Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Read Our Blogs

 

Last updated on March 14, 2024

Night fishing and full moon fishing can sometimes be more successful than fishing in the heat of the day as the lights draw fish in at night, and luckily for us the pier at Kiptopeke State Park is open 24 hours.

THE FAMILY THAT FISHES TOGETHER HAS FUN TOGETHER

Family fishing together on the pier at Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia

Catching a whopper from the pier at Kiptopeke State Park

Crabbing with pots and lines is permitted from Kiptopeke's fishing pier.

Crabbing with lines, pots, and nets is permitted from Kiptopeke's fishing pier 

Kayak fishing and guided kayak fishing programs are very popular at Kiptopeke State Park

Kayak fishing and guided kayak fishing programs are very popular at Kiptopeke State Park

FISHING REQUIREMENTS

The concrete ships located off the park’s waterfront offer some of Virginia’s finest fishing. For the land-lover, utilize the large fishing pier with picnic tables.

  • No fishing license is required from the pier, but a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is required for fishing from the shore. Those pier fishing who are over 16 and do not have a Virginia saltwater fishing license must, however, register for the free Virginia Fisherman Identification Program.
  • Pier fees apply (adults, $5/day; children, $3/day; under 5, free). The south beach is great for beachcombing and surf fishing, but a Virginia saltwater fishing license or Maryland license with a valid Virginia FIP number is required.

For more information on fishing and boating regulations, and licenses, visit the Virginia Marine Resource Commission's website. For tides click here then select "Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore," then "Kiptopeke Beach."

The fishing pier is lit up at night at Kiptopeke State Park to draw in the fish

The fishing pier is lit up at night at Kiptopeke State Park to draw in the fish

Follow the regulations and reap the rewards when you fish and crab at Kiptopeke State Park, in Virginia

Follow the regulations and reap the rewards when you fish and crab at this park

BOAT LAUNCH

Motorboats are allowed at the park and the ramp has 4.5-foot mean low water. Parking is limited to 70 boat trailers. Because parking is limited, campers who wish to park their trailer at the boat launch area must pay $3. But there is no charge for boat launching for camping guests who park trailers at their campsite.

Kayaks must be launched from only the south beach or the park's designated kayak launch, not from the boat ramp or north swim beach. Solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and paddleboards may be rented at the camp store. Click here for park fees. 

Purchase an annual boat launch passport by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

BEACH

The South beach is open to swimming, pets, fishing, crabbing and boating. The North beach is for swimming and beachcombing only.

This aerial view shows the fishing pier, boat launch area, and ample parking at Kiptopeke State Park, eastern shore of Virginia

This aerial view shows the fishing pier, boat launch and ample parking area

The Kiptopeke State Park camp store stocks basic fishing gear and bait, but if you're looking to outfit yourself with a whole new rig, need to pick up some safety gear for the boat, or just want to get some advice from the locals, then drive up the road north a few miles and stop in a Bailey's Bait & Tackle. Visit their website for great info on tides, fishing seasons and more. You can also buy a license there, too. 

Be sure to follow the rules so you don't end up with a citation at Kiptopeke State Park

Be sure to follow the rules so you don't end up with a citation at Kiptopeke State Park

Be sure to pay attention to park signage and handouts that explain this year's catch and size limits. The fishing pier also has a great cleaning station so you can filet your fish right there on the pier. The cleaning station dumps the fish waste into the Chesapeake Bay attracting more fish to the area around the pier which makes for great fishing. 

Virginia State Parks encourages catch and release for those fish that you don't plan on eating by the campfire. 

Large flounder can be caught from the pier at Kiptopeke State Park

Large flounder can be caught from the pier at Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park is located about 3 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Toll) --crossing the bridge is a fun drive to start your fishing adventure. Whether you are staying the night or just coming out for the day you'll have some great fish stories to tell at the end of your adventure at Kiptopeke State Park.

The Cobia was caught about a 1000 yards east of the Concrete ships just of the beach in 20 ft of water.  The Red and Black Drum were caught on Lattermire Sholes just east of the CBBT at Kiptopeke State Park, VaThe Cobia was caught about a 1000 yards east of the Concrete ships just of the beach in 20 ft of water.  The Red and Black Drum were caught on Latimer Shoals just east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel  

PROGRAMS

For a list of upcoming ranger guided programs, including kayak fishing and pier fishing, please click here. Directions to Kiptopeke State Park can be found here.

The park's trails total more 5 miles winding through coastal forests with beautiful Chesapeake Bay overlooks.

In the summer season, visitors can rent solo or tandem kayaks, paddleboards, bikes or go on ranger guided kayak forays to the concrete ships that form a breakwater that protects the park's swimming beach. Click here for park fees.

OVERNIGHT

Kiptopeke State Park has an incredible campground with full hook ups, 4  yurts (one has electricity) that are available for rent.

Also there are two each of 2 and 3 bedroom cabins, 5 six-bedroom lodges and a camping lodge (bunkhouse) that are great for group fishing trips and family reunions.

Check availability or reserve online here, or call 800-933-PARK.

Yurt at Kiptopeke State Park
This is yurt #2. The yurts sit along a bluff overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and concrete ships at sunset.

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

By Park