First Landing State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, just north of Virginia Beach, you’ll find First Landing State Park, Virginia’s oldest and most popular state park, clocking in over a million visitors each year. Whether you prefer to explore on land or play near the sea, First Landing State Park offers a vast amount of recreational activities and boasts 20 miles of forested trails and 1.5 miles of sandy beaches over its 2,800-acre preserve. First Landing State Park is steeped in history, named for the first English colonists who landed there in 1607, and home to many diverse habitats including bald cypress swamps, maritime forests, and lagoons, as well as unusual plants and wildlife like herons, turtles, dolphins, squirrels, foxes, wolves and more.
Summers are the busiest and best time of year to visit First Landing State Park thanks to warmer, humid weather and temperatures of 73°F to 84°F, while winters mean chillier temperatures of 39°F to 51°F. If you’re planning a trip to the area, First Landing State Park is a “must see” with its natural wonders and ample outdoor activities, as well as historical sites found throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, jam-packed adventure or a little of both, First Landing State Park has a lot to offer you.
Spring 52-65 F
Summer 73-84 F
Fall 59-68 F
Winter 39-51 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in First Landing State Park
If you’re looking to camp out in or near First Landing State Park, you’ll find plenty of RV parks and campgrounds in the area. Whether you’re visiting during the heat of the summer or the chill of the winter, stay in style (and comfort) by renting an RV from RVshare.com. Not only does it provide you with the freedom to travel and explore the area at your own pace, but there’s also an RV for virtually every budget and preference. Plus, you can travel with peace of mind knowing you have 24/7 roadside assistance and nationwide insurance.
With your RV in tow, you can stay on-site at First Landing State Park, where they have over 70 campsites equipped with water, electric, and fire grills. Rates vary based on the season but average around $40 per night for non-Virginia residents. As spots at First Landing State Park fill up fast, especially in the summer, here are two nearby RV parks and campgrounds.
Holiday Trav-L-Park
Holiday Trav-L-Park is located just south of Virginia Beach, a short 20-minute drive from First Landing State Park, and is the perfect base camp for exploring the area. The campground holds 700 campsites and is chock full of activities no matter the time of year. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out the swimming pools, playgrounds, mini-golf course, and basketball court. Depending on the season, rates start at $30-$55 per night for electric and water hookups.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Trolley to the beach, full-service bathhouses, swimming pools, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, dog park, cafe, convenience stores, laundromat, dumping station
North Bay Shore Campground
North Bayshore Campground is a peaceful, quiet campsite set away from the busy highway in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This quaint campsite offers visitors a chance to sit back and relax or enjoy the great outdoors by swimming in the pool, kayaking on the bay, or fishing off the canal. Located in southern Virginia Beach, the campsite is about 30 minutes away from First Landing State Park and within several miles of seafood restaurants and local attractions. Rates start at $55 per night for electric and water hookups.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Swimming pool, private showers, babysitting, game room, playground, boat ramp, dumping station, kayaks and canoes to rent
What to Do at
First Landing State Park
Inside First Landing State Park
Whether you’re looking for a low-key getaway or an active weekend adventure, First Landing State Park has just what you need. There are over 1.5 miles of sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, ideal for relaxing by the water, going for a swim, or spending an afternoon in a boat or kayak. Further in-land, nature lovers will delight in the 20 miles of trail that weave through forested trails and feature stunning natural habitats, from towering bald cypress trees to maritime forests, making for beautiful sightseeing, hiking, and biking. First Landing State Park also offers educational programs at its Chesapeake Bay Center for those interested in learning more about the park’s flora, fauna, and history.
Here are a few more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Trails - The trail network at First Landing State Park is expansive, with 10 trails of varying in intensity and length. Cape Henry Trail is a 6.1-mile trail and a park favorite for hikers and bikers alike because of its wide path, flat terrain, and views of Lake Susan Constant, salt marshes, and dense forests. Guided trail walks are available during peak season and trail maps are available at the Trail Center.
Swimming and Kayaking - The calm, cool waters of the Chesapeake Bay are perfect for swimming, especially on a hot summer day, but be cautious as there are no lifeguards on duty. You are welcome to go kayaking and canoeing, although you’ll need to rent equipment or bring your own.
Fishing and Boating - Fishing and crabbing are fun activities at the park, especially for young children. Boating enthusiasts can launch their motorboats at the boat ramp located at the 64th Street extension in the southern area of the park, which also includes restrooms and parking for cars and boat trailers.
Outside First Landing State Park
Once you’ve had your fill of fun at the First Landing State Park, venture over to nearby Virginia Beach to check out the historical sites, quaint restaurants, live entertainment, shopping, nightlife, and more. Norfolk is also within driving distance if you’d like to check out the waterfront, naval and art museums, zoological park, botanical gardens, and top-notch restaurants.
Restaurants
Blue Seafood & Spirits
This small, chef-owned restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and local cocktails and brews. Specialties include crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, and other creative seafood fares based on the chef’s farm-to-table philosophy. With top-notch seafood, drinks, and atmosphere, this restaurant is not one to miss.
Type: Seafood, American
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Belvedere Coffee Shop
This restaurant has been a landmark on Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront for over 40 years, serving up the quintessential diner experience with delicious fare, including the Belvedere Omelette, the crab sandwich, biscuits and gravy, and French toast. With excellent service and a waterfront view, this local hot spot is highly sought after for breakfast and lunch.
Type: American, Cafe, Diner
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Shopping
Town Center
Located in downtown Virginia Beach, Town Center is a shopping center, dining mecca, and entertainment hub rolled into one. Dine at family restaurants like Tupelo Honey, Romano’s Macaroni Grill or P.F. Chang’s or upscale establishments like Sonoma or McCormick’s & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. Catch a free show at the Sandler Center Plaza outdoor space in the evenings or browse the paintings at the Jones Art Gallery. Retail shops and smaller boutiques offer clothes, crafts, and other souvenirs.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
ViBe Creative District
This eclectic neighborhood is a hub for creative businesses in the culinary, music, and traditional arts, whether that’s woodworking, painting, or beer brewing. Grab a coffee at Java Surf Cafe or a bite at Beach Bully BBQ and walk around to see the vibrantly colored wall murals painted by local artists. You can also check out the weekly Old Beach Farmers Market for a taste of local flavors.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Sightseeing
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 28-feet wide path that spans three miles along the coastline, offering a host of outdoor restaurants and cafes, live entertainment and musical acts, and plenty of space to go biking or rollerblading. Be sure to also check out the nautical sculptures near Atlantic Avenue and the 24-foot tall bronze statue of King Neptune on 31st Street.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Dating back to 1792, the Cape Henry Lighthouse sits on the Chesapeake Bay as a beacon for cargo boats and other traffic heading to port. After concerns about its stability, a second lighthouse was erected in 1881. Take a climb up to the top of the lighthouse for gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay. General admission costs $10.
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
How to Get to
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is located on US-60/Shore Drive about 15 miles from Norfolk and 4 miles from Virginia Beach. From Norfolk, take Interstate 264 E to I-64 W toward Richmond and take exit 282 to get onto US-13 N/Northampton Blvd toward Bridge-Tunnel/Chesapeake Bay. Go through eight lights, then turn right at the US-60/Shore Drive exit. Take a right on Shore Drive and go 4.5 miles until you reach the park entrance. From Virginia Beach, take US-60 north for 4 miles before making a slight left at the entrance of the park.
Address: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415
Entering First Landing State Park
The park is open every day from 8 am until dusk.
First Landing State Park Per vehicle : $7.0
Weekdays
First Landing State Park Per vehicle : $10.0
Weekends
Now that you know all about First Landing State Park, we’re excited for you to get out there and start your adventure! We’d love to hear all about your trip — whether you kayak with the dolphins, hike alongside the cypress trees, or relax on the beach — so tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and fun anecdotes to [email protected]. We might just feature your story on our blog or social media. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About First Landing State Park
Fall is the best time of the year to visit First Landing State Park. The park is much less crowded, and the mosquitoes and heat have subsided from the summer.
The climate is very hot in the summertime, but the breeze from the ocean and bay helps. In the winter, temperatures can often get below freezing in First Landing State Park.
First Landing State Park features a variety of wildlife. Visitors may see deer, coyotes, turtles, porpoises, and snakes during their visit, depending on the time of the year.
Yes. There are more than 200 RV sites at First Landing State Park, and many of them have hookups for RVs.
No, but it is strongly recommended that you do, especially in the summer high season. You can make reservations online or by phone. The fee for camping at the park ranges from $24 to $32 per night.