Discover the best campgrounds near Norfolk, Virginia with swimming

United States
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Virginia
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Norfolk

99% (147 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Norfolk

5 top campgrounds near Norfolk with swimming

Dog-friendly getaways

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Lightwood Forest

1 site · Lodging110 acres · Spring Grove, VA

Lightwood Forest is an ancient forest of mixed beech, oak, poplar, and other hardwoods in rural Surry County, Virginia, and is some of the earliest settled land in English North America. The stream that runs through Lightwood Forest was the original southern border of the land given by Chief Powhatan to his daughter Pocahontas, and her husband John Rolfe, as a wedding gift. Their son Thomas's house was somewhere on the property or in a neighboring field. The forest is magnificent, and is an example of a rapidly dwindling ecosystem in Tidewater Virginia. There are many possible camping sites on the 110 acres. On the property stands Lightwood House, the 18th-century home of a Revolutionary War soldier and his family. The house is available for overnight stays, or as a central meeting place for campers and guests. The property is only rented to one party at a time, with exclusive use of the entire estate. The house can be viewed as a sort of time machine, but with all modern comforts and necessities. Lightwood provides lovers of history and nature the opportunity to enjoy both--either as campers or house guests. This unique house and property offers visitors a rare opportunity to escape the twenty-first century and venture into a haven of peace, quiet and solitude. Learn more about this land: Within the expansive and protected boundaries of Lightwood Forest, many delightful and secluded camping sites can be found. Choose between green meadows or woodland settings with ancient majestic oaks, stately poplars or silvery beeches and sycamores as your nearest neighbors. A well-trodden walking trail, over two miles long, meanders through this, your very own Hundred Acre Wood. Up hills and down ravines, along ancient cart paths and road beds, wander at your own pace through this beautiful forest, watching all the while for, and sharing your space with, Lightwood's very own forest denizens. Who might that be, you ask? Well, look for quite the array of bird species including woodpeckers and owls, hawks and wild turkeys, ravens and crows. Be on the lookout for woodland tortoises and turtles as well as raccoons and possums, who all live within the protected boundaries of Lightwood Forest. You may not see them during the day, but if you look closely on the little sandy beaches that line the mossy banks of the streams that run through the property, you'll see their tiny paw prints, letting you know they were there, drinking at leisure from the clear, clean water of their protected forest home. In the depth of winter, a house on neighboring property can be glimpsed at a distance through the woods, but other than that camping sites deep within Lightwood Forest are completely secluded from any sign of civilization. The cozy and comfortable historic eighteenth-century house sleeps up to ten guests as well as up to two doggy friends. All modern conveniences are available including WIFI, a six-foot jetted tub and walk-in marble shower in an expansive downstairs bathroom. Lightwood Forest is a land steeped in history. The main stream that traverses the property marked the southern boundary of the wedding gift given by Wahunsonacock, alias Chief Powhatan, upon the marriage of his favorite child, Pocahontas, to John Rolfe, in 1614. While the property seems far from civilization, the small town of Surry is only 1.5 miles away. Additionally, a short ferry ride away, across the mighty James River, are the nationally renowned historic museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Historic Jamestowne. All lie along the beautiful, scenic Colonial Parkway. Lightwood is the perfect retreat for lovers of both history and nature as well as for souls in search of peace, quiet and solitude.

Serenity cove

2 sites · RVs7 acres · White Stone, VA

Enjoy the natural serenity of this hideaway on the shores of the historic Antipoison Creek (so named by Capt John Smith), minutes to the Chesapeake Bay by boat or car. The area offers boating, fishing, and an abundance of wildlife (deer, turkeys, waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey. otters and more). Bring your boat and moor at our dock. Property owners reside full-time on this property in a newly constructed home.

The Guinea Farm, Field, and Forest

4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Diggs, VA

The Guinea farm is 18 acres of feild and forest on the rural middle pennensula. Only 1 mile from 2 separate secluded beaches and a boat launch. There is verly little traffic or light polution here, nature is at your fingertips. Come visit the farm and experience agrotourism at it's finest. Pick your own veggies in the community garden and meet the Guinea fowl! Enjoy the windernes and learn about the local ecosystem here on the middle pennensula. There are 3 sites spaced out across the 18 acres set apart for privacy. Wisteria is a primative site closer to the entrance gate. Trilogy is a suspended tree tent in the pines 700' beyond that and seperated by dense forest. Stargazer Tiny cabin is an offgrid rustic camping cabin on the back side of the property. Each site is surronded by several acres of forest and close to the edge of a large feild. There are romaing guinea fowl that may come make a very loud appearance as they canvas the property eating bugs. Deer, Turkeys, Bald Eagles, foxes, and other wildlife are common guests also. Mid-summer is what I call frog season, Tree frogs are abundant and provide a wonderful soundtrack. There are free to use bicycles, an axe throwing board, and cornhole boards available. 4 miles from shopping and dining in Mathews Virginia, 15 miles to Gwynn Island. Gwynn's Island is an island located in the Chesapeake Bay off of Virginia's Middle Peninsula. The island is located in the northeast part of Mathews County, south of the mouth of the Piankatank River. It is connected to the rest of the county by a swing bridge over Milford Haven.

Wren’s Nest on Jackson Creek

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Deltaville, VA

Private 4-acre peninsula on Jackson Creek offers peaceful Chesapeake Bay experience. Large, level field provides plenty of campsite options and easy setup for RVs. Waterfront is gently sloped, creating a natural launch for small watercraft. Numerous marinas, boat ramps, dining, and shopping.

3 mile Bike to the beach

2 sites · Lodging4 acres · Cheriton, VA

Our property was once a Auto Court back in the 1930's. of which consisted of 14 Tiny homes as well as a gas station and a restaurant. My wife and I are currently using this location for our tiny house vacation rentals. We started renovations to these jams back in April of 2021 and continuing till today, slowly bring them back to life

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(5)

Kiptopeke State Park

Cape Charles, Virginia

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Chippokes Plantation State Park

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Pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants at First Landing

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First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Camping near Norfolk with swimming guide

Overview

Looking for a camping getaway near Norfolk, Virginia? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 180 options that offer swimming as the main activity. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find the perfect spot to cool off and relax. With prices starting as low as $30 per night and an average price of $45 per night, there's something for every budget. Looking for recommendations? Check out top campsites like Blackwater Birds and Bees (601 reviews), Shine & Rise Magic Food Forest (88 reviews), and The Guinea Farm, Field, and Forest (81 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like potable water, showers, and campfires. If swimming isn't your thing, you can also explore activities like surfing, wind sports, and paddling.