Virginia Beach KOA
The Virginia Beach KOA has tent camping as well as sites for RV travelers. Tent sites are primitive but have fire rings with grills, water spigots and picnic tables. RV sites have standard 30- or 50-amp electric, water and sewer connections. All guests may use the showers and bathrooms. Pets are allowed if leashed. AAA and Good Sam travel club discounts are offered. There is a trolley that takes visitors to the beaches where there is surfing, salt-water fishing, swimming and sailing. The Virginia Aquarium and Research Center is within 30 minutes' drive.
Virginia Beach KOA
1240 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1444
koa.com
First Landing State Park
Visitors looking for primitive camping can stay at First Landing State Park, part of the Virginia State Park system. Camp sites are primitive or partial hookup equipped (water and electric.) Tent campers have level sites to pitch tents, along with picnic tables and fire rings. RVs can be accommodated but should be self-contained with gray-water holding systems. Pets are allowed if leashed. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. Pit toilets and freshwater spigots are on the premises. There are nine hiking trails in the park, totaling 19 miles of trail. Fishing and crabbing can be found in Chesapeake Bay.
First Landing State Park
2500 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415
(757) 412-2300
dcr.virginia.gov
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park has 12 campsites that are hike-in, backpack or bike-in access only. There is no motor-vehicle access into the camping areas of the park. Campsites are popular during the summer months, and reservations are required. Reservations can be made online through the state park website. Tent sites are primitive. Pets are allowed but must remain leashed at all times in the park. Guests need to bring water-purification systems and containers to transport water from the lake. There are pit toilets at the campground. Rangers ask that guests adhere to carry-in and carry-out policies. No open fires are allowed, but cook stoves are permitted. Guests staying in the park can spot many species of birds and catch occasional glimpses of fox, raccoons and the rare black bear.
False Cape State Park
4001 Sandpiper Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 426-7128
dcr.virginia.gov
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
