have the whole night there, too! Here are some spots for beach camping in Virginia you’ll want to consider next time you plan your weekend camping trip.

1. False Cape State Park
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
4001 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Just south of Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park offers stretches of pristine shoreline. Visitors can set up camp here and brave the elements with little distractions and few amenities. In fact, access to the beach can only be made by foot or bicycle. There are 12 campsites offered along the peninsula's coast. Be sure to pack plenty of bug spray, though. Mosquitoes can be especially pesky in this part of the state.
2. Kiptopeke State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Kiptopeke State Park is located at the southern end of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Visitors can enjoy a mile of shoreline along the bay. Something unique about this beach is that 150 miles offshore, there are old concrete ships from WWII that serve as a breakwater. The campground here accommodates both tent and RV camping and there are two large bathhouses for convenience. During the summer months, be sure to make reservations ahead of time as these spots can be very popular.

Take a look at the shipwrecks you’ll find here:

3. Chippokes Plantation State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr

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695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA 23883, USA
jimmy thomas/flickr
Overlooking the beautiful lower James River stands the picturesque Chippokes Plantation State Park. The nearby tract of land is actually the oldest continually worked farm in the country, as it's been in operation since 1619. The park is named for the 1850s plantation which also overlooks the James. Camping here is quiet and serene. The sites are tucked back near the pines. Nearby features include a swimming pool, hiking trails, and of course, the waterfront.
4. Maddox Family Campground
Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA
Boris Burnayev/flickr
This campground allows campers to explore the unspoiled beaches of Assateague Island. These protected beaches of the Atlantic shoreline make the most memorable backdrop to your camping experience. The family campground has been in business since 1968 and offers over 500 sites. These sites are located in a convenient spot to amenities on Chincoteague and the unspoiled beaches of Assateague. Spots can be reserved ahead of time, and tend to fill up quickly on holiday weekends. (Editor's Note: Maddox Family Campground is no longer in operation.)
5. Westmoreland State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Westmoreland State Park is situated along the beautiful coast of the Potomac River. Much of the park is heavily wooded, although the most breathtaking spots are a mix of sand and cliffs. One of the most noteworthy features of Westmoreland is the abundance of fossilized shark teeth that can be found here. There are 133 campsites here, all of which are roomy and secluded. You can expect these sites to fill up quickly in the summer, so reservations are key.

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous area:

6. First Landing State Park
Virginia State Parks/flickr
2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Just outside of Virginia Beach, First Landing is one of the state's most frequently-visited state parks. The camping sites themselves run parallel to the Chesapeake Bay, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Campers can enjoy exploring boardwalks or hiking the 19 miles of trails that the park has to offer. This is also a great site for nature enthusiasts, as it is one of the most biologically rich areas in the state.

What are your thoughts on beach camping in Virginia? Have you stayed overnight on any of Virginia’s shores? We’d love to hear about your camping experience in the comments! If you’d like more camping options, check out these wonderful camping spots in Virginia.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Virginia

William Suphan | April 12, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Virginia? 

The most incredible natural attractions in Virginia include:

  • Natural Sand Caves. This cave was created by wind and erosion over millions of years. You can find it at Cumberland Gap National Park.
  • Breaks Interstate Park. This area is considered the Grand Canyon of the South. It is the largest canyon east of the Mississippi.
  • The Channels. These are corridors of stone that you can wander through near the town of Lebanon.
  • The Shenandoah Forest Canopy Walk. Get a Breathtaking view of The Verdant forest from the Sky Bridge.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Virginia. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Virginia? 

Bucket list natural wonders in Virginia include:

  • Assateague Island National Wildlife Refuge. The beautiful and rugged terrain here is on a barrier island shared by Maryland and Virginia. 
  • Devil's Marbleyard. This is a mountain of boulders That was formed during the last Ice Age and is made up of broken ancient bedrock. 
  • Great Falls Park. This is a gorgeous natural area that is popular among locals for hiking and kayaking.
  • Luray Caverns. These beautiful caves were discovered in 1878 and it has a pool where the water looks like a sapphire gem. 

Find out more about bucket list natural wonders in Virginia. 

What are the best hiking trails in Virginia? 

The best hiking trails in Virginia include:

  • Theodore Roosevelt Island. Located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, this park has an amazing trail with historical points along the way. 
  • Dark Hollow Falls. This is a strenuous hike that leads to gorgeous waterfalls that are an excellent payoff and well worth the effort. 
  • Bluebell Trail. Located in Bull Run Regional Park, this trail wanders through fields of gorgeous wildflowers that bloom during the spring.
  • Union Mill Trail. This Trail follows a stream in the Hemlock Overlook Regional Park and makes for a wonderfully relaxing stroll.

Discover more about the best hiking trails in Virginia. 

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