First Landing State Park
Virginia Beach, VA
Cypress swamps, maritime forest and a bay beach where the Jamestown colonists first landed in 1607. The large campground is close to the beach.
First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia, covers about 2,888 acres (1,170 hectares) on the Chesapeake Bay and is partly designated a National Natural Landmark. It commemorates the first landing of English settlers under Christopher Newport on April 26, 1607, before they founded Jamestown. According to Visit Virginia Beach it is the most visited state park in Virginia. It has maritime forest, cypress swamp and about 1.25 to 1.5 miles (2 to 2.4 km) of bay beach.
There are over 19 miles (30 km) of trails for hikers and cyclists. The Bald Cypress Trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop with boardwalks over the swamp, and the 6-mile (10 km) Cape Henry Trail is the longest. The campground in the back dunes has 200 sites, some with water and electricity for RVs up to 50 feet (15 m) long; the sites are open from March through early December. The 20 cabins are rented year-round (renovations are possible, so check availability in advance). The park is very busy on weekends, and entry can be restricted once the parking lots are full. There are no lifeguards. If you prefer it quieter, head to the north beach.
- Nearest town
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.9170, -76.0530
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- First Landing State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from First Landing State ParkTentsCaravans
- Holiday Trav-L-ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from First Landing State ParkMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Virginia Beach KOA HolidayCampsite9 mi from First Landing State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- KOA Resort Cape Charles/Chesapeake BayMotorhome stopover16 mi from First Landing State ParkCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- KOA ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from First Landing State ParkMotorhomes
- Northwest River Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from First Landing State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is First Landing State Park?
First Landing State Park is in Virginia Beach, VA, at GPS 36.9170, -76.0530. It is about 14 mi from Norfolk.
Can you camp near First Landing State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is First Landing State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass First Landing State Park?
First Landing State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
What is there to see near First Landing State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Monroe National Monument (15 mi), Kiptopeke State Park (18 mi), Yorktown Battlefield (33 mi) and Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit First Landing State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)