Norfolk is a waterfront city in Virginia's southeast region with a population of 238,005. It's considered the historical, financial, urban, and cultural center of the Hampton Roads area due to its location near the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach. This city has a long history of being a strategic military and transportation point. Many railroad lines originated in Norfolk. Today, the city is home to the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, as well as one of NATO's strategic command headquarters.
Norfolk was first laid out as a town in 1682. This was after a Virginia General Assembly act that stated how each county needed to have an established trade center. The town was named after Norfolk County in England. In its early days, Norfolk served as a trade outlet for North Carolina. They dealt with lumber, tar, tobacco, and hides coming out of that state. As time went on, Norfolk became a major hub for shipbuilding and repairs.
Visitors to Norfolk will find several museums such as Nauticus. This maritime museum features a World War II battleship, Battleship Wisconsin, which is open for tours. The Chrysler Museum of Art showcases European and American sculptures and paintings, as well as a large glass collection. Families enjoy the Riverside Virginia Zoo, where they'll find everything from farm animals to lions and bears. You'll also find an extensive collection of native plants intermixed with lakes, ponds, and creeks to explore at Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
If you want to enjoy the coastline without fighting the crowds that are often found at the nearby Virginia Beach, Norfolk's Ocean View Beach provides you with seven miles of quieter coastline. Fishing, kayaking, sailing, and crabbing are popular activities here. There are several parks available along the beach. These are wonderful spots for picnics, and family-friendly parties and movies are held on the beach during July and August. Don't forget to stop by Ocean View Fishing Pier and try the fresh seafood in the pier's restaurant.
Among the RV parks near Norfolk, you'll find The Colonies RV and Travel Park. It's located on an army base in Fort Monroe. The property is surrounded by water, and it includes 14 sites with full hookups. Guests can enjoy the fire pits, volleyball and tennis courts, and horseshoes. A convenience store and pavilion rentals are available in this RV park. Rates start at $58 per night.
Ocean Pines RV Park in nearby Virginia Beach has pet-friendly RV sites starting at $25 per night. The property features a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and a grill area. Cell reception and Wi-Fi are available, and guests can enjoy activities like swimming and archery. There's also a playground for small children.
Chesapeake Campground is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They provide guests with access to a game room, picnic and party pavilions, and basketball and tennis courts. You can enjoy exploring the property by taking a carriage ride or renting a kayak or canoe. Weekly rates start at $26.25 for two people. Each additional person is $5.25 more. Monthly rates start at $78.75.
First Landing State Park is 16 miles from Norfolk on Chesapeake Bay's shore. The 2,800-acre preserve includes 20 miles of forested trails and 1.5 miles of beaches. There are bald cypress swamps, lagoons, and a maritime forest to explore. Turtles, dolphins, herons, foxes, squirrels, and wolves all call the park home.
Chippokes Plantation State Park can be found 41 miles from Norfolk. It encompasses 1,947 acres along the banks of the historic James River. This is the same river that the original colony of Jamestown was located on. Across the river from the park, you'll find an active archeological dig site that is uncovering the colony's remains. You'll learn even more about the area's history as you explore the park's antebellum mansion, antique equipment, and formal gardens. There's even an interactive farm depicting farm life throughout several centuries. Guests can enjoy 12 miles of hiking trails and activities such as swimming and fishing within the park.
Merchants Millpond State Park is 48 miles from Norfolk, and it encompasses 3,296 acres of lush swamp forests filled with Cypress trees and coastal ponds. Wildlife found within the park includes alligators, mink, bobcats, and otters. You'll find nine miles of trails available for hiking and biking as you explore the area. This includes the Coleman Trail, Lassiter Trail, and Bennet Creek Trial. Kayaking is available on the tranquil waters of Merchant Millpond.
Fort Monroe National Monument has a rich history. It was once the home of Native American tribes and the site of British and Union military installations. The land also has ties to Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln. Most importantly, it's the spot where the first ship carrying slaves from Africa landed in 1619. Explore the streets inside of the fort's walls, see the batteries and moat, and view remnants of the area's history as you explore the site. Hiking trails include the easy-to-navigate, 0.6-mile Moat Walk and the paved 1.4-mile Waterfront Trail.
Colonial National Historical Park - Cape Henry Memorial marks the spot where colonists from England landed in 1607 after a dangerous and long trip at sea. Learn about the role the area played in the Revolutionary War, as well as the seafaring traditions of the cape. Hiking trails range from the 0.25-mile Cape Henry Walkway to the 6.1-mile Cape Henry Trail.
Yorktown Battlefield is the site of one of the most important Revolutionary War battles. The British Army surrendered to the American Army on this land in 1781. It was the last key battle of the war, and it marked the beginning of independence. You'll view the allied siege lines, learn about the British defenses, and discover what war was like in the country's infancy. Explore the park by driving along the Historic Tour Road or hike the many easy-to-navigate trails available to guests.
Croatan National Forest is a wooded coastal region surrounded on three sides by water. Among the 159,885 acres, you'll find swamps, bogs, salt estuaries, and pocosins. Early European settlers saw this area as uninhabitable, but the Native Americans thrived here due to the abundant fishing and wildlife. They saw the land as the perfect spot for growing many vegetables and herbs successfully. Today, visitors can explore the area by walking the forest's many hiking trails. Wildlife includes black bears, squirrels, raccoons, bobcats, wild turkeys, and alligators.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests encompass 1.8 million acres of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. It's home to 40 species of trees. The majority of them are pines and hardwoods. The forest has 200 species of birds, 100 species of fish and mussels, and 2,000 varieties of plants. Enjoy the 2,000 miles of hiking trails while visiting. This includes a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Typical wildlife found in the forests includes black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and bobcats.
The Monongahela National Forest includes 919,000 acres of highlands in West Virginia. It's the home of the state's highest mountain peak. You'll find 75 tree species here, including red spruce, balsam firs, and mountain ash. Explore the 825 miles of trails while visiting, and you may spot a few of the nine endangered or threatened species of wildlife that call this forest home.
Shenandoah National Park is 185 miles from Norfolk. It encompasses 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it features forests, 4,000-foot-high peaks, and waterfalls. Explore the park by driving along Skyline Drive, or take advantage of hiking trails that range from easy-to-navigate paths to more challenging adventures. This includes a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Other activities found within the park are mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, and horseshoes.
Congaree National Park is located 390 miles from Norfolk, in South Carolina. It's named after the Native American tribe that once called this area their home. It features the East Coast's tallest trees. In addition to the hardwood forests, you'll find the Congaree River and swampy floodplains to explore. The park includes ten hiking trails. These range from the 0.3-mile Longleaf Trail to the 11.7-mile Kingsnake Trail. All of the trails are easy to navigate due to the park's flat terrain.
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is 440 miles from Norfolk. It encompasses 500,000 acres with endless forest ridges and panoramic views. You'll discover a wide range of plants and wildlife, along with over 2,000 miles of mountain streams and rivers. Explore the park by hiking the 800 miles of trails, bicycling, driving, or on horseback.
When renting an RV in Norfolk, Virginia, you can expect to pay $200 a night for motorhomes and $100 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Norfolk, VA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Norfolk, VA?Norfolk, Virginia is on the Chesapeake Bay in southern Virginia. There is easy freeway access to the town, and there are beaches where you can enjoy the bay. Be sure to save time to visit the Chrysler Museum and the Virginia Zoo while you're in town.
What are the RV rental requirements in Norfolk, VA?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites if you are unsure about traveling there. and any regulations they may have.
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Norfolk, VA?Renting an RV in Norfolk, Virginia means you'll be seaside, and near a massive naval station. Be sure to check traffic information before you hit the road, and allow for possible delays. Late May to early September is the best time to visit Norfolk, but it's also the busiest. If you plan to visit in summer, be sure to make a reservation at a campground to ensure you have a spot.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Norfolk, VA?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Norfolk, VA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Norfolk, VA?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Norfolk, VA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Norfolk, VA?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
