Camping is a great American pastime, and there's no better way to experience the outdoors and make fond memories than to pitch a tent, pop-up camper or RV at a Virginia State Park.

The best camping in Virginia starts at Virginia State Parks

There's just nothing finer in the hot summertime than to camp near a body of water where you can play and recreate. Fortunately for us, we have three awesome campgrounds in eastern Virginia that take the cake. You can wander in and wade to cool off in these three Virginia State Parks, but we warned they are not lifeguarded so you will swim or wade at your own risk.

Two are perched along the shores of the largest natural bay in the world, the Chesapeake. One at the mouth outward facing and one inward on the Eastern Shore with views of the cargo ships and fishing the third is located on the historic James River just a short ferry ride to Colonial Jamestown and Williamsburg. So pack up the trailer, or get your tent in order and ready for camping season in Virginia.

Here are some of my favorite camping destinations in the eastern part of the state, found only at Virginia State Parks. If I could only choose three, then these would be my top three, you will see why:

1. | FIRST LANDING STATE PARK

The location of this park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th-century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812. A Legend says that even Blackbeard hid in the Narrows area of the park, and interior waterways were used by Union and Confederate patrols during the Civil War. 

As one of Virginia's most-visited and beloved state parks, it's an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has over 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage (no lifeguard so swim at your own risk). 

First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife. The campground offers water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available.

First Landing allows guests to reserve specific campsites. Also, here are photos of the sites. Total sites = 202

2. | KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK

On Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers incredible recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitats along the Atlantic flyway.

Guests enjoy the park's boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, picnic areas, 5.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, playground, beach bathhouse and swimming beach. Popular seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology. You may camp in your RV, or tent, rent the yurt (part cabin-part tent), and there is also a bunkhouse (camping lodge).

All sites may be specifically reserved. Click here for pictures of the sites. Total sites = 138

3. | CHIPPOKES STATE PARK

Just a short ferry ride from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. It has been a working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. 

You will be rewarded with fossils as you beachcomb along the majestic James River, and have the opportunity to see wildlife such as Bald Eagles in their natural habitat. 

The park provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic.

Chippokes allows guests to reserve specific campsites.Here are photos of the sites. Total sites = 51

BONUS

Each of these state parks is in proximity to Virginia's historic triangle. Spend a day at Yorktown, Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg. These parks are great bases to explore nearby sites of interest.

Fossil hunting along the historic James River at Chippokes State Park

LET'S GO CAMPING

Twenty-eight state parks throughout the state offer camping (click here for park rates) with a total of more than 1,800+ campsites. Site sizes, configurations and amenities vary. Some parks provide sites with electric and water hook-ups, which tend to be larger to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers. Kiptopeke and Hungry Mother campgrounds offer sewer hook-ups.

Most campgrounds are open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December; primitive sites are available year-round. Douthat, Hungry Mother, Pocahontas and Shenandoah River state parks have full-service campgrounds open year-round. 

Developed and group campsites have picnic tables, grills and access to bathhouses. Here is a list of campgrounds with RV sites.

See Part 1 of this series here: Top 3 Favorite Camping Destinations in Western Virginia

GO PRIMITIVE

Primitive campsites generally have fire grills, picnic tables, pit toilets and non-potable water. Primitive hike-in camping is available at Caledon, False Cape and Sky Meadows. Primitive drive-in camping is available at James River, and hike-in and canoe-in sites are available at New River Trail and Shenandoah River, and Belle Isle state parks. Equestrian camping sites are available at Grayson Highlands, James River, New River Trail and Occoneechee state parks.

HORSES

Some parks have equestrian campsites, most with horse stalls, find a list of those places here. 

HYBRID CAMPING

If you want to go camping but don't have all the equipment, you can always rent a camping cabin, camping lodge or yurt, learn more here.

See all the yurts in Virginia State Parks.

PETS

The campgrounds are pet-friendly. One of the great things about Virginia State Parks is that you can bring your four-legged loved ones along as well.

There is no charge for your pet to stay with you in your campsite, so Fido can come too but, of course, there are limits. Learn more about pets in parks here.

SCORE BIG EARN POINTS

When you reserve, be sure to sign up for the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points that may be used for free overnight stays.

HOW TO BOOK

Visit the online reservation site to reserve your campsite, or to ask any questions about amenities and features of a particular park or campground. You can also call 800-933-7275 Monday - Friday.

#ThinkOutside