Camping near Hampton
Hampton, Virginia is for lovers…of hiking, swimming, exploring, and, of course, camping.
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Camping near Hampton guide
Overview
Hampton, the city, may be far from the Hamptons, but this Virginia oasis offers just as much fun, sun, and coastal character. With proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, as well as its many tributaries, Hampton is both an area—and in an area—ripe for exploration. Just beyond Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach are all about the waterfront, but campers will find plenty to do in the city itself. Opt for a pet-friendly campsite near Sandy Bottom Nature Park, or start your search for seashells at Salt Ponds Public Beach. No matter where you go, stay, or sleep, you’ll want to come back.
Where to go
Fort Monroe
Fort Monroe brings history to life. Visit the Fort Monroe National Monument and experience a Virginia that’s been around since 1619. Fort Monroe campgrounds, however, provide access to far more than just the past. Surrounded by both Mill Creek and the Chesapeake, Fort Monroe takes full advantage of the water. You can visit the lighthouse, fish along the piers, or explore the bay by beach or by boat.
Grandview Nature Preserve
Still yearning for a long walk on the beach? Grandview Nature Preserve is the place for rest and relaxation. Spend your days birdwatching from the preserve’s scenic coastal and wooded trails. From a modern yurt with wifi, a romantic cabin with electricity, or a family-friendly RV site with full hookups, your stint in Grandview Nature Preserve is bound to be, well, grand.
Along the James River
If the bay, somehow, has yet to satiate you, the James River should quench your thirst for all things leisure. Among both Virginia’s longest rivers and the Chesapeake Bay’s largest tributaries, the James River covers a lot of ground—and so do its campsites. Campgrounds come near and dear to parks, wildlife areas, and kayaking nooks. On either side of the river, campers can do it all.
When to go
Virginia summers bring humidity, so spring and fall make for the ideal camping seasons. Fall, especially, is perfect for sleeping outdoors. September and October days prolong the summer sun, so you can still manage the occasional water activity. Autumn nights, however, tend to turn chilly and crisp—perfect for huddling around your campsite’s fire pit. Camping calls for sleeping bags, after all, so come to Hampton when the weather lets you get cozy.
