First Landing State Park Campground

This campground made for a nice overnight stop between Hatteras and Assateague. The location is very convenient, just a few miles out of Norfolk VA. But proximity to Rt. 60 and nearby airfields contributed to the poor noise rating. Bathhouses were OK, nothing to rave about, a bit dated and some could use an update but nothing too gross. Those farther from the beach appeared to be the cleanest. All the sites were well kept, fairly level, and comfortably spaced apart; we were in site 149 on loop C lots of variety on site choices. The surrounding forest provided good protection from the wind, welcome in early spring but probably a bit close in mid summer. The Staff were all friendly and nice. The Chesapeake Bay beach was a short walk away and there are plenty of trails, although we didn’t take advantage of these due to timing constraints. Biking throughout the park is smooth sailing given the level roads.
Overall this is a very nice State Park.

Nightly rate is generalized to include taxes. Park is on the bay (or North) side of Shore Drive. Like another reviewer my GPS wanted me to turn to the South, which would not have set me in the right direction off the main road.

I’ll start this campground review by noting that my site was, in my opinion, one of the better in the park in terms of proximity to most facilities/amenities and it was distant from neighbors. It was also the site that park visitors accessing the beach saw as they ingressed/egressed from the parking area.

Wi-fi was only available at the camp office, which was immediately adjacent to my site. I could pick up faint signal with my laptop from the campsite outside of my trailer. That building also held the cafe, camp store, exhibit hall, restrooms, and a laundry facility.

The showers are only at bath houses proper with none inside the camp office facility, the nearest one being a little hike from the site I occupied - it’s only disadvantage from my perspective. There are shower/spigot rotundas at each of the beach access boardwalks, provided by a local non-profit in support of the park.

The camp road to the sites is one-way, and narrow at times, with some sites having tight geometries for rig positioning. As noted in some reviews, many sites have neighbors close, while also seemingly semi-private due to the dune undergrowth. I can imagine some of the noise concerns.

The parks convenience to Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Area cannot be over-stated... GREAT location. And not nearly as much jet noise as down near the Naval Air Station.

Had a fantastic stay our first 5 nights. The beach is a very short walk and was not crowded despite the campground being full.

The campsite was not very level and was a sand surface. You can see your neighbors on both sides, but cannot hear them, Not the most private but it is fine. Over the air tv we received 52 channels with our over the air antenna and booster. Water and power connections were good and no issues, no sewer hook ups. good verizon signal

The Bathrooms were clean and well stocked but had signs of vandalism, shame folks need to carve their initials in everything. The showers had plenty of hot water and good water pressure.......The cleanliness was based on who was in front of you....While rinsing showers are provided at the beach entry and exit it seems that some would use the shower house to clean the sand off, the worst evening the shower stall had a very even coating of sand probably 1/8 inch deep. There are only 4 individual shower stalls and frequently families would dominate them and not encourage their kids to be quick when there was 5 or 6 people waiting. not a state park problem but a camper manners issue.

There was a very high Ranger and police presence, alarmingly high, we also received a anti crime flyer at check in. When I asked if there was an issue with theft or crime I got a song and dance at the check in desk. We didnt have any issues but I have never seen this level of law enforcement patrols.

Fishing was terrible, you are required to have a salt water license which was $10 for 10 days. averaged 1 whiting per day and never caught a legal flounder. The beach was great for swimming and sun bathing.

One huge thing to note, it is between two military bases, which means you will hear gun fire occasionally, not loud, and there is a lot of helicopter activity over the state park. some early in the evening. I enjoyed watching the activity so not a complaint from me.

Our last night had a family with a large class c, They were very loud up to quiet hours, not sure what their deal was but they refused to use the bathroom in the campground or their rv, and they kept peeing on the tree beside our water hookup, 5 adult men.....glad we were out early in the morning. I let the ranger know as we pulled out.

I would not reserve a campsite on the perimeter of the park, on the one end you are looking at a chain link fence with a concrete wall behind it and on the south side you are up against a 4 lane highway with harleys and sport bikes all night.

This campground was in the perfect location, just a short walk from our camper and we were at the beach. The Virginia Beach boardwalk is also just a short drive away.

Our campsite was in direct sun for the majority of the time, so it did get fairly hot. However there are many sites that offer more shade. One of the bonuses to this site was that it offered a great amount of privacy.

Be aware on your drive in - Our GPS directed us to go to the state park entrance, and the signage on the busy road doesn't give you ample time to get over to the campground side. We ended up pulling into the state park entrance and had a mildly difficult time turning around and we do have a smaller rig. So just keep in mind that the campground is on the opposite side.

We would definitely stay at this campground again!

First Landing is one of our top camping experiences so far. The site we booked backed up to an expansive area of beach vegetation. It was deeply secluded and had ample space for our three kids to roam and play. We stayed in March, so the vegetation wasn't fully grown in. We imagine the sites are even better with full growth.

Our camp hosts were phenomenal. Not only were they helpful and patient when we pulled in early by accident, but they recommended two amazing restaurants and checked in on us frequently. We didn't interact with much of the other staff but everyone else we spoke with was very kind and helpful.

The showers are hot and strong, and private if you're planning a trip during the pandemic. Cell coverage is strong enough across multiple carriers if you're a remote worker and/or home schooling. AT&T seemed to be the strongest.

We have no complaints but we do want to mention the noise from the nearby air base. The jets and helicopters run frequently throughout the week. It can be quite noisy, sometimes into the evening or early morning. We weren't bothered by it. However, if you're looking for serene quiet, they will likely be disruptive.

We'll be planning a return trip during warmer months so we can really take advantage of the beach.

My family started vacationing here when I was a kid, in the late 1960's. Since retiring, my wife and I have returned most every year in late September to early October. A wonderful time to be there after the bugs and all the people. Love the simple remoteness of a place so close to the ocean. Perhaps the facilities are not up to the standards of some folks, but show me another state park so close, yet remote and inexpensive.

Arrived for the first time, when check-in received crime prevention tips flyer suggesting to protect belongings. The site was separated from 4 lanes road by high fence and couple feet bushes. Bathrooms are outdated and not very clean. Beach lovers will appreciate walking distance to the beach. Campground is not worth the price but it is one of the cheapest options to visit Virginia Beach. Try to choose sites far away from Shore Drive.