First Landing State Park and Natural Area

Virginia Beach

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2500 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
800-993-7275
757-412-2300

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First Landing State Park and Natural Area Description

Enjoy the nearly 3,000 acres of Virginia's most-visited state park while camping on the Chesapeake Bay. Campers here have easy access to the park's 19 miles of trails, nature and history programs, boat and canoe access, saltwater fishing, hiking, and Bay swimming (no lifeguards on duty). Although dunes separate the campsites from the Bay, multiple dune crossovers mean campers are only a few minutes' walk from the water.

Planning Notes

A historic spot. First Landing State Park is so named because it was the first place where members of the Virginia Company landed before settling Jamestown.

Plan ahead. Reservations for all Virginia state campgrounds are accepted 11 months in advance.

Cabins available, too. Rustic two-bedroom cabins located within the park but across Shore Drive (no views or direct Bay access) can also be rented.

Leave your firewood at home. The area is currently under firewood quarantine in an effort to prevent the introduction of nonnative insects. Firewood is available for sale inside the park.

Try letterboxing. The park is host to several letterboxes, which make exploring it an adventure. Modern letterboxing is a hiking-focused treasure hunt with an online component. To learn more, visit Letterboxing.org

Close enough but worlds away. First Landing is only about a 10-minute drive from the heart of the Virginia Beach tourist area, but the expansive park and on-the-Bay location instantly make visitors feel like they're in a remote spot.

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