An Easy-to-Read Guide for Kiptopeke State Park

As the largest state park on Cape Charles, Kiptopeke State Park is the perfect place to spend a day on the beach with your friends or family. So you have the most streamlined day trip ever, we’ve made a guide with all the major activities you can do, prices for different things you’ll need, and more. Read on if you’re planning to visit this wonderful park!

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee gives you access to the beach shore, hikes, and fishing pier. Launching your boat is an additional charge.

$5 per adult

$3 per child

Boat Launching Fee

$5 with Marine Fishing License

$10 without Marine Fishing License

Motorboats are allowed to be launched. Kayaks and other small watercraft may be launched on the southern boat ramp or on the beach shore.

Pet Policy

Feel free to bring your fur babies, but make sure they are on a 6 foot leash (at the most).

Things to Do in Kiptopeke State Park

Enjoy Kiptopeke Beach

You don’t always need to be “doing” something on your vacation. Sometimes all you probably want to do is lay down, close your eyes, and relax. You might just want to take in the beautiful natural scenery, or view the Ghost Ships of Kiptopeke in the distance. 

But let’s say you want to do more than bake in the hot sun. You can go swimming in the Chesapeake Bay’s water, you can beachcomb for some underwater treasures washed on shore, or you can go shore fishing from the comfort of your lounge chair.

Fishing in Kiptopeke State Park

Fishing is no doubt one of the biggest draws to Kiptopeke State Park, as you are able to catch a vast array of saltwater fish. Not only that, but you have three different ways you can go about fishing—the pier, the shore, or the boat ramp. You can even go crabbing if you have the right equipment for it.

Fishing License

Before you start fishing, make sure you grab the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Permit as well as a boating license if you plan on sailing out for your angling adventures.

Pier Fishing

The pier is an excellent place to fish because it gives you access to deeper water without needing the launch or a boating license. While maybe not as relaxing as the beach or as far-reaching as sailing a boat, pier fishing is an excellent middle ground that you don’t have to pay extra for.

Shore Fishing

Shore fishing is a top choice for many because it offers the most flexibility while you wait for a bite. You can play with your kids in the sand, suntan, or read a book on your towel until your line starts tugging. The only downside is that you can’t get your line as deep.

Boat Fishing

The boat ramp is by far the best way to catch a variety of fish, as you can cruise toward the deeper parts of the ocean near Kiptopeke with ease. The Ghost Ships (also called the Concrete Ships) offer an excellent location to try fishing. If you are willing to pay extra for the experience and bring your own boat here, it’s totally worth it.

Does the State Park have kayak rentals?

If you’d rather rent a watercraft onsite, Kiptopeke State Park usually has kayak rentals going throughout the year.

Kiptopeke Hiking Trails

While not a major hiking spot, there are a few forest trails you can explore while you're spending a day at Kiptopeke State Park. Feel free to check them out.

• Brown Pelican Trail >
• Baywoods Raptor and Songbird Loop >
  

Kiptopeke is the perfect place to spend a day on the shore!

If you’re interested in seeing what else you can do when you stay with us at Cape Charles Tiny Livin, read our travel guide! >