Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park Enjoy access to the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, with a fishing pier, boat ramp, swimming beach and unique bird habitat. Vulgar language. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.
(1500)

Explore boardwalks through the dunes and kayak to sunken WWII concrete ships. Lodges, cabins and a campground are available. DCR's social media activities are intended to present agency matters of public interest to clients, businesses and visitors. DCR encourages users to submit questions and comments but asks users to remain civil and on topic.

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Snack time! What an incredible capture. 🐛
06/04/2026

Snack time! What an incredible capture. 🐛

A White Ibis with a solid snacking field in the campgrounds on the Eastern Shore of Virginia = a pretty happy camper.

Kiptopeke State Park (May 2026)

Virginia State Parks

Summer is right around the corner and Virginia State Parks offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for all ages. No m...
05/20/2026

Summer is right around the corner and Virginia State Parks offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for all ages.

No matter where you are in Virginia, there is a state park within an hour drive of you, making for a quick getaway for you and the family.

Explore endless opportunities for a summer of fun here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/summer-fun

Mark your calendars and celebrate Virginia’s rich stories, traditions, and communities during History & Culture Weekend ...
05/18/2026

Mark your calendars and celebrate Virginia’s rich stories, traditions, and communities during History & Culture Weekend at Virginia State Parks!

Visit your favorite Virginia State Park June 13-14 and enjoy hands‑on experiences and guided programs that bring our past to life.

To explore our History and Culture Weekend events, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history-culture-day

Congratulations to Lynn Ailsworth who completed her Master Hiker designation at Mason Neck State Park!Here is what she s...
04/28/2026

Congratulations to Lynn Ailsworth who completed her Master Hiker designation at Mason Neck State Park!

Here is what she said about her journey:

“I have been visiting Virginia State Parks since 2013 but I just learned about Trail Quest in the spring of 2024 from an amazing ladies Facebook group I follow, Girls Who Hike Virginia. I visited 21 state parks in 2025 to finish my Quest! It’s been a fun challenge!

I’m so impressed with all of the parks and how different and unique they are! The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, the trails are marked well, and the facilities are always clean.

A few of my favorite memories of some of the parks are:

Natural Tunnel State Park – being down inside the tunnel was incredible!
Kiptopeke State Park – kayaking out to the concrete ships was amazing!
First Landing State Park – hiking in the snow and seeing snow on the beach was magical!
False Cape State Park – bike riding and photo op to see the Southernmost state park buoy was fun!
Sweet Run State Park – learning what our wing span was educational!
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park – seeing it decorated for Christmas was beautiful!

I love telling everyone about our parks and I can’t wait to go back and visit them again!”

Thank you for sharing your journey and for being part of the Trail Quest and Virginia State Park family!

Explore Virginia State Parks one step at a time with Trail Quest, learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

Congratulations to Hunter DeShazor who completed his Master Hiker designation at Shenandoah River State ParkHunter broke...
04/14/2026

Congratulations to Hunter DeShazor who completed his Master Hiker designation at Shenandoah River State Park

Hunter broke our record for Master Hiker Ceremony attendants, with around 40 of his closest friends and family joining him to celebrate this accomplishment. He shared the following about his Trail Quest journey:

“Completing the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest was a journey of immense self-discovery, deep passion for the outdoors, and experiencing joy within every park. Being from D.C., it took me years to visit them all, leading to many weekend trips and eventually a full week off to properly explore Southwest Virginia.

My heart belongs to a few standout locations: Wilderness Road State Park with its herd of buffalo, Kiptopeke State Park and the profound peace found along the shores of Machicomoco State Park.

My mom's anxiety hates this story, but my most defining moment was hiking Mount Rogers via Grayson Highlands State Park in January 2021. Trekking through a foot of snow for six hours to reach the state's highest point gave me an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. I was on the trail long after the sun had gone down and it was freezing cold, but I look back and think it was the most "me" thing that could have happened: underprepared, yet overachieving!

To me, Trail Quest was about more than just the views and pins; it was a deep lesson in self-reflection and connection. I learned so much about myself, and just as much about the people who came with me. My father was my # 1 "Co-Stomper"—we visited so many parks together and I'll cherish that for the rest of my life.

My advice to anyone starting their list is simple: keep a journal. I journaled at every park, filling pages with poetry, what I liked, how I was feeling, or even what I was going to eat afterward! Once I got over the embarrassment of it, I was able to share my journal with my friends and family, and it allowed me to share my experience in a way that photos wouldn't be able to. If you journal, it becomes a treasure that reminds you of why you are taking the journey, and a treasure for those who end up reading it when you're done!”

Thank you for sharing your journey and for being part of the Trail Quest and Virginia State Park family!

Explore Virginia State Parks one step at a time with Trail Quest, learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

We're hiring! If you want to help others enjoy one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks, we’d love to have you on ou...
04/01/2026

We're hiring! If you want to help others enjoy one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks, we’d love to have you on our team. Explore these positions and apply today! 💚

🙋‍♀️ Contact Ranger
🧹 Housekeeping Ranger
🧹 Housekeeping Supervisor
🛠️ Maintenance Ranger
🛠️ Maintenance Ranger Supervisor

Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-jobs?park=2013-10-18-21-10-41-00014

03/30/2026

If you’ve never been to our park on Virginia's Eastern Shore, it’s time to start planning your visit!

Here's what you can look forward to...

🐟 Fish the Chesapeake Bay from the lighted pier, by boat, or from the shore, and reel in a wide variety of species, including sheepshead, flounder and Spanish mackerel.
🚣 Head out in a kayak, canoe or boat to get a closer look at the nine concrete ships that form the breakwater.
🦅 Hike through some of the East Coast's most pristine upland maritime forests, and experience the songbirds and raptors that make Kiptopeke the largest migratory stop-over on the Atlantic Flyway.

Interested in an overnight stay? We have beautiful red-roofed cabins, lodges, RV and tent camping, yurts, and even a bunkhouse!

Follow us for updates on events and recreational opportunities, and learn more about our wonderful park here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke

🦇 Did you know some bats migrate while others hibernate right here in Virginia? These incredible creatures play a vital ...
03/17/2026

🦇 Did you know some bats migrate while others hibernate right here in Virginia? These incredible creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, and they need our help to thrive.

Learn how bats survive the winter, why they matter and simple ways you can make a difference in our blog post.

👉 https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/virginias-bats-hibernation-migration-and-how-you-can-help-them

📷 Tri colored bat: Rick Reynolds, Wildlife Biologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Address

3540 Kiptopeke Drive
Cape Charles, VA
23310

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 10pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
Saturday 6am - 10pm
Sunday 6am - 10pm

Telephone

(757) 331-2267

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