If you’re longing for the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, from crashing waves to the sound of seagulls, to gazing at the storied gateway for America’s earliest settlers, it can all be experienced at the beautiful Kiptopeke State Park.
Located on Virginia’s southeastern shore, Kiptopeke State Park lies on the tip of the Delmarva peninsula (comprised of portions of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia).
Kiptopeke is conveniently located near several major cities. The park is about a 45-minute drive from Norfolk, about 2 hours from Richmond, and approximately 4 hours from Washington D.C.
Kiptopeke State Park hosts exceptional recreational opportunities for beachgoers, fishing, camping, hiking, birding, and so much more!
Follow along with our visitor’s guide to Kiptopeke State Park so you can know what to expect and be prepared for your visit to this beautiful state park.
[Want to see more? Explore some of the best Virginia State Parks in our full guide.]

Kiptopeke State Park Information
ADDRESS: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
PHONE: (757) 331-2267
Official Kiptopeke State Park Website
Entrance Fees
As part of Virginia’s State Park System, entrance/parking fees are standard at the park.
Daily entrance fees for Kiptopeke State Park are $7 year-round. Some fees may vary based on the season.
In general, fees will be highest during peak season, which is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.
For boaters wanting to launch their boat, canoe, or kayak, there is a daily fee of $5 with a marine fishing license and $10 without a marine fishing license.
For campers using the boat launch for parking, the fee is $3.
An annual pass can be purchased as well, which covers all entrance and boat ramp fees for all of Virginia’s state parks.
There are additional fees for overnight amenities and the fishing pier, which we’ll explain shortly.
Things to do in Kiptopeke State Park
You’ll never run out of things to do in Kiptopeke State Park. The park is beloved by anglers, beachgoers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Kiptopeke State Park:
Hiking & Biking Trails
Kiptopeke State Park offers just over 5 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the park.
The trails at Kiptopeke go through upland hardwood forests that lead to the north or south beach, which hosts a variety of wildlife.
As a unique location on the Atlantic flyway, bird lovers can enjoy viewing many bird species such as a variety of raptors, sea birds, and migratory waterfowl.
All the trails at Kiptopeke are named after different birds and are rated as easy difficulty.
With a very gentle and relatively flat terrain, the hiking and biking trails can be enjoyed by visitors of any skill level or ability.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at Kiptopeke State Park at either of the park’s two beaches.
Kiptopeke’s beaches are labeled as the North or South beach. The North beach is limited to swimmers and beach walkers only, while at the south beach fishing and boating are permitted.
Both beaches are unguarded, so swimmers are informed to swim at their own risk.
When swimming at Kiptopeke State Park, it’s important to be mindful of changing tides and severe weather for safety reasons.

Fishing
Some of the best fishing in coastal Virginia can be had at Kiptopeke State Park. Its location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and the artificial reef from the concrete ship breakwater makes Kiptopeke an excellent fishing location.
Anglers fishing at and around Kiptopeke State Park can catch saltwater species such as
- Red drum
- Cobia
- Black drum
- Flounder (a.k.a. fluke)
- White perch
- Striped bass
- Spotted seatrout
Crabbing is also popular at Kiptopeke for the Chesapeake bay’s cultural food staple, the blue crab.
Visitors can fish from the south beach, the fishing pier, or from a boat. A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required.
Alternatively, a Maryland saltwater fishing license is also accepted with the addition of a Virginia FIP #.
A fishing license for anglers fishing from the designated fishing pier at Kiptopeke is not required. However, there is a fee of $3 (ages 6-12) or $5 (ages 13+) to fish from the pier. A Virginia FIP # is also required for pier anglers.
Where to Stay in Kiptopeke State Park
There are several different overnight options at Kiptopeke State Park. Some overnight options require a minimum stay, so make sure to call the park office to be sure, as it varies by season.
The peak season for camping and day visitors at Kiptopeke is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.
Overnight amenities at Kiptopeke must be reserved in advance by calling 1-800-933-PARK or by reserving online at www.reservevaparks.com.
Tent/RV Camping
With a total of 138 campsites, Kiptopeke State Park has plenty of spots to choose from.
Campsites can either be standard with no hookups for tent camping, or electric, water, and sewer hookups (EWS) are available for campers and RVs.
Not all hookup sites include sewer and may only have electricity and water (EW).
It’s best to check with the park office or carefully review the details for a specific campsite before making a reservation.
Hookup sites can accommodate campers and RVs up to 40 feet and are equipped with 20, 30, or 50 amp electric.
Standard campsites are $30 per night and $40 per night for EW or EWS campsites for Virginia residents. Campsite fees are slightly higher for Virginia non-residents.
Cabins
Two and three-bedroom cabins are also available at Kiptopeke State Park.
All cabins include:
- Full kitchen
- Full bathrooms
- Heat and AC
- Gas fireplace
- Fire ring and picnic table
Guests are reminded that linens are not provided. The two-bedroom cabins can sleep up to 6 individuals, while the 3-bedroom cabins can sleep up to 8.
The nightly rates for 2-bedroom cabins are $138 and $171 for 3-bedroom cabins.
Lodges
Two types of lodges are available at Kiptopeke State Park.
Camping Lodges, also known as bunkhouses, are available for $109 per night.
Bunkhouses have heat/AC and can sleep up to 14 people, but do not have bathrooms, a kitchen, or running water. They are located close to campground bathhouses and include a fire ring and picnic table.
Five full-service lodges are also available for $429 per night. Lodges can sleep up to 16 people per lodge and are equipped with:
- Front and back porch
- Heat and AC
- Gas fireplace
- Full bathrooms
- Full kitchen
- Fire ring
- Picnic tables
A one-week minimum stay is required for full-service lodges during peak season.
Yurts
Both standard yurts and one deluxe yurt are available at Kiptopeke State Park.
Deluxe yurts are equipped with heat/AC and can sleep up to 6 people. The nightly rate for the deluxe yurt is $120.
The three additional standard yurts do not have heat/AC and can sleep up to 4 people. Standard yurts are $88 per night.
Yurts include a fire ring, picnic table, and water spigot, and are conveniently located near campground bathhouses.
History of Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park has an interesting and unique history. Although the park wasn’t added to Virginia’s state park system until 1992, its name and the surrounding area have a much older history.
The name Kiptopeke traces its origin to a native American word for “big water”. In addition, A chief of the small Accomack tribe by the same name was said to have met with early settler John Smith.
Captain John Smith was the founder of Jamestown Colony a little further west of Kiptopeke on the James River.
Jamestown colony was the first successful English colony in North America, which is understood to be the genesis of the United States of America we know today.
For many years, the site of Kiptopeke was the terminal for the Virginia Ferry Corporation until the late 1940s.
After WWII, several 100-meter concrete naval ships were partially sunk off Kiptopeke to create a barrier and artificial reef. These concrete ships were used during the war but were too slow and damaged to still be in service.

The concrete ship barrier is often called “the ghost fleet of Kiptopeke”.
These ships are a popular sightseeing destination in the Chesapeake Bay area. The artificial reef created by the ships also makes for an exceptional fishing spot.
Kiptopeke State Park FAQ
What kind of overnight options does Kiptopeke State Park have?
Cabins, bunkhouses, lodges, yurts, and campsites (EWS/EW or standard tent) are available at Kiptopeke State Park. Nightly fees vary by accommodation.
Are the hiking and biking trails difficult at Kiptopeke State Park?
All the marked trails at Kiptopeke State Park are rated as easy. Hikers of all skill levels and physical abilities can enjoy relaxing nature hikes at Kiptopeke.
What are the “ghost ships” at Kiptopeke State Park?
The ships offshore from Kiptopeke State Park were used during WWII but were slow and damaged after the war.
As a result, the ships were partially sunk at Kiptopeke to create a surf barrier for boaters and an artificial reef for fish and wildlife.