I’ve always appreciated the benefits of connecting to nature, but camping was one of those experiences I mentally filed under “maybe one day,” which really meant “probably not.” The idea of hauling gear, wrestling with tent poles, and sleeping through unfamiliar sounds in the darkness never quite matched my love for high-thread-count sheets and enough bedding to build a small fortress.
But at the Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort, during a Black Camping Retreat hosted by Black People Outside founders Chevon “Chevy” Linear and Kameron Stanton, my perspective cracked open just enough to let something new in. Not dramatically — just a quiet calm that came from being offline, outdoors, and surrounded by people who looked like me. With Chevy and Kameron leading the way, the unfamiliar felt surprisingly accessible. From an easygoing hike at Kiptopeke State Park to watching Chevy work her magic over a seafood boil, they made the outdoors feel welcoming instead of intimidating.
And the KOA setting helped, too. Perched right on the Bay, it felt like a coastal getaway with a camping twist. With options ranging from a glamping tent to deluxe cabins, everyone in our group found a way to ease into the experience. It was the kind of trip that subtly expands what you think is possible for yourself.
Exploring KOA’s Stay Options And Amenities
I quickly learned at the Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort that camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it. KOA has found a way to blend the outdoors with the comforts that make a trip feel doable, especially for those of us who prefer a soft entry. The resort meets you exactly where you are, whether you’re camping-curious or fully committed to glamping.
For the traditionalists, RV sites neatly line the property, each a little invitation to try the classic road-trip lifestyle. But for the rest of us — those who want to be outside without sacrificing sleep — KOA’s cabins and glamping tent feel like a sweet spot. The deluxe cabin I stayed in had all the features that make me feel at home: a real bed, climate control, and enough space to unpack without feeling like I was auditioning for an episode of Survivor. It offered the grounding of nature without the guesswork or discomfort I once associated with camping.
The resort’s location, directly on the Bay, gives you immediate access to the kind of views that make you slow down without trying. Restorative morning walks to the water were only outdone by evenings spent enjoying the last stretch of sunlight with toes buried in the sand. For dinner, we gathered at Sunset Beach Bar & Grille, an on-site perk that brings the social part of travel right to your doorstep. Good food, cold drinks, and a breeze off the Bay create a vibe that feels like a summer gathering you didn’t have to plan.
KOA’s lodging options let everyone camp or glamp at their own comfort level, making the retreat feel more like a collective adventure and less like a test of outdoor survival skills. And for me, that made all the difference. KOA showed me that camping can be flexible and, dare I say, comfortable.
Beyond The Campsite — Exploring Local Gems In Cape Charles, Virginia
As much as I enjoyed settling into the rhythm of KOA, part of what made this retreat feel well-rounded was getting a sense of the surrounding area. Cape Charles has an easygoing coastal energy — the kind of place where an unhurried morning can turn into a day of exploring without it feeling like an itinerary.
The highlight of the adventure was our time at Kiptopeke State Park. Chevy and Kameron led us on a beginner-friendly hike that felt intentionally curated, approachable, and low-pressure. No posturing, no pretending — just fresh air, scenery, and space to enjoy it with people who made the outdoors feel a little more familiar.
We also carved out time for solo wanderings, which is something group travel doesn’t always encourage but absolutely should. It’s how I ended up at Deadrise, where I grabbed a cocktail and took in the atmosphere — an unexpected but welcomed moment of quiet that balanced out the joy of being with the crew. Earlier in the day, we stopped at AJ’s for lunch, a spot with a relaxed, local vibe and enough seafood options to remind you of your coastal proximity.
But the real standout was Baine’s Farm and Market, a Black-owned gem with a story worth telling. The market’s produce comes straight from owner William T. Baines’s 26-acre farm — three-fourths of it planted with care. What started as selling out of a carport structure grew into the farmer’s market–style building he opened in 2020, turning his lifelong dream into a community staple. The produce’s freshness is undeniable, as is the pride woven into every part of the space. If you want to support a local and Black-owned business while tasting the literal fruits of someone’s labor, this is the place.
The shared moments, solo time, and unexpected finds made Cape Charles feel like a warm welcome to the underrated Eastern Shore. It reminded me that the beauty of a trip isn’t just in where you stay — it’s in everything you discover along the edges, too.
Claiming Space Outdoors
By the end of the retreat, I left renewed from the collective energy of being outdoors with people who culturally get me. The comfort in moving through nature without needing to over-explain, perform, or brace yourself for unfamiliar reactions is a feeling every Black traveler deserves. Being surrounded by folks who laugh like you, hype you up, and understand the little things made the experience feel natural instead of intimidating.
KOA made camping feel approachable, but the group made it meaningful. Conversations around the fire, sharing space without pretense, and the joy of simply being outside together created a rhythm that felt familiar. Cape Charles offered the scenery, KOA provided the setup, and our community supplied the energy that brought everything to life. The outdoors really does feel different when we’re together.
