One of the things you often see from Virginia State Parks is their interest in listening to what you have to say, your experience as the state park goers.

Fishing is a popular pastime at Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park is a birder's delight

They have given us "Your comments count" survey cards, also linked to their on line survey to post your opinions. They have asked for opinions and feedback from you on social media, such as Facebook.

Why do they do this? Well in a nutshell, they value your comments and input on your experiences when your visit to a Virginia State Park!

Another review site online is Trip Advisor

I decided to visit Trip Advisor for an upcoming trip to see what reviewers there had to say about Kiptopeke State Park, which is our Park of the Month for March. Here are a few excerpts, the good and the bad:

“Great park, small but diverse”

I went there with my family for a fishing class, followed by time on the beach and a walk along the trails. The park is not large, but offers many different activities and sights. Many visitors come to fish, and there is a boat ramp. The beach is nice, there is interesting birdlife in the park, and all the necessary facilities (picnic areas, bathrooms with showers, etc). There is also a camp ground and some chalets for rent, but I have not sued either.

“Amazing views and good fishing”

Me and my wife recently traveled there to see up close the 13 or so concrete ships that are placed in the bay as a Water break for the beach to prevent sand erosion. They are a unique site to see up close and great structures to do some fishing nearby. The beach is very well maintained. The only thing I did'nt like was the fish smell from the fish cleaning tables they have out there.

“A great day trip or week trip”

Whether you are visiting for the day at the beach or camping for the week there is lots to do. Besides a great beach with sunken ships as a tide break but great trails, fishing, boat launch and bird watching. We stayed at the campground and had a great time.

“Nothing of interest here.”

The staff at the park were very pleasant and welcoming. We drove around the park and left after about 15 minutes. We found nothing of interest here. If your a bird watcher or you like standing in the hot sun you may enjoy this park. There seemed to be a lack of shade in all areas and the liberty ship breakwater made the place look dumpy. In my opinion it was a waste of time.

“Facilities at fishing pier”

I was very let down last weekend on my visit to the park. Portable johns by the pier had been removed because people had complained about the odor. Now you have to use the shower/bath house that is used by the beach crowd. Why is there not a bath closer to the pier since you have to pay an extra fee to use the fishing pier and the beach is free w/admission. The one shower/bath house is used by the campers/daily visitors/beach goers and now the fishing pier people and the fishing beach people located beside the pier. This does not make sense. Why should I pay extra for the pier and have to walk further and share with the entire park population and visitors.If the odor was so bad why not install a nice permanent toilet like the one in the new Powhatan and Goochland State Parks from the fees fisherman pay.

Beautiful sunsets on the water are a great way to end the day

A diversity of wildlife can be found at Kiptopeke State Park

Campgrounds at Kiptopeke State Park

Traveler Pros/Cons

PROS: Great camping rates. Friendly staff. Walking trails to the beach. Shady camp sites available! Awesome sunsets & views of the beach from the upper sites. TIP: Check the mosquito seasons before booking. CONS: No reservations

Did the Trip Advisor Reviews impact my decision to visit Kiptopeke State Park?

Not really, but I did see a couple themes playing out within the 62 reviews on Trip Advisor:

#1 con) If you don't like camping, beach sand, fish smells from a fishing pier where apparently no fish are caught (according to one reviewer), then this park may not be the choice place for you.

#2 pro) If you do like camping, have children who love to play in the sand, and in the water, and have a dog who loves to go along with you, you enjoy crabbing and fishing, biking, amazing sunsets over the water, then this is a great place to visit! 

#3 pro) If you are a birder, then this eastern flyway will thrill you!

#4 con) If you are not a birder, do not like the outdoors, the bugs, the hot sun, the exposure to the elements, then this will not thrill you. Choose either a) a colder time of year to visit when the sun is mild, the bugs are at bay, and you can have a fire in one of the family lodges fireplace and sip a glass of wine, or b) choose a B&B (which I saw one reviewer did).

Now the real question for me is "Am I tough enough?"

I am going to find out! I will report back with photos and info after I visit Kiptopeke State Park soon. I am not going in the summer time, so I think I may be tough enough for the off-season at Kiptopeke! I am pretty sure I will be tough enough to capture a sunset with my Nikon at the end of the day...

Review us dude

Parks will have posters and fliers that list the new on line survey URL and a QR code for visitors with Smart Phones to take a shortcut to the survey site. Visitors who prefer to complete the paper version of the survey may still obtain one from the park office. 

Visitor ratings on Trip Advisor from 62 reviews

Excellent 24   -   Very good 23   -   Average 9   -   Poor 4   -   Terrible 2

Thank you for caring about your Virginia State Parks, your comments really do count!