Virginia Beach isn’t just about boardwalk strolls and ocean swims. It’s home to campgrounds that let you unplug, breathe in salty air and lean into those laid-back coastal vibes. From rugged hike-in campsites to amenity-packed resorts with lazy rivers, mini golf and ice cream parlors, camping here runs the full spectrum. So pack the marshmallows and grab your sleeping bag—Virginia Beach has a campsite that’s calling your name.
State Park Campgrounds
For nature lovers, the state parks in Virginia Beach bring the wild right to your tent flap. Think shady hiking trails, quiet beaches and just the right amount of rustic charm.
First Landing State Park
Minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, First Landing State Park offers easy beach access, a children’s playground and nature programs at the Chesapeake Bay Center, where kids can peek at turtles and horseshoe crabs. With more than 200 RV and tent sites, four yurts and 20 rustic-but-comfortable cabins, it’s a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
When you need a snack or supplies, the Bay Store sells essentials like ice, firewood and fishing gear, while the Cape Snack Bar serves up burgers, hot dogs, fries and nachos. Trails are the real highlight here. Take the Live Oak Trail across Shore Drive to the Trail Center, the hub for exploring 19 miles of nature paths, including the Bald Cypress Trail, a kid-friendly 1.5 mile loop.
For longer outings, the 6.5-mile (one-way) Cape Henry Trail is made for exploring on two wheels. You’ll need to bring your own bike or rent one at many bike rental shops in town. Water lovers can arrange a kayak rental or guided paddle on Broad Bay with Chesapean Outdoors.
False Cape State Park
For a true off-the-grid escape, head to False Cape State Park. This mile-wide barrier strip between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean sits at the Virginia–North Carolina border. It’s one of the last places in Virginia where you can camp right on the beach.
Getting here is part of the adventure. There’s no direct parking; instead, overnight campers must leave their car at Little Island Park, then hike or bike five to nine miles through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (or arrive by small boat or tram in season). Reservations are required and same-day bookings aren’t accepted, so plan ahead.
Four campgrounds, two oceanside and two bayside, each offer 10 tent-only sites with picnic tables, lantern posts, potable water and privies. There are no cabins, hookups or electricity. Open fires are off-limits, though camp stoves are welcome.
Family Campgrounds
Prefer your camping with a splash pad, hayride and mini golf? The family campgrounds in Virginia Beach are packed with resort-style perks and easy access to the sand.
Virginia Beach KOA Holiday
Just 2.5 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach KOA Holiday is part campground, part playground. With more than 300 RV and tent sites, plus rustic cabins and fully-equipped deluxe cabins (think kitchens, bathrooms and big-screen TVs), you’ll find a camping setup that suits your style.
Two heated pools, a lazy river and a splash pad keep everyone cool in summer. The Pocket Park is the social hub. Picnic under shade sails, play games like cornhole, ladder ball and ping pong, or simply sway in a hammock. Kids love the jump pad, and summer Saturdays bring live music by local performers. Evenings wrap up at the community bonfire.
Getting around is a cinch. Rent beach cruisers, surrey bikes or golf carts on-site to move about the campground. Beach bound? Hop aboard the VB Wave Trolley at the KOA gazebo for a ride straight to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Seasonal festivals and themed weekends keep the calendar packed year-round, so no two visits feel the same.
North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages
On the south end of Virginia Beach, North Landing Beach RV Resort & Cottages pairs waterfront relaxation with family-friendly amenities. There are 61 full-hook-up RV sites and 61 modern cottages, ranging from studios to two bedrooms, many with dreamy river views.
For water lovers, there are endless ways to play. Kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals make it easy to explore marshes and quiet tributary streams, while boaters can launch their own craft at the launch. Fishing and wildlife watching are popular, but so is simply soaking up the sun at the pool or private sandy beach.
Back on land, there’s no shortage of family fun: volleyball, mini golf, bocce ball, batting cages, playgrounds, ping pong and courts for basketball and pickleball. Treat yourself afterward at the on-site ice cream parlor. Moms and dads who crave a little downtime can slip away to the adults-only fitness center or pool hall.
Holiday Trav-L-Park
Go big or go home. Holiday Trav-L-Park is the largest campground in Virginia Beach with more than 700 RV and tent sites plus cabins, cottages and even vintage trailers. The variety of options makes it easy to find your fit.
Four pools keep campers cool, while an 18-hole mini golf course, horseshoes, game room, three playgrounds and sports courts pack the schedule. Once the sun sets, the campground really comes alive with bingo, cornhole and hayrides, plus live music and DJs. Summer weekends feel more like a festival than a camping trip.
Beach access is a breeze. Hop on the seasonal VB Wave Trolley or pedal the 2.5-mile bike path that leads straight to the sand. Hungry? The Safari Café serves snacks, sandwiches and ice cream, while two convenience stores stock groceries, firewood and other camping essentials. Even doggos get spoiled with a fenced-in dog park and wash station.
About Our Writer
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 48 states).
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