Kiptopeke State Park

Photo Credit: Virginia Dept. Conservation & Recreation

Kiptopeke State Park is located just a few miles from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on the state’s gorgeous Eastern Shore. It has everything that you’d expect from a park located so close to the sea: great fishing, boating and breathtaking views.

The park, at just 562 acres, is smaller than some of the other Virginia State Parks, but there are still about four miles of great hiking and biking trails. The fishing is great, and special fishing clinics are available to help attain the best possible catch. In addition to the fishing clinics, other special programs, such as guided hiking and canoe lessons and excursions are also available.

All of these features are wonderful, but the best thing about the Kiptopeke State Park is the birds. Birdwatchers flock from all over the state to get a glimpse of some rare species, including many birds of prey. Some bird species live in the park throughout the year while others just pass through.
Kiptopeke State Park is such a rich birding area that it is home to a yearly bird population study.

The study, sponsored by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, captures birds, records vital information, bands the birds and then releases them back into the wild. If you’re interested in volunteering for the bird study at the park, contact the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory for more information on how to get involved.

Even if you don’t become a volunteer, this is one of the best state parks for bird watching. You can certainly explore on your own, but the park also offers special bird watching excursions and classes. Different species are more common at different times of year, but the population studies take place from August to November. If you want the best chance at seeing raptors then a visit sometime from September through November would be your best bet.
Primitive camping is offered seasonally, but you can stay overnight in the park anytime by staying in the Lodge. Pets are welcome in the Lodge, but there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night.

Kiptopeke State Park Basics
Parking: $2 weekdays, $3 weekends
Boat Launch fee: $3
Cabin/House Prices: Varies by cabin type and season, call for more information
Handicap accessible: Some areas of the park, including the camp store, are accessible by wheelchair
Pet-friendly: Yes, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times and there is a fee for overnight pets
Public bathrooms: Yes
Located at 3540 Kiptopeke Drive Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
Call 757-331-2267 for more information