Virginia Beach camping suggestions

purduepete97 · 01-02-2017, 09:54 PM

If anyone has input/advice on camping in the VA Beach area I'd appreciate the info. Looking to head there this summer for 7-10 days.
Currently looking at KOA or Holiday Trav-L-Park.

Also looking for suggestions for an easy and safe overnight stop on Hwy 35 in southern Ohio/northern W Virginia. Doesn't seem to be much out there. . .
Thanks in advance!

Crabman · 01-02-2017, 10:03 PM

If you don't mind crossing the CBBT to the eastern shore I recommend Kiptopeke State Park. About 20 miles from Va Beach, much less traffic and much quieter.

Crusadernoob · 01-02-2017, 10:07 PM

We've stayed at Holiday Trav L Park multiple times, every time around July 4th, definitely a party spot! Us, not so much, we just requested a site out of the middle of things, we really liked it and would use them again. They do own a parking lot at the beach, 10 minute ride, or take the free shuttle. If we were to go back we would go with the premium sites.

purduepete97 · 01-03-2017, 12:10 PM

Thanks all. Crusader - are the premium sites less party-ish? If not, is there a section you can suggest that would be quieter?

We aren't exactly the party type either. Will be there July 7-15, so I suspect it'll still be busy as it is close to the holiday and in peak season.

johnm1 · 01-03-2017, 02:01 PM

We liked 1st Landing State Park. Water and electric only. Nice bath houses (at least they were a few years ago). Almost literally right on the Chesapeake Bay. Can go back and forth between beach and camper when you run out of adult beverages!

bondo228 · 01-03-2017, 02:17 PM

Definitely the Holiday Trav L Park. Much better than the KOA (in my opinion) and would agree with the above post about getting a premium site. A little extra money, but well worth it!

757Dave · 01-03-2017, 03:00 PM

Tell us what you want to do while you are visiting VB. Stay on the beach, visit relatives, hang out at the camp site, play tourist walking the boardwalk, visit other destinations nearby, (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Naval Base?)

awellis3 · 01-03-2017, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purduepete97

Thanks all. Crusader - are the premium sites less party-ish? If not, is there a section you can suggest that would be quieter?

The super sites are across the street from the bandstand and near the pool. 'Nuff said. They pack 'em in here right tight, too, so a super site is your best bet. On the plus side, I can get on my bike and ride it to the beach from this park. You can bike/walk to a convenience store just outside the park, too.
As stated above, if it's a more peaceful setting you want, First Landing State Park is the way to go. It is on the Chesapeake side of Cape Henry. Plenty of restaurants on Shore Drive and a nature/bike trail out of the back side of the park takes you into Va. Beach at 64th St.

Two Munchkins · 01-03-2017, 04:09 PM

We normally stay at Trav-L-Park 3 - 4 times per year. As mention by another person, travl-l-park has a parking lot one block from the beach. We either drive down there in our tow vehicle and enjoy the beach or we take our bicycles and ride the two miles on the bike trail. The shuttle is available also. We try to stay away during the holiday period (4th of July week and Memorial day) lots of bikers.
We always stay on the Super Sites. Much more room and paved sites.

Have fun,
Bill & Kathy

keeprr · 01-03-2017, 04:37 PM

Stayed at the KOA last summer. Not bad but the Holiday Travel Park looked better when we checked it out. Both are expensive. When to First Landing State Park afterwards and stayed two weeks. Sites are very private and quiet. Many are a few steps from the beach. Attached are some photos of First Landing State Park.

VAlover · 01-03-2017, 05:19 PM

We love First Landing State Park, and we live in the area. The only drawback is no sewer hookup, but that has never been a deal-breaker for us. Lots of shade for most spots, quiet hours are observed. If interested, you can take your dog on the beach in the park area. The park is on the bay, the beach is wide and not crowded. If you're into surfing, you will want to go to the ocean beach area around first street.

Crusadernoob · 01-03-2017, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purduepete97

Thanks all. Crusader - are the premium sites less party-ish? If not, is there a section you can suggest that would be quieter?

We aren't exactly the party type either. Will be there July 7-15, so I suspect it'll still be busy as it is close to the holiday and in peak season.

From what we could tell a lot less "energetic" so to say in the premium sites, all flat, plenty of room, expensive, but July at the beach, what are ya gonna do! If we ever went back to VA Beach, we would definitely do Holiday Trav L Park premium site. I would get on with the booking SOON, we have gone the past 3 years just around the 4th, we had tough times getting a site. Got lucky the last year we went, got the last site that would accommodate us!

danield · 01-03-2017, 06:36 PM

We perfer KOA. We camping there last year for a week and really like the place. We go every year to the VA Beach Neptune Festival held this year from 9/29 - 10/1 on the board walk. There is sand sculpting by professional, art/craft show on the board walk. concerts, etc. With KOA, we know what to expect since they are all part of a greater organization versus those campgrounds which are privately owned and we have been to a few that were the pits. Just my comments on this issue. Have fun.

rlschurman · 01-03-2017, 08:43 PM

I agree about holiday travel park. The premium spots are worth it. We stayed there on many trips to the beach. I wouldn't stay anywhere else.

tdiller · 01-04-2017, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purduepete97

If anyone has input/advice on camping in the VA Beach area I'd appreciate the info. Looking to head there this summer for 7-10 days.
Currently looking at KOA or Holiday Trav-L-Park.

Also looking for suggestions for an easy and safe overnight stop on Hwy 35 in southern Ohio/northern W Virginia. Doesn't seem to be much out there. . .
Thanks in advance!

If you by any chance are military or retired military or maybe know someone in the military that can vouch for you look into Ft. Story. My daughter put us up in the camp cabins down there when she was stationed in Norfolk.

purduepete97 · 01-09-2017, 09:48 AM

Thank you all for the great feedback. Really appreciate it. I think we're going to redirect to Branson for this summer. Probably more our speed - busy but not crazy, and can get away from the people more easily when we need some peace and quiet.
Not saying we won't try VA Beach in the future, but maybe look for a time that is a little more off peak.
Thanks again
Pete

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