Quick Definition
Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population and the most visited coastal destination on the mid-Atlantic coast. With approximately 460,000 residents, Virginia Beach is an independent city (not part of a county) that commands 35 miles of Atlantic coastline—the longest pleasure beach resort city in the United States. The area welcomes over 3 million annual visitors and sits at the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The city is home to First Landing State Park, the historic landing site of English colonists on April 26, 1607, before they continued on to found Jamestown. The park spans 2,888 acres of coastal forest and pristine beach. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches 3 miles of oceanfront promenade—one of the most active boardwalks on the East Coast. Nearby Naval Station Norfolk, just across the border in Norfolk, is the largest naval base in the world, providing year-round economic stability to the region. The iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, measuring 17.6 miles, connects Virginia Beach to Northampton County on the Eastern Shore and offers one of the most unusual scenic drives on the East Coast.
Peak season runs June through August, when temperatures soar and beaches fill with families. Off-season (October–April) transforms the area into a dramatically quieter, more affordable destination for RVers. See Coastal Virginia RV parks for broader regional options.
TL;DR
- Virginia Beach has 35 miles of Atlantic coastline—the longest resort beach city in the US
- First Landing State Park (2,888 acres) offers full-hookup RV camping within 1 mile of the Atlantic Ocean; book recreation.gov 6 months ahead for summer sites
- The Boardwalk spans 3 miles of oceanfront entertainment with hotels, restaurants, bike rentals, and the iconic 34-foot Neptune statue
- Peak season (June–August) requires booking RV parks 6–9 months in advance; competition is fierce on the East Coast
- Nightly RV rates run $55–$100 peak season ($35–$60 off-season)
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll is $18/vehicle one-way; longer vehicles are charged by the axle
Virginia Beach Access Zones: Four RV Bases
Virginia Beach offers four distinct RV camping zones, each with different price points, crowds, and proximity to attractions.
Oceanfront / Boardwalk (Atlantic Ave corridor): This is the premium zone. Parks here sit within walking distance of the Boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and direct beach access—ideal for families who want oceanfront entertainment without driving. Most sites run $80–$120 per night during peak season. You'll pay for convenience and the three-mile promenade at your doorstep.
First Landing State Park (Shore Drive, Cape Henry): The northernmost beach access point, this zone is quieter than the main Boardwalk hustle. The park entrance sits on Shore Drive (US-60) and features 6.5 miles of nature trails winding through a rare inland coastal bald cypress swamp—one of the few cypress bogs accessible on the East Coast. The state park campground runs $30–$45 per night with full hookups available, though recreation.gov reservations are required and book solid 6 months ahead for summer.
North Virginia Beach / Chesapeake corridor (Route 13 / US-17 north): More budget-friendly RV parks sit 10–15 miles inland from the ocean in this zone. You trade ocean proximity for lower rates and easier access to Chesapeake Bay via the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. Route 13 north heads toward the Bridge-Tunnel and appeals to RVers planning a longer Delmarva exploration.
South Virginia Beach / Pungo rural (Route 615 southwest): Yes, Virginia Beach has a farming area. This rural agricultural southern quarter offers quiet camping options and proximity to Chincoteague RV parks to the south. The zone sits near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (37 miles of protected Atlantic beach where vehicles are prohibited) and False Cape State Park, accessible only by foot, bike, or boat—no motorized vehicles allowed.
Things to Do Near Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Atlantic oceanfront: The 3-mile oceanfront promenade runs from 1st to 40th Street and pulses with activity year-round. Bike and surrey rentals cost $15–$30 per hour. The iconic Neptune statue—a 34-foot bronze figure—anchors 31st Street and is one of the most-photographed landmarks on the East Coast. Summer weekends feature free concerts at 31st Street Stage. The Life-Saving Museum at 17th Street documents the US life-saving service history. The Military Aviation Museum on Princess Anne Road houses the largest privately-owned WWII aircraft collection in the world, with over 60 flying aircraft and $18 adult admission.
First Landing State Park: Beyond its campground, the park itself is a destination. The April 26, 1607 landing of English colonists here predates the Jamestown settlement. The 2,888-acre property offers 2 miles of Chesapeake Bay beach, rare bald cypress lagoons (an inland cypress forest you won't find many other places), and 19 miles of hiking trails. The campground holds 218 sites with full hookups available. Fall and spring camping here—away from summer crowds—offers beach access with a peaceful, restored-beach-town feel.
Dolphin watching and parasailing (Rudee Inlet, 17th Street): Rudee Inlet is the main water sports hub. Dolphin-watching cruises run $25 per adult for 90-minute trips with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins guaranteed April through October. Parasailing costs $75–$95 per person with a 400-foot tow offering views of the entire 35-mile beach. Jet ski rentals run $80 per hour. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center sits adjacent with 2,200+ animals, a shark tank, IMAX theater, and $25 adult admission.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (36 miles of protected Atlantic beach, southern Virginia Beach): This 9,250-acre refuge spans beach, marsh, and forest with zero vehicle access on the beach—foot and bicycle only. Migratory waterfowl (snow geese and tundra swans) peak November through January. Loggerhead sea turtles nest June through August. Access via Sandpiper Road south of Virginia Beach; the seasonal Wildlife Drive welcomes bicycles and walkers.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel scenic drive: At 17.6 miles, this is one of the most unusual drives in the East. The tunnel passes under two shipping channels while the bridge affords views of both the Chesapeake and Atlantic. Toll is $18/vehicle (longer vehicles billed by axle). Fishing at man-made islands along the tunnel requires paid fishing passes ($12/day). Seagull Fishing Pier on Trestle 4 Island offers year-round access for anglers. The drive itself is a destination—plan an hour to explore the tunnel islands. See Virginia RV parks for more statewide options.
Practical Tips for RVing Near Virginia Beach
Peak season (June–August) booking: Virginia Beach is one of the most competitive RV markets on the East Coast. First Landing State Park summer sites sell out at the 6-month recreation.gov booking window—set a calendar alert and book at 8:00 AM ET on the day reservations open. Commercial parks near the oceanfront (Route 60 / Shore Drive) accept reservations 12 months ahead and typically fill by February for summer. Planning a July 4th weekend trip? Book in October the year before.
Bridge-Tunnel toll for RVs: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (US-13) charges $18 for a standard 2-axle vehicle. Longer vehicles with 3+ axles incur additional charges of $3 per axle. A 40-foot Class A motorhome with a tow car (dolly or flatbed) will be assessed as a longer vehicle—confirm current rates at cbbt.com before crossing. Exact change or E-ZPass required; the toll booth does not accept credit cards.
Sun and heat in peak summer: Virginia Beach averages 90°F+ in July and August; ocean water temperature sits 72–78°F. UV index frequently hits "Very High"—bring SPF 50 and reapply every 90 minutes on the beach. Cannonball and moon jellyfish are present in the surf July through September and can sting. Lifeguards are on duty 9:30 AM–6:00 PM; always swim within flagged zones.
Free beach access: All Virginia Beach oceanfront from Sandbridge to the North End is publicly accessible. Public beach parking costs $5–$10 per day on weekdays, $10–$15 on weekends during peak season. Arrive before 8 AM to avoid peak parking congestion. Most RV parks near the beach offer complimentary shuttle or tram service to the oceanfront—confirm this when booking to maximize your visit without driving daily.
Off-season advantages: Virginia Beach in October–April is dramatically quieter and more affordable. Nightly rates plummet to $35–$60. Dolphins remain in the bay through November. Sea turtle nesting concludes by October. Bird watching peaks October through December. The Boardwalk never truly empties but sees a fraction of summer crowds. Many park amenities and restaurants operate year-round. See Williamsburg RV parks for nearby options if you're exploring inland colonial Virginia.
Cost Math
Here's the raw math: a 3-night RV camping trip near Virginia Beach costs significantly less than an oceanfront hotel stay—and you still get beach access plus a full kitchen.
RV near Virginia Beach scenario:
- First Landing State Park site: $40/night × 3 nights = $120
- Fuel/utilities: ~$15
- Total: ~$135
- Plus: kitchen, full hookups, parking
Oceanfront hotel scenario:
- Virginia Beach oceanfront hotel: $285/night × 3 nights = $855
- Parking: $15/night × 3 = $45
- Total: $900
- No kitchen, no flexibility
Savings: $765 on a 3-night trip. You pocket the difference and have kitchen access, more space, and a 10-minute drive to the same beach. An RV park near the Boardwalk with a 5-minute bike ride to the sand still costs half what an oceanfront hotel charges for the same beach access. This value proposition is why Virginia Beach RV parks fill months in advance. For alternative options, explore North Carolina RV parks if Virginia Beach is booked.
Virginia Beach, VA RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Landing State Park | Shore Drive, VA Beach | Yes | No | $30–$45 | Yes | Limited |
| Holiday Trav-L-Park | Virginia Beach, VA | Yes | Yes | $55–$95 | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia Beach KOA Virginia Beach, VA | Yes | Yes | $60–$100 | Yes | Yes | |
| Outdoor Resorts of Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach, VA | Yes | Yes | $75–$110 | Yes | Yes |
| Ocean Breeze Campground | Virginia Beach, VA | Yes | Some | $55–$85 | Yes | Yes |
| North Landing Beach Resort | Chesapeake, VA | Yes | Yes | $50–$75 | Yes | Yes |
| Seashore State Park | Cape Henry area | Yes | No | $30–$42 | Yes | Limited |
| Chesapeake Bay KOA Virginia Beach north | Yes | Yes | $55–$80 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles of beach does Virginia Beach have? Virginia Beach has 35 miles of Atlantic coastline—the longest pleasure beach resort city in the United States.
What is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll for RVs? Standard 2-axle RVs pay $18 one-way. Vehicles with 3+ axles incur an additional $3 per axle. Confirm current rates at cbbt.com before crossing.
Does First Landing State Park have RV camping? Yes. The park operates a 218-site campground with full hookups available. Sites run $30–$45 per night via recreation.gov (book 6 months ahead for summer).
What is peak season at Virginia Beach? Peak season runs June through August. Book RV parks 6–9 months in advance. Off-season (October–April) offers quieter conditions and rates $35–$60 per night.
Are dolphins visible from Virginia Beach? Yes. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are guaranteed April through October on dolphin-watching cruises ($25/adult, 90 minutes). Dolphins remain in Chesapeake Bay waters through November.
What is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge? A 9,250-acre refuge with 36 miles of protected Atlantic beach (no vehicles allowed). Migratory waterfowl peak November–January; loggerhead sea turtles nest June–August.
Is Virginia Beach beach access free? Yes, all oceanfront from Sandbridge to the North End is publicly accessible. Public parking costs $5–$15 per day depending on season and day of week.
What is the Virginia Aquarium? The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (adjacent to Rudee Inlet) houses 2,200+ animals, a shark tank, IMAX theater, and charges $25 for adult admission.
How far is Virginia Beach from Washington DC? Virginia Beach sits approximately 185 miles south-southeast of Washington DC—roughly a 3.5-hour drive via I-64 and I-95.
What is the best time to visit Virginia Beach for RV camping? October through April offers the best value and quieter crowds; rates drop to $35–$60 per night. June–August provides peak beach weather but requires booking 6–9 months ahead at premium rates ($75–$110/night).
Thinking About Selling Your Virginia Beach-Area RV Park?
Virginia Beach RV parks sit at the intersection of three powerful demand drivers: over 3 million annual ocean tourists, Naval Station Norfolk (the largest naval base in the world, providing steady year-round workforce demand), and the Chesapeake Bay recreational fishing market. Properties here command among the highest RevPAR in Virginia's RV market. Peak-season rates of $75–$110 per night for quality oceanfront-adjacent sites create robust revenue potential.
If you own an RV park in Virginia Beach or the surrounding coastal region and have considered selling, reach out. Jenna Reed, Director of Acquisitions at rv-parks.org, specializes in evaluating and acquiring well-operated properties in high-demand markets. Email jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell to discuss your property's potential.