Let me paint you a picture. You’re rolling down the Eastern Shore of Virginia, a long, beautiful stretch of country that can feel a bit like an RV desert when your black tank light starts blinking. It’s a place where the roads are flat, the towns are small, and the options for handling your business, so to speak, are few and far between. Then, just as you’re starting to sweat it, you see the signs for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Right at the gateway to that incredible feat of engineering, you find this gem, the Cape Charles KOA Resort. This isn't just a place to dump; it’s a destination that happens to solve one of the biggest logistical headaches of traveling this coastline.
Getting here is part of the adventure. If you’re coming from the south, you’ve just experienced the twelve-mile marvel of the bridge-tunnel, a drive that feels like you’re piloting your rig straight out into the open ocean. It’s one of only a handful of such systems on the planet, and for high-profile vehicles, it demands respect. I always, always check the wind advisories before I commit. More than once, I’ve had to hunker down and wait out a squall because they restricted passage. But when the weather is clear, there’s nothing quite like it. You pop out on the Delmarva Peninsula, and the KOA is one of your first welcomes, situated perfectly just a half-mile north of the bridge. It’s so easy to access off US-13, you can’t miss it.
The moment you pull in, you realize they aren’t using the word “resort” lightly. This isn’t some dusty patch of gravel behind a gas station. You’re greeted by sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay, the kind of scenery people pay a premium for. There’s a private beach, for crying out loud. Imagine, after the focused, sometimes stressful task of emptying your tanks, being able to take a walk along the shore, feel the bay breeze, and watch the ships roll by. It completely changes the dynamic of the chore. This KOA understands that the journey is as important as the destination.
The process itself is what you’d expect from a well-managed campground. You pull up to the main building, which houses the general store, and check in. The staff has always been friendly in my experience, used to handling both long-term campers and us road warriors just passing through. They’ll take your payment and direct you to the dump station. It’s clearly marked, and the lane is paved with a gentle slope, which is a detail you really come to appreciate. There’s nothing worse than a poorly graded pad where you have to play games with leveling blocks just to get a complete drain. The turning radius is generous, easily accommodating my 40-footer without any white-knuckle maneuvering.
One of the best features here is the separation of water sources. They have a dedicated non-potable rinse spigot right at the dump station, with good pressure to get the job done right. But then, over by the store, you’ll find the potable water spigots for filling your fresh tank. I can’t stress enough how important this is. You never, ever want to cross-contaminate your hoses, and this setup makes it easy to follow best practices. Just remember to bring your dedicated, white fresh-water hose.
While you’re there, you can really make a full pit stop of it. Need to top off your propane tanks for the grill? They can handle it. Have a bag or two of trash to get rid of? Standard campground dumpsters are available. And if you’ve been boondocking for a few days and are feeling a little grimy, the restroom and shower blocks are a welcome sight. They’re clean, well-maintained, and a great place to reset before you hit the road again. This comprehensive suite of amenities is what sets a place like this apart.
The cost is something to be aware of. They didn’t have a price posted publicly the last time I was through, so you absolutely need to call ahead. Based on similar KOAs in prime coastal locations, you can probably expect to pay somewhere in the fifteen to twenty dollar range. And honestly, for what you get, I consider that a fair deal. You’re not just paying for a sewer hole in the ground. You’re paying for the stunning waterfront setting, the easy access, the reliable water, and the peace of mind that comes with a clean, well-run facility. During the peak summer season, it might be wise to call and see if you need to reserve a day-use pass, as things can get busy, especially on a Sunday morning when the weekend campers are all checking out. If you can, aim for a mid-week visit to have the place almost to yourself.
Before you leave, take a moment to explore Cape Charles itself. It’s a tiny town with a huge personality, full of beautiful old storefronts and a laid-back vibe. Grab a bite to eat, check out a local brewery, or just watch one of those spectacular sunsets over the bay. For the nature lovers, Kiptopeke State Park is just down the road, a fantastic spot for paddling or birding, especially during the migrations along the Atlantic flyway. This KOA isn't just a utility stop; it’s a perfect base camp for a day or two of coastal exploration. Just be sure you’ve packed your nitrile gloves and some good tank treatment, because that Eastern Shore humidity has a way of making everything a bit more fragrant.
So, what's my final verdict? For anyone traveling the US-13 corridor along the Delmarva Peninsula, this KOA is an absolute must-know location. It pairs a necessary, practical task with a genuinely beautiful and relaxing environment. The combination of easy access, comprehensive amenities like propane and showers, and that incredible private beach makes it worth every penny. Just call ahead for the current fee and any weekend restrictions, and add this spot to your trip planner. You won’t regret it.
32246 Charles M Lankford Jr Memorial Hwy, Cape Charles, VA 23310
(757) 331-1776
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
koa.com/campgrounds/chesapeake-bay