Kiptopeke State Park

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

1. You can reserve one of 138 campsites, along with cabins and other accommodations, online.
2. Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance and must be made at least one day before arrival.  
3. Campsites can book up fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment. 

When to Go

Kiptopeke State Park is a hot spot for bird-watchers through fall and winter, when the coastal marshlands serve as a stopover for migrating songbirds and raptors. Visit in summer to hit the beach—although it can get busy, it’s often still less crowded than neighboring Chesapeake. Camping season runs from the start of March until the end of November, but cabins stay open through winter. 

Know Before You Go

• Kiptopeke State Park is located along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, three miles from the north end of Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. It’s about a 45-minute drive to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake.
• Day-use parking fees and camping reservation fees are charged at Kiptopeke. State fishing licenses are also required.
• Facilities include a camp store, boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, and picnic areas. 
• You can bring your own motorboats to Kiptopeke, and kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent from May through September.
• Accessible cabins, campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas are available. The fishing pier is also accessible, and a beach wheelchair is available on request.