Kiptopeke State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: On Virginia's beautiful Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The park has two and three-bedroom cabins, six-bedroom lodges, RV and tent camping, a yurt (part cabin-part tent), and a bunkhouse. Guests also enjoy the park's boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, picnic areas, 5.1 miles of hiking and biking trails, playground, beach bathhouse and swimming beach. Seasonal interpretive and educational programs focus on natural history, birding and bay ecology.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, this park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds. Kiptopeke is three miles from the northern terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which has a substantial each-way toll charge (PDF), on Route 13. Turn west on Route 704; the park entrance is within a half mile. The park has an area for swimming Memorial Day to Labor Day. Drive Time: (Coastal Virginia traffic may extend time) Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 45 minutes; Richmond, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Marina/Boating, Observatory

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Little or none

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Swimming: Natural Area (lake, beach)

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Amphitheater, Bath House, Rental Equipment, Lighting after dark

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Vending Machine

Camping: Tent, RV

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Overnight Camping, Fires Allowed, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grills, RV Hookups

TRAILS:

Trail Description: The park has more than 5 miles of hiking and bicycle trails. Explore upland hardwood forest along Baywoods Trail and look for tracks of foxes, deer and many birds. The southern beach also is perfect for a hike. The upland Baywoods Trail and southern beach are connected by extensive boardwalks so that visitors may explore Kiptopekeu2019s dune formation. Bicycle trails are available along the parku2019s entrance road and the Raptor, Songbird, Chickadee and Mockingbird trails. Bikes may be rented at the camp store.

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: 5 to 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Surface Type: Sand/Dirt, Boardwalk

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Playground, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures, Information Kiosk

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Shoreline/Beach, Wetlands