August 2007. I made a reservation for one night over the internet a week before arriving. Upon arrival we were placed in the section F campsites. Apparently the place is crowded everyday all summer long. Section F is in the lower reaches of Dante's Inferno. Everysite is about 100 feet from a 4 lane highway. The sites are extremely small - no privacy. There is no space or natural boundries, such as brush and trees, between the sites. Your fellow campers business is your business. The place was noisey from fellow campers coming and going till after midnight, never mind the constant highway drone. Lying awake,
I wondered what I did in my life to deserve this?

The showers were not clean. (What is so difficult about maintaning clean showers? A good scrub brush, a little bleach and water, and a well paid worker. Many campgrounds have trouble with this issue.)

The beach was okay, but I wondered about how clean the water was with large frieghters anchored about 1/4 to 1/2 mile off shore. My family did see dolphins and pelicans and we had a good time in the water. Beyond this, we all hated the campsite and vowed never to return.

We went on to enjoy other VA state parks such as Pocahontas State Park and Holliday State Park which were both wonderful.

The park is best for a day visit. Forget about camping there.

First Landing is an excellent way to go to the beach on a budget. I like that they do not have water or electric at the sites, it makes it still feel like camping out. They do provide shower facilities, so there is access to water and electric when needed. The bay is beautiful and private, and a nice public beach isnt far away either. Its great for lovers, friends, and families alike.

I've been camping at First Landing since 1976 (when it was more aptly named Seashore State Park). True, there's no hookups and the facilities aren't as up-to-date as other state parks (though they are working on it), but the fact that I can wake up in the morning and walk over a dune bridge and watch the Bay surpasses all that. It's easy to forget that a huge megalopolis is right there. The sites are adequately sized and spread apart enough to feel privacy (not like at the Va. Beach public campgrounds). The nature area of the park is fascinating with a good biking trail for only-bike-on-vacation folks as well as nature trails. There is a panoply of museums, sports, and attractions within a short driving distance.

But the best part is just sitting on the beach watching the sunset.