Kiptopeke State Park - United States: Info, Photos

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Kiptopeke State Park

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

Kiptopeke State Park on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia

Virginia State Parks

CC BY 2.0 (Unmodified)

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Nestled on the shores of Cape Charles, Virginia, Kiptopeke State Park is a mesmerizing coastal haven with a unique charm. The park boasts a broad, inviting beach with soft, pale sand stretching invitingly along the coastline. Here, visitors can engage in a myriad of activities such as swimming, hiking, bird watching, and fishing, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers. Kiptopeke State Park has many amenities, including lifeguards on duty during peak seasons, restroom access, and the allowance of dogs on leashes, ensuring a comfortable and safe beach experience. Additionally, the park welcomes guests with disabilities and offers camping facilities, though surfing is not among the activities available at this location.

Parking at Kiptopeke State Park is well-organized with a designated parking lot available for visitors. The parking is paid, requiring a modest fee that contributes to the maintenance and conservation of the park's natural beauty and resources. This arrangement ensures ample space for vehicles, making access to the beach and its surrounding attractions convenient and stress-free for everyone.

Fun fact about Kiptopeke State Park: it is home to the annual Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival, attracting nature enthusiasts from across the globe. This event highlights the park’s significance as a premier birdwatching location, thanks in part to its strategic position along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a rest stop for migratory birds. Additionally, the park's unique concrete ship breakwaters contribute not only to shoreline protection but also serve as a fascinating historical and ecological feature.

Attractions both within and near Kiptopeke State Park are plentiful, promising something for every visitor. The park itself offers several hiking trails that meander through diverse habitats, allowing explorers a closer look at the local flora and fauna. Just a short drive from the park, the charming town of Cape Charles beckons with its quaint streets, art galleries, and the Cape Charles Lighthouse on Smith Island, which while not open to the public, is an iconic sight.

For those looking to dine near the park, several restaurants offer a variety of cuisines. The Shanty, located at the Cape Charles Harbor, serves fresh seafood with a view, while Kelly’s Gingernut Pub offers a cozy atmosphere with Irish-American fare. Another notable spot, The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, specializes in local oysters and other seafood delights, providing a true taste of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

When it comes to accommodation, visitors to Kiptopeke State Park are in luck with nearby hotels catering to a range of preferences and budgets. The Hotel Cape Charles is a modern boutique option, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace for panoramic views. For a more historic ambiance, the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles provides elegant bed and breakfast lodging in a beautifully restored 1906 home. Additionally, the Sunset Beach Hotel, located just a short distance from the park, offers beachfront rooms and easy access to both the park and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, striking a perfect balance between convenience and scenic beauty.

Basic Details

7573312267

2382 meters

Entry Fee

Restroom Available

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

White

Parking Available

5287+Q5 Kiptopeke, VA, USA

All Amenities at Kiptopeke State Park

Amenities

ATM

Boat Ramp

Dogs

Playground

Restrooms

Showers

Activities

Bike Paths

Camping

Fishing

Hiking

Rentals

Bikes

Fishing Boats

Kayaking Canoeing

Mat Rentals

Umbrella Rental

Food

Restaurants

Access

Bike Racks

Car Access

Disabled Access

Foot Access

Parking - Free

Parking - Paid

Parking - RV Parking

Parking - Street

Stairs to Beach

Kiptopeke State Park - Beach Map

Top Traveler Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

Does Kiptopeke State Park have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

Kiptopeke State Park provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

Does Kiptopeke State Park have lifeguards?

No, Kiptopeke State Park does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach – please be careful when swimming on this beach.

Is Kiptopeke State Park a family-friendly beach?

Kiptopeke State Park is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

Is Kiptopeke State Park good for swimming?

Kiptopeke State Park boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

Does Kiptopeke State Park have restrooms?

Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at Kiptopeke State Park.

Is Kiptopeke State Park a nude beach?

No, Kiptopeke State Park maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

Is there food near Kiptopeke State Park?

Kiptopeke State Park has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.

What are the activities at Kiptopeke State Park?

Kiptopeke State Park is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking.

Does Kiptopeke State Park have accommodations for people with disabilities?

Yes, Kiptopeke State Park offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

Is Kiptopeke State Park a dog-friendly beach?

Yes, bring your dog with you to Kiptopeke State Park!

Is Kiptopeke State Park good for surfing?

Kiptopeke State Park is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

Beaches Near Kiptopeke State Park

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William B. Trower Bayshore Natural Area Preserve (109 feet)

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4.1

Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve (316 feet)

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4.25

Phillip Beach (349 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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4.1

Cape Charles Public Beach (358 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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4.2

Cherrystone Beach (410 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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4.05

Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area Preserve (531 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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4.2

Myrtle Island Beach (587 feet)

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4.15

Tankards Beach (593 feet)

United States, Virginia, Smith Beach

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Wilkins Beach (616 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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4.1

Hungars Beach (703 feet)

United States, Virginia, Cape Charles

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