Eastern Shore of Virginia Welcome Center

Read the one previous review of this area and decided to call. Yes, they do allow a maximum of a 48 hour stay here at no charge. This property belongs to the Bridge Authority and NOT the Welcome Center. It is regulated and secured by the Bridge Authority and their Police Department.

Posted as you come in Maximum stay 48 hours. I was told by the lovely Welcome Lady (Mary Mears) on the phone, it is a courtesy to call the Bridge Police Department/Security and announce your intention to stay. Their phone number is 757-331-8950. We did so, half way across the bridge. I spoke with a wonderful officer. Gave him my name, rig details and intentions to stay for the 2 nights.

It was clear, he was monitoring comings and goings from the area. He said, "oh, are you the one in the..(and he described a rig)....that just pulled in?" I did clarify, my rig was still on the bridge. I gave him the particulars our our rig. He was cordial and said, "48 hours is our limit, pick a nice spot and enjoy your stay! Thank you for calling!"

It should be noted, Visitor Center itself is open 8:30A - 4:30P, with vending machines and rest rooms open 24 hours. There are trails as previously noted. We will be explored the one day we stayed over and had a great time. Ask inside the Center and they will tell you all about the area. Nice State Park nearby, Wildlife Refuge with a path to it from this parking lot.

Picnic Tables available, trash cans. No water or dumping station.

We parked behind the building along the grassy area. Trucks and vehicles do drive around the building so there was a little noise - nothing to bad. There are plenty of spots - this is a huge lot!

Definitely a Treasure in the Rough - so Don't Abuse!

I am going to comment - not everyone picks up trash so as good Campendium campers - let's help a bit and pick up a bit when we can! When I go to the trash can, I pick up things left behind which I see near our rig.

Definitely would recommend as a stop over. It can be accessed going either way on the bridge as there is a cross over in the middle of the highway divider!

Right at the north end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel you'll find this large parking lot. 48 hours free parking allowed. No hookups or actual camping, but there are large trash bins and grass all along the outer edge of the lot. Pets can be walked in designated areas on a leash.

The best part about this free boondocking spot is the set of hiking, biking, jogging trails that begin right behind the Welcome Center. About 1/4 mile north, the trail becomes paved, and it goes all the way up to nearby Kiptopeke State Park. Head south on the trail to enter a wildlife management area complete with historical markers chronicling the area's unique role in WWII, when massive guns loaded with 16" shells were stationed there in concrete bunkers to protect the Chesapeake from the potential threat of invading Germans. Several spots feature wooden observation decks that look out over marshlands, a lighthouse, and the Atlantic Ocean.