For quite a while now, Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore of Virginia has been on my radar. Besides offering beautiful woodland trails and seaside views, it’s also known for its high population of migratory birds. But it also has a unique feature that you won’t find anywhere else: The Ghost Ships of Kiptopeke. (Ooh, spooky!)
Daniel and I finally took the drive up to the Eastern Shore last weekend to check it out, and our experience was even better than expected. My only wish was that we’d set aside the whole weekend to set up camp and enjoy the beach!
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend a day or weekend out in nature, here are 6 great ways to enjoy the beauty at Kiptopeke!
Watch our adventure at Kiptopeke State Park on YouTube!
Relax on the Beaches
Kiptopeke State Park has two gorgeous beaches just waiting for you to bask on while you soak in the sun. Unfortunately, there is no lifeguard on duty, but you’ll benefit from more personal space than most public beaches in the area. The peaceful backdrop of green woodland is also a fun alternative to the busy boardwalk scene.
The half-mile-long north beach is for swimmers only, and fishing, watercraft, and pets are not allowed in this area. However, the south beach is open for all activities, including crabbing and boating, and welcomes pets on leashes (6 feet or less)!
The south beach 
The north beach
And don’t worry about driving home with sandy feet: the park has a shower station and bathrooms right next to the beach parking so you can clean off before heading home.
Take a Hike (or Bike)
If you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll, Kiptopeke State Park offers over 5 miles of trailing, weaving along the beach, around fields, and through the woods. The scenery is quiet and diverse while also offering the chance to see many different types of wildlife.
View from the Bald Eagle Bluff Overlook 
The Osprey Boardwalk 
Bald Eagle Boardwalk 
Baywoods Trail 
Osprey Boardwalk View 
The Butterfly Garden and Hawk Observatory
The trails are also rather diverse, ranging from boardwalks along the beachfront to leaf-covered paths through the woods. However, none of the trails are challenging, making them a great avenue to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also designated biking trails throughout the park, and you can rent a bike at the Camp Store if you don’t have your own.
Check Out the Ghost Fleet
Kiptopeke’s most unique feature by far is the spooky, dilapidated line of ships sinking offshore. There are 9 ships in total representing a fascinating piece of history from World War II.
As steel came into short supply during the war, the U.S. government commissioned a fleet of concrete ships to supplement the maritime forces. 24 of these ships were built over the span of 2 years, each one 366 feet long and terribly slow. After the war, the navy had no further need for them, and they did not see any further combat.
But in 1949, nine of these ships were transported to Kiptopeke and sunk in a long line to act as a breakwater for the ferry system. The ferry is no longer in service, but the ships have been left to rest along the shoreline, protecting Kiptopeke from harsher seas.
The ships have become more haunting as time goes on, with moss, barnacles, and grass taking over the exterior as fish inhabit the hulls. From time to time, a flock of birds will rise from the decaying deck as if startled by something on board. There are no windows or doors, exposing the empty and dark interior even from the shore. However, there is an eerie beauty to them, especially on a well-lit day.
The concrete ships are visible from all areas of the fishing pier and most of the north beach. Their presence extends all along the shoreline, so you can view them from many angles. But if you want a better look, take a boat or kayak out to see these concrete monoliths up close. You will need to stay back by 50 feet for your own safety, as the boats are cracked and crumbling from time and weather.
Go Bird Watching
If you look at the trail guide, you’ll notice that most of the trails are named after birds. This is because Kiptopeke is a prime destination for migratory birds of all sorts, especially shorebirds, who find plenty of places to rest along the beach. But for those who aren’t interested in songbirds, you may still want to swing by to check out the raptors!
Kiptopeke State Park often sees more than 1000 migrating raptors each day in the fall, including Bald and Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, and Hawks of all types!
Birdwatching at Bald Eagle Bluff Overlook 
The Hawk Observatory has a raptor identification chart
However, keep an eye on the sky regardless of when you visit. We saw many birds roaming the park, from seagulls to pelicans and a couple of raptors. Prime places to watch for these creatures include the Hawk Observatory (duh), Bald Eagle Bluff Overlook, the fishing pier, and the Taylor Pond overlook.
Camp Out
No matter what your definition of “roughing it” is, Kiptopeke has a spot for you! The park offers various lodging options, including cabins, yurts, lodges, a bunkhouse, and RV and tent camping. These are all tucked away on the north end of the park, right behind the beach, but there is some variation between field-like spaces and lots tucked in under the trees.
While the RV and tent spots present a buzzing community of campers, permanent lodging structures like the cabins and yurts offer privacy with more space and separate boardwalks. If you don’t relish the idea of camping alone in the middle of nowhere, Kiptopeke is a great alternative without having to give up all privacy.
The campsites also make a great home base to enjoy all of the activities Kiptopeke offers at your leisure! The Osprey Boardwalk offers easy access to the north beach, trails are just across the road, and the fishing pier is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Go Fishing
If water views and a fishing pole are your tickets to relaxation, be sure to get your fishing pass! Kiptopeke offers several places to catch “the big one,” including the 24-hour lighted pier, the south beach, and right up by the ghost fleet.
Licenses and fee regulations vary based on where you choose to fish from, so don’t forget to check on that before you bring out your pole. For example, pier fishing does not require a Virginia Saltwater license. However, you have to pay a pier fee, and those over 16 must be part of the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program. For more information, you can read the specifics on the park’s website.
If you prefer to fish from the water, the concrete fleet offshore is a thriving habitat for fish of all kinds like flounder, bluefish, and rockfish. Just be sure to stay 50 feet away and don’t moor to the boats.
Closing Thoughts on Kiptopeke
One of my favorite parts of Kiptopeke was the variety of scenery. While it’s not quite as diverse as First Landing State Park, this is definitely a great place to enjoy both woodland and ocean views. Plus, it was so easy to explore and very walkable, making it an entirely relaxing adventure.
I already plan to come back with my swimsuit and time to do some kayaking! It was 100% worth the drive up there from Chesapeake. Plus, the view from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge as you cross the water is so gorgeous! You will have to pay a toll if you cross from southern Virginia, but it’s only $6 if you return within 24 hours.
I hope you enjoyed reading about Kiptopeke State Park. If it’s not on your bucket list… add it! In the meantime, don’t forget to save and share this post for future reference. And if you’re not subscribed to the blog, you can do that below for free! I’ll even send you a special gift as a thank you for signing up!
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