First Landing State Park

1. About First Landing State Park

Admission to the park is charged per vehicle on weekdays and is slightly higer on weekends. Grounds and trails are open during daylight hours with the main entrance being off Route 60/Shore Drive. The Information Center is located off the main parking lot and is open from 9am to 5pm daily. A secondary entrance can be located on the opposite end of route 60 with trailhead and cabin parking entrances as well as access to restroom and the Trail Center. The boat launch, beach and bike trails are located at the 64^th street entrance with an additional $4 fee for access to the boat launch unless staying overnight in the park.

• Why is Chesapeake Bay Beach a popular choice for families?
  • Chesapeake Bay Beach is ideal for families because the surf is much calmer, making it safer for children.
• What kind of natural vegetation is found at Chesapeake Bay Beach?
  • The area has a lot of natural vegetation, including dunes and a maritime forest that attracts a variety of insects.
• How can visitors access the beach?
  • Four boardwalks provide access to the sand dunes and beach. Visitors should avoid walking directly on the sand dunes.
• Are there lifeguards at Chesapeake Bay Beach?
  • No, there are no lifeguards on the beach.
• Are there facilities available at Chesapeake Bay Beach?
  • Yes, there are showers along each of the boardwalks and restrooms near each walkway on the non-beach end of the boardwalk.

2. Recreational Activities in First Landing State Park

• What recreational activities are available at First Landing State Park?
  • Visitors can participate in a variety of recreational activities at First Landing State Park. For additional details on fees, regulations, and other park information, visitors should check the Virginia State Park website.
• How many campsites are available at First Landing State Park?
  • First Landing State Park offers more than 200 campsites, all of which are pet-friendly.
• What types of campsites are available?
  • Campsites are primitive and located near Chesapeake Bay and the beach dunes. Some campsites can accommodate up to 50' RVs, while others have no utilities.
• When is camping allowed at First Landing State Park?
  • Camping is not allowed from December through March 1st.
• What amenities are available at each campsite?
  • Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Up to two cars are allowed per site.
• How many cabins are available for rent?
  • There are 20 cabins available for rental.
• What is the minimum stay requirement for cabin rentals?
  • Cabins require a one-week minimum stay during peak summer seasons.
• Are cabins available year-round?
  • Cabins are available for rental year-round, excluding certain holiday check-in times.
• How can visitors rent a cabin?
  • Cabins can be rented online or by calling Virginia Park Services.
• What amenities do the cabins include?
  • Each cabin includes air conditioning (AC), a fireplace, a deck, a screened porch, and two bedrooms. Cabins can accommodate up to six people.
• What should visitors bring when staying in a cabin?
  • While kitchens are stocked with dishes and appliances, visitors should bring their own soap, coffee filters, extra linens, and toiletries.
• Are pets allowed in cabins?
  • Yes, pets are welcome in the cabins.
• Is there a TV in the cabins?
  • No, there is no TV in the cabins.
• What is available at the camp store?
  • The camp store, located at the main office, sells firewood, some food items, and other travel essentials.
• Can visitors rent bicycles at First Landing State Park?
  • Yes, bicycles are available for rent at the camp store.
• Is there a laundry facility at the park?
  • Yes, a small laundry facility with coin-operated machines is available for use.

3. What to Know About Visiting First Landing State Park

• How many hiking trails are at First Landing State Park?
  • First Landing State Park features 19 miles of hiking trails.
• Where are the hiking trails accessed?
  • Most trails can be accessed from the Trail Center, with a secondary entrance at 64th Street.
• What is available at the Trail Center?
  • The Trail Center offers natural exhibits showcasing wildlife, ecology, natural history, and geology. It has seasonal hours that can be found online.
• What is the longest hiking trail at First Landing State Park?
  • The Cape Henry Trail is the longest at 6 miles and is also the most popular. It has a wide, sandy path, with sections that are paved and cross boardwalks over various habitats such as swamps, marshes, and forests.
• What is the Bald Cypress Trail?
  • The Bald Cypress Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that passes through the cypress swamps and parts of the forest dunes.
• Which trail is best for birdwatching?
  • The Long Creek Trail is best for birdwatching. It passes through White Hill Lake, open wetlands, and a salt marsh boardwalk, ending at a great viewing platform.
• What is The Narrows?
  • The Narrows is the only boat launch at First Landing State Park. It provides access to Linkhorn and Broad Bays, which lead to the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake.
• Is there a fee for using The Narrows boat launch?
  • Yes, there is a fee for using the boat launch, unless visitors are staying in the campground.
• Is swimming allowed at The Narrows?
  • No, there are posted signs stating that swimming is not allowed. However, anglers and shell fishermen are often seen in the water.
• Are there restrooms at The Narrows?
  • Yes, bathrooms are available at the boat launch parking lot.
• Which hiking trails can be accessed from The Narrows?
  • The Cape Henry Trail and Long Creek Trail both have trailheads located at The Narrows.

First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451, Phone: 757-412-2300