Virginia Beach Winter Camping

Every season has its magic. Call me crazy but I love the beach in the winter. There is nothing quite like bundling up and walking down the boardwalk listening to the waves. It brings peace to my soul.

I’ve been to Virginia Beach many times over the years in the summer but, until I started searching for winter activities, I didn’t realize just how much there was to do in the off-season.

I love staying in state parks but First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach is closed in January and February.

I have previously stayed at two campgrounds within 2 miles of the oceanfront and would recommend both. They are reasonably priced in the winter and have a camp store and bathhouses.

The Virginia Beach KOA is open all year, has recent excellent reviews, and offers WiFi and cable.

The Holiday Travel Park also offers WiFi, Cable at some sites, and heated bathhouses. My favorite amenity is a heated pool. The water temperature averages around 80 degrees. They have a parking lot 1 block from the boardwalk and a 2.5-mile bike path that leads to the beach. I booked a site in January and I will post a full review of the campground when I return.

Have fun & Happy Camping!!

What would I do at the beach in the winter??

There is plenty to keep you busy and entertain you, indoors and outside. Here are just a few on the list.

Polar Plunge - Every winter people get together to raise money for Special Olympics. For a $100 donation, you can run into the Atlantic Ocean with hundreds of other people for the coolest (coldest) fundraiser of the year. There is a costume contest, a parade on the boardwalk, live music, vendors, and beverages. This year it is scheduled for February 7-8, 2025.

I attended for the day (didn’t plunge) two years ago and it was a blast!

The Virginia Aquarium - Thousands of animals and over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays are at your fingertips.

Whale Watching Boat Tour - The Aquarium offers a 2-hour winter season, whale watching tour with the possibility of spotting a variety of seabirds and winter foul. I plan on booking this tour.

ViBe Creative District - The area is filled with artists’ studios, restaurants, coffee shops, and public art. It is also home to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art which showcases a rotating display of modern art.

TopGolf - A great place for those who love golf. You can hit golf balls or play a game while you wait your turn on heated seats. They also have a wide variety of dishes on the menu and beverages that are delivered to your area. Did I mention they have heaters? This has always been an enjoyable experience for everyone, young and old.

Funny Bone Comedy Club - Along with the show, a full menu and drinks are available to enjoy during the show.

Virginia Military Aviation Museum - You will find restored planes you can walk up to like the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and the Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker - know as the WW1 Red Baron.

Breweries - Virginia Beach offers many local craft breweries. From IPSs bursting with hops to complex barrel-aged sours, there’s a beer and a brewery for everyone’s taste.

Breakout Games - Just like the childhood game of Clue, except you are playing the game in real-time searching for clues within the mansion. This could be fun if you are having a meet-up or even if you are traveling solo and want to meet new people.

Surge Adventure Park - If you are traveling with children, this is the place to be. As a grandparent, I have been to several indoor trampoline parks and there is something for children of all ages. There is a climbing wall and an arcade and you can leap through basketball courts, jump in ball pits, play dodgeball, and run through a Ninja warrior course. I have even jumped on a few myself! This is an excellent way to get rid of too much energy.

Whether you want to relax and take in the beauty of the beach or you are looking for adventure, Virginia Beach has it all.