First Landing State Park

General Information

The park is where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812. Legend has it that Blackbeard hid in the Narrows area of the park, and interior waterways were used by Union and Confederate patrols during the Civil War. Built in part by an all African-American Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933-1940, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As Virginia's most-visited state park, it's an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. First Landing offers many recreational and educational activities and has many unusual habitats including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forest, as well as rare plants and wildlife. Cabins, water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available. The Chesapeake Bay Center houses historical and educational exhibits. The Trail Center conference room, outdoor courtyard, pavilion and amphitheater can be rented for special events and weddings.

Please note: The park is by a military training center that operates year-round in any weather at any time of day or night. Park guests may experience unusual sights and loudness. Training maneuvers usually, but not always, cease by 10 p.m. These activities pose no risk to park guests.

Hours

Day-use areas open 8 a.m.-dusk. When open, overnight areas are accessible 24 hours a day.

Location

From I-64, take Northampton Blvd.-U.S. 13 North (Exit 282). Go through eight lights, then turn right at the Shore Drive/U.S. 60 exit (last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel). Take a right on Shore Drive and go four and a half miles to the park entrance. To reach the Chesapeake Bay Center, park office, camping or cabins, turn left off U.S. Rt. 60 at the stoplight and check in at the contact station or park office. For the Trail Center, picnic area and trails, turn right instead.

Its address is 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1415; Latitude, 36.918020. Longitude, -76.051547.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 20-30 minutes (this facility is in the area); Roanoke, five and a half hours.

Park Size

2,888 acres; 1.5 miles of beach

Share this page

Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

Cabins, camping. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call (800) 933-PARK. Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, dwelling and park. First, determine the appropriate season, which can vary by park, then the relevant rate. You also may want to learn about cancellation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.

Visit a Flickr photoset of typical cabins and lodges at the park. Cabins and lodges vary; any given dwelling may not match what's shown in the photos.

Cabins

Weekly rentals begin Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The contact station is open 24 hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. All cabins have two bedrooms. Although near the Chesapeake Bay, none has a view of the water. Cabins 1 through 6 are wood-frames with hardwood floors. Cabins 7 through 20 are cinderblock with cedar siding and tile and carpet floors. All cabins are across Shore Drive, which separates them from the beach and bay.

When you reserve a cabin, you'll get a confirmation letter that includes a reservation number. Please bring the letter or the reservation number when you check in. The reservation number is part of a pass code you'll need to get into your cabin, which has keyless entry. Also, be prepared to show a valid ID. And if you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has the reservation number.

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, dishes, dishcloth, dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, microwave oven, toaster. Also includes rustic furniture and linens (one set per person for four people). Cabins are climate controlled (heat and AC). Bring food, extra dish towels, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, body wash/soap, extra bath towels, board games or cards. No dishwasher, telephone, washer or dryer.
• Living area: two cushioned chairs, loveseat, dining table with four chairs and two floor lamps.
• As part of a pilot project, cabins 7-20 have TVs with built-in DVD players. No cable or antennas.
• Bedrooms: beds, night stands, table lamps, clock-radios and full length mirror
• Bathroom with shower
• Fireplaces
• Heat pumps
• Screened porches
• All cabins have decks
• All cabins have a grill and fire-ring
• Firewood is sold at the Bay Store in season and at the park office November through February during business hours. A complimentary bundle of firewood is provided for each cabin rental.
• Swim at your own risk in bay; no lifeguards
• Pets are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet and be sure to bring documentary evidence of rabies vaccination (required in Virginia Beach).
• Boat launch is free for overnight guests.

Total sites of each type: Two-bedroom frame: 6. Two-bedroom cinderblock: 14.

Site type:

Two-bedroom frame: Cabins 1, 3 and 6 sleep four with one queen bed and a bunk bed. Cabins 2, 4 and 5 sleep six with one queen bed and two sets of bunk beds. No bed rentals.

Two-bedroom cinderblock: Sleeps six. One queen bed and two bunk beds. No bed rentals.

Total cabins: 20

Camping

Park has sites with and without electric/water hookups.

• Firewood is sold at the Bay Store in season and at the park office November through February during business hours.
• Swim at your own risk in Chesapeake Bay; no lifeguards
• Boat launch is free for overnight guests

First Landing allows guests to reserve specific campsites. Here's a table of those campsites. Also, here are photos of the sites.

Total sites of each type: EW-20ft, 45. EW-30ft, 27. EW-50ft, 36. Std-20ft, 75. E01-E22 Group Campground, 22.

Site type:

EW-20ft: Electric/water site for tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 20 feet long. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20-amp service.

EW-30ft: Electric/water site for tents, pop-ups, RVs up to 30 feet length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20, 30 and 50-amp service.

EW-50ft: Electric/Water site for RVs only 32-50 feet in length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. 20, 30 and 50-amp service.

Std-20ft: No electric/water on this site. Accommodates tents, pop-ups and RVs up to 20 feet in length. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers.

Sites 44 - 65: Group Campground - No electric/water on these sites. Three-site minimum purchase required. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire-grill. Bathhouse with hot showers. Good for tents. Group camp area - site specific; maximum six people per site. A large shelter, which is available to only group campers, may be rented.

Download a map of the campground.

Recreation

TRAILS

Hiking, bicycle and self-guided trails. Ten trails total about 20 miles, including bike and fitness trails. Trail walks are conducted by interpreters in-season, and trail guidebooks are available in the Trail Center. Bicycles are allowed on only Cape Henry and Live Oak trails. The park's Bay Store rents bikes in-season.

SWIMMING

Swim at your risk in Chesapeake Bay; no lifeguards. There are no designated swimming areas at the Narrows or boat launch.

FISHING, BOATING

Fishing and crabbing are popular at the park. A valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required. Annual parking-launching passports are available by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

Boating: Motorboats and other small craft may be launched from the Narrows boat ramp located at the 64th Street extension in the park’s southern area. Facilities include the use of launching ramps, parking for cars and boat trailers and restrooms. Swimming at the Narrows is not advised because currents there are strong.

Canoes, kayaks and other watercraft may be rented from a park concession at the boat ramp.

HORSES

None at this park.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Click here for its general facilities guide.

Nearby Attractions

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach boardwalk, Norfolk Naval Base, Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing Cross in adjacent Fort Story. Check www.visitvirginiabeach.com and www.virginia.org for more info.

Virginia Beach WAVE buses run from the park to the resort area.

Picnic Shelters

The picnic area is equipped with drinking water, fire grills, refuse disposal, tables and restroom facilities. A large picnic shelter is available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

First Landing State Park Picnic Shelter

One shelter is available for rent. It can be rented from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day). Parking fees are not included in shelter rental.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Amenities: The shelter has two charcoal grills, electricity, picnic tables and access to restroom (restroom closed November 1 to April 1, but a portable toilet is available then).

The shelter is in the main picnic area, which is not on the beach side of the park (on same side of Shore Drive as the Trail Center). The shelter can accommodate about 80 people under the shelter. Seating for larger groups is available around the shelter in the main picnic area. The picnic area as a whole is not reserved and the general public will be permitted to use the other tables around the shelter.

Other facilities, including a courtyard, gazebo and amphitheater, can be rented for weddings, conferences, special events and seminars. Call the park at (757) 412-2320 for details.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

The Trail Center has a conference room available for rent for meetings, wedding and other functions.

TRAIL CENTER AND GIFT SHOP

The trail center, which has a small gift shop, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It houses exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural resources and has a manned information desk.

RESTAURANT

None in park but there are many restaurants nearby in Virginia Beach. Groceries are available in the park's Bay Store. This park has a snack bar in season.

LAUNDRY

A laundry facility with washing machines and large capacity dryers is available in the park. Soap, other laundry products and change are available at the Bay Store.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

First Landing's Chesapeake Bay Center features educational displays that focus on the First Landing by English settlers here in 1607. A visitor information center at the park also has information on area tours and attractions.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Amphitheater, courtyard with gazebo. First Landing, with its beach and other offerings, is also the perfect place to get married.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

• Kendall bathhouse has universally accessible shower and toilet facilities with paved sidewalk from road to men's and women's side.
• Archer bathhouse has universally accessible shower and toilet facilities with paved sidewalk from road to men's and women's side.
• There's a universally accessible playground near campsite 69. It has packed clay gravel.
• Collier bathhouse has a universally accessible shower and toilet as well as a concrete walkway.
• Read bathhouse has a universally accessible shower and toilet and a concrete walkway.
• Boat launch: 64th Street Park access restroom has universally accessible toilets with paved sidewalk from road to men's and women's side.
• Picnic area: Restroom has universally accessible toilets with paved sidewalk from road to men's and women's side. There is also an accessible playground with access over hard packed dirt.
• Trails: The Trail Center is universally accessible with accessible restroom facilities. There is a paved walkway from road to center. The Cape Henry Trail is universally accessible from Kendall to 64th Street.
• Chesapeake Bay Center: universally accessible exhibit area, offices and restrooms. All areas are accessed via paved sidewalks from the parking lot and passages in between.
• Amphitheater: Paved ramp with wheelchair seating, access by paved sidewalk (use Chesapeake Bay Center restrooms).
• Gazebo: Paved sidewalk to universally accessible gazebo (use Chesapeake Bay Center restrooms).
• Beach access: Dune crossover behind the Chesapeake Bay Center. There is no universally accessible access across the beach to water.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.
• A specialized beach wheelchair is available. Call 757-412-2320 for details.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

The park offers many various self-guided and guided programs that cover crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, nature hikes and structured environmental education programs. Large clubs, school groups and community organizations can request specific historical, cultural and environmental programming related to their educational goals. The park participates in Virginia's State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms, a 40-activity curriculum guide used by K- 12 teachers and home-school coordinators. Call 757-412-2306 for details. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

CONCESSIONS

The Bay Store has a variety of groceries, snacks, camping supplies, firewood and outdoor recreation supplies. Concessions operate daily with the following schedule: March to Memorial Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.; hours from Labor Day to Mid-October are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The store also rents bikes, fishing equipment and crabbing gear, and sells bait, souvenirs, cold sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and T-shirts.

HISTORY

In 1933, the Commonwealth of Virginia bought the park's more than 2,000 acres from the Cape Henry Syndicate Inc. for $157,000. The park was built in the early 1930s by mainly African-American CCC workers. It was dedicated June 15, 1936. In 1965 the park’s natural area was included in the National Register of Natural Landmarks because of its distinction as the northernmost location on the East Coast where subtropical and temperate plants grow and thrive together. In 1977, the park's trail system was designated as part of the U. S. Department of Interior's National Recreational Trail System.

The park's name was changed in 1997 from Seashore State Park to First Landing State Park to reflect its heritage as the first place where members of the Virginia Company landed. They went on to settle Jamestown. In 2007, the park hosted a re-enactment of the first landing. The National Register of Natural Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Landmarks have listed First Landing State Park because of its heritage.

FRIENDS GROUP

To learn about volunteering opportunities, call 757-412-1010. You can help enhance First Landing's educational and preservation offerings. Friends of First Landing State Park is an organization that supports the park through fund-raising and volunteer efforts.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.