Best RV Parks near First Landing State Park: Historic Camping on the Chesapeake

Quick Definition

First Landing State Park is Virginia's most visited state park and the historic landing site of the first English colonists in America. Located in Virginia Beach on Shore Drive (US-60) at the north end of the city, the park encompasses 2,888 acres managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. On April 26, 1607—13 days before the Jamestown settlement—English colonists (part of the Jamestown group) first made landfall at Cape Henry, the exact spot now protected by this park.

The park is remarkable not just for its history, but for its ecological uniqueness. First Landing protects a rare inland bald cypress swamp ecosystem—one of only a handful on the East Coast north of the subtropical Southeast. Cypress knees rise eerily from black water, and the 7-mile Cape Henry Trail through this swamp offers a landscape found nowhere else in Northern Virginia. Beyond the swamp, the park offers 19 miles of hiking and biking trails, 1.5 miles of calm Chesapeake Bay beach (no Atlantic waves here), and a 218-site campground with full-hookup RV sites.

With 2+ million annual visitors, First Landing dominates Virginia's state park system. Yet despite its popularity, it remains remarkably serene—especially for those camping within the park's wooded grounds. The park sits just 4 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk, making it an ideal base for exploring both historic sites and beach tourism. For RV travelers, First Landing offers gateway access to Coastal Virginia RV parks across the region.

TL;DR

• Virginia's #1 most visited state park with 2+ million annual visitors—for good reason: 1.5 miles of calm Chesapeake Bay beach, rare inland bald cypress swamp ecosystem, 19 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a full campground within 4 miles of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• Historic 1607 English landing site, 13 days before the Jamestown settlement—the original Cape Henry Lighthouse (1792) and 1935 cross monument mark the exact location
• Full-hookup RV sites available—but book early. The park's most competitive sites fill at the 6-month reservation window for summer. Book via Virginia State Parks (https://reservations.dcr.virginia.gov), not recreation.gov
• Day-use entry $7–10/vehicle; camping $30–45/night—easily the lowest rates within 5 miles of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• Cypress swamp trails are the park's signature experience—there is nothing else like them within 100 miles. Morning light through the black water and twisted cypress is unforgettable
• Peak season (June–August) fills 6 months in advance; spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer better availability, stable weather, and the best migration birding on the Atlantic Flyway

First Landing State Park Access Zones: Four RV Bases

First Landing State Park sits at the intersection of four distinct RV camping zones, each with its own advantages for different traveler priorities.

First Landing State Park Campground (On-Site Camping)

This is the premium option for park-focused travelers. The park's 218-site campground is split into five sections (A, B, C, D, F), with sections B and C offering the full-hookup RV sites that make First Landing competitive. Sites nestle into wooded, shaded locations beneath loblolly pine and bald cypress canopy—quiet despite close proximity to Virginia Beach. On Shore Drive (US-60), the campground benefits from the park's interior location; you're only 15 minutes from the Boardwalk yet feel entirely removed from the city.

Maximum RV length varies by site; call ahead for large rigs at 757-412-2300. Many sites have mature tree canopy that may limit full slide-out extension. Request "open pad" sites in section B if you're operating a large-slide Class A motorhome. Park staff are familiar with rig-specific constraints and will accommodate special requests if you mention them during booking.

Shore Drive / North Virginia Beach (US-60 Corridor)

Commercial RV parks line Shore Drive and the North End of Virginia Beach, most within 5 miles of the park entrance. This corridor offers lower rates than oceanfront parks and a quieter neighborhood feel than the Boardwalk resort district. You're close enough to First Landing for day trips to the cypress swamp, yet far enough from the state park crowds. Several smaller, family-operated parks in this zone offer more personal service and longer-term discounts.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Atlantic Ave, 4 Miles South)

Oceanfront commercial parks cluster closer to Boardwalk action, typically $80–120/night in peak season. From here, the ocean is a 5-minute bike ride away; First Landing State Park becomes a 15–20 minute drive. Oceanfront parks are best for travelers prioritizing beach access and nightlife over natural quiet. You'll also pay more for the location premium.

Great Neck / Chesapeake Bay Corridor (US-60 / Great Neck Road)

Parks on the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake border offer solid access to both First Landing and the western Chesapeake Bay shoreline. These zones are generally lower-rate alternatives to beachfront and offer a mix of bay-focused and historic tourism amenities. They're ideal for travelers exploring the broader Chesapeake region, not just the state park. Check Virginia Beach RV parks for the full corridor directory.

Things to Do at First Landing State Park

First Landing's 2,888 acres and 2+ million annual visitors create pressure on trails and facilities during peak season. Yet the park's diversity means each visitor finds their own experience.

Bald Cypress Swamp Trail (Cape Henry Trail, 7 Miles Roundtrip)

This is the signature experience. The trail winds through a rare inland bald cypress swamp—a landscape normally found in South Carolina or Georgia, not the Virginia coast. The cypress knees rising from black water are eerie and beautiful, unlike anything else in Northern Virginia. Interpretive signage explains the ecosystem's presence: this swamp is a remnant of a warmer climate era, a living fossil from when the Atlantic seaboard was more subtropical.

The trail is most atmospheric in early morning light, when mist clings to the water and cypress silhouettes stand sharp against pale sky. Wear waterproof boots; spring flooding (March–May) can make sections impassable after heavy rain, though water drains within 48–72 hours. Check the First Landing State Park Facebook page for current trail conditions before heading out.

Chesapeake Bay Beach (1.5 Miles of Calm Water)

First Landing's bay beach on Shore Drive offers a stark contrast to the Atlantic side of Virginia Beach. Chesapeake water is calm, warm, and shallow—no waves, no rip currents, perfect for young children. Lifeguards patrol May–September; a beachfront concession stand operates seasonally. Day-use parking costs $7–10/vehicle (higher in summer). Morning swims here avoid the oceanfront crowds entirely.

Shore Drive Cycling and Birding

Shore Drive (US-60) alongside the park is one of Virginia Beach's premier cycling routes. The park's internal trail network connects to the Chesapeake Bay Trail, a multi-use, accessible path that stretches miles along the water. Birding here is exceptional: the park sits directly on the Atlantic Flyway, making April–May and September–November prime migration seasons. Bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons are year-round residents.

1607 First Landing Historical Interpretation

The park marks the landing site with interpretive signage and a historical marker at Cape Henry, near the original Cape Henry Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself (built in 1792) stands 2 miles from the park and is the oldest government-built lighthouse in the United States. Admission is $8; it's managed by APVA Preservation Virginia. The 1607 cross monument, erected in 1935, stands as the physical marker of the colonists' first footfall in Virginia.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Day Trip (4 Miles South via Shore Drive)

The 3-mile Boardwalk at Virginia Beach is walkable from the park or a 10-minute drive. The 34-foot Neptune statue anchors the scene; bike rentals and oceanfront restaurants line the promenade. The Military Aviation Museum (Princess Anne Road, 10 minutes inland) houses 60+ WWII aircraft and operates as a museum ($18 adult admission). This combo—state park camping at $40/night plus full Boardwalk access—delivers oceanfront experience at a fraction of hotel costs. See Virginia RV parks for comparable parks across the state.

Practical Tips for RVing at First Landing State Park

Virginia State Parks Reservations (Not Recreation.gov)

First Landing's full-hookup RV sites (sections B and C loops) are the most competitive state park camping in the Virginia Beach area. They fill at the 6-month booking window for summer (June–August). Book at 8:00 AM ET on the opening date via the Virginia State Parks reservation system at https://reservations.dcr.virginia.gov. This is NOT recreation.gov; Virginia's state parks operate their own platform separate from the federal system. If online booking fails, call 800-933-PARK.

Understand the site breakdown: sections B and C are full hookup (water, electric, sewer); section A has water/electric only; section F has no hookups. Request a specific site number if possible and mention any rig specifications (length, slide-outs, height). Availability outside June–August is far more accessible; spring and fall often have openings into late April and September.

Tree Canopy and Slide-Outs

Many First Landing sites sit beneath mature loblolly pine and bald cypress. Trees close to the site pads can limit or block full slide-out extension, especially on Class A motorhomes with multiple slides. If you have a large-slide rig, specify this during booking and request "open pad" sites in section B. Park staff know which sites have clearance; they will work with you if you ask upfront.

Shore Drive Traffic

Shore Drive (US-60) between the park and the oceanfront Boardwalk carries heavy Virginia Beach traffic in summer, especially weekends. Fridays 3–8 PM and Saturdays 10 AM–2 PM are worst. E-biking or cycling to the Boardwalk avoids traffic entirely and takes about 20 minutes; a multi-use path runs the full 4-mile stretch. This is often faster than driving and parking.

Day-Use Fees Are State-Park Specific

$7–10/vehicle for day users, higher June–August. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) does NOT cover Virginia state park day-use fees; state parks operate independently from federal NPS sites. Virginia State Parks sells its own annual pass ($75/year) that covers day-use at all Virginia state parks. If you plan multiple visits, the state pass pays for itself quickly.

Cypress Swamp Flooding and Trail Conditions

Bald cypress swamp trail sections flood in spring (March–May) after heavy rain. The park posts updates on the First Landing State Park Facebook page. Bring water-resistant footwear for the Cape Henry Trail; standard trail runners will get soaked in flooded sections. The flooding is temporary and drains within 48–72 hours of dry weather. Visit in clear seasons (June, September–October) if you want guaranteed dry trails.

Check Williamsburg RV parks for alternatives if you're flexible on location and want to explore Colonial Williamsburg during a multi-stop trip.

Cost Math

Three nights camping at First Landing State Park versus an oceanfront hotel in Virginia Beach:

First Landing State Park campground:

• Full-hookup site: $40/night × 3 = $120
• Day-use fee (first day only): $7
• Total: $127

Oceanfront hotel (peak summer, standard room):

• Room: $290/night × 3 = $870
• Parking: $15/night × 3 = $45
• Total: $915

Savings: $788 for three nights

First Landing sits 4 miles from the same Boardwalk beach you'd pay $290/night to access. That's a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride. You're not missing the beach; you're simply sleeping in a rare bald cypress forest instead of a hotel, while keeping $800 in your pocket.

First Landing State Park RV Camping: At a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

When did English colonists first land at what is now First Landing State Park?

April 26, 1607. The English colonists (part of the Jamestown expedition) made landfall at Cape Henry, the northern tip of what is now Virginia Beach. This was 13 days before the group sailed inland to found Jamestown on May 14, 1607.

What is the bald cypress swamp at First Landing State Park?

First Landing protects a rare inland bald cypress swamp ecosystem—one of the few found north of the subtropical Southeast on the East Coast. The cypress knees (aerial root structures) rise from black water in an eerie, beautiful landscape. The ecosystem is a remnant of a warmer climate era and normally appears in South Carolina or Georgia. The Cape Henry Trail (7 miles roundtrip) passes directly through it.

Does First Landing State Park have full hookup RV camping?

Yes. Sections B and C of the 218-site campground offer full-hookup sites (water, electric, sewer). Section A has water/electric only; section F has no hookups. Full-hookup sites range $30–$45/night and book through Virginia State Parks at https://reservations.dcr.virginia.gov. These sites fill early for summer (book at the 6-month window).

How do I reserve a campsite at First Landing State Park?

Book through Virginia State Parks (https://reservations.dcr.virginia.gov), NOT recreation.gov. The Virginia state park system operates its own reservation platform. Book at 8:00 AM ET on the opening date for your desired dates (6 months out for summer). If online booking fails, call 800-933-PARK. Peak summer sites fill within minutes of opening.

Is the America the Beautiful pass accepted at First Landing State Park?

No. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers federal National Park Service sites only. First Landing is a Virginia state park and requires the Virginia State Parks Annual Pass ($75/year) for unlimited day-use access. Day-use fees are $7–10/vehicle otherwise.

How far is First Landing State Park from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk?

4 miles south via Shore Drive (US-60). It's a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride. A multi-use path runs the full 4-mile stretch, making cycling the fastest option during peak traffic times (especially Friday–Saturday afternoons in summer).

What wildlife lives in First Landing State Park?

The park sits on the Atlantic Flyway, making it exceptional for migratory birds (April–May, September–November). Year-round residents include bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and various waterfowl. The bald cypress swamp shelters specialized ecosystems adapted to swamp water. White-tailed deer, raccoons, and river otters are present but less visible to day visitors.

What is the Cape Henry Lighthouse near First Landing State Park?

The original Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, stands 2 miles from the park and is the oldest government-built lighthouse in the United States. It's operated by APVA Preservation Virginia and offers admission for $8. The lighthouse marks the approximate location of the April 26, 1607 landing and provides panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay entrance.

Can I park an RV at First Landing State Park's beach day-use area?

No. The beach day-use area has standard parking only (not RV-specific). You must camp in the 218-site campground to overnight an RV at the park. Day-use parking is $7–10/vehicle. If you're day-using, parking at the beach lot is sufficient; overnight parking requires a campsite reservation.

What are the best trails at First Landing State Park?

The Cape Henry Trail (7 miles roundtrip) through the bald cypress swamp is the signature hike. The park offers 19 miles of trails total; other notable routes include the Woodland Trail (connects to the Chesapeake Bay Trail multi-use path) and the Beach Trail along Chesapeake Bay. Trail conditions vary seasonally (spring flooding possible). Check the park's Facebook page before heading out.

Thinking About Selling Your RV Park near First Landing State Park?

First Landing State Park's 2+ million annual visitors create consistent gateway demand for private parks within 5 miles. The park's position at the north end of Virginia Beach—near the Boardwalk but away from the resort-hotel corridor—gives private parks nearby a distinct market position.

Private parks on the Shore Drive corridor serve both the history/nature market (cypress swamp tourists, birdwatchers, history buffs) and the ocean tourism market (Boardwalk visitors seeking affordable alternative lodging). The combination of Chesapeake Bay access, historic site proximity, and rates 30–40% lower than oceanfront hotels creates steady demand across seasons.

If you own an RV park near First Landing—or you're considering selling—let's talk about your park's market position and value. Reach out to Jenna Reed at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell to explore acquisition and partnership opportunities.