Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
The Colonies RV Travel Park & Country Store ↗
The Colonies RV & Travel Park is at historic and scenic Fort Monroe National Monument. The Colonies offers RV and tent camping sites. The country store sells gifts, beach necessities, and RV supplies. The campground has picnic tables and pavilion rentals. Colonies rents pits and charcoal grills for use in the campground. The clubhouse has television and a full kitchen. The bath house has restrooms and showers. There is a 24-hour laundry.
Reservations: Reservations can be made in-person, by phone, or on-line and it is recommended well in advance. No advance reservation is required for tent-only sites. For reservations or more information: 757-722-2200.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
Fires: Open flame on fire pit above ground. Bring your own and available for rent.
Site rules: Quiet hours at 10 pm to 8 am weekdays, 11pm to 8 am weekends.
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
NPS identifies The Colonies RV Travel Park as an overnight option at Fort Monroe. Use the NPS-listed operator for current site sizes, hookups, vehicle rules and availability before bringing a truck camper or RV.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Biking, Road Biking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hands-On, Citizen Science, Volunteer Vacation, Hiking, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration, First Person Interpretation, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
Take exit 268 from Interstate 64 (I-64) in Hampton, Virginia toward Fort Monroe. Turn left from the exit ramp onto South Mallory Street. Turn right at the second light onto East Mellen Street. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light onto Ingalls Road. The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center is on the left after about two-thirds of a mile. Park on Ingalls Road or in the lot behind the building. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Spring: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common. Summer: Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Fort Monroe Aerial View
A unique perspective only available from the air brings the entire scope of Fort Monroe into focus in one image.
Credit: NPS Photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Fort Monroe Flagstaff Bastion
Brilliant colors of the setting sun offer unique views of the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States.
Credit: NPS Photo/Aaron Firth. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.