Kiptopeke State Park

Category: Park

Address: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310, USA

Phone: +17573312267

Reviews

Sue Haddox

Jun 18, 2022

Our favorite place to camp! Great trails, fishing/crabbing pier and the most beautiful sunsets! Separate beach for dogs all in a beautiful natural setting. Sandy beaches, clean water and wildlife galore. Playground for the kiddos along with picnic tables in that area.

Seth H

Jun 15, 2022

The west side beach is sheltered from big waves by decommissioned WW2 concrete warships. Also pets are supposed to be prohibited from that beach. There are a lot of the no-see-um/chigger type flies depending on the day/time, so be prepared with bug spray. Great beach for kids to play. The campground is nice, not my favorite, but I don't like being that close to neighboring campers, and would prefer more natural shade. You can walk to beach from campsite(less than 5 min walk). Great staff.

Mark C

Apr 24, 2022

Facilities are not as nice as many of the other Virginia state parks. Bathhouse wasn't clean and is showing is age. Camping sites aren't very level, are grass/sand, and are difficult to back into due to the 90 degree layout. Campers are very close and somewhat crowded. A plus is that some sections feature a sewer connection which isn't common in state parks. Fire pits are behind camper. Saw frequent patrols during the day. Beach access and boating access is great. Make sure you wear shoes crossing onto the beach due to sand spurs and briers. Very quite and natural area.

Lilly L

Apr 18, 2022

Great state park! Beautiful and just perfect! The staff is super nice! The area is beautiful and clean. Plenty of space! Great park for children. Our kids just loved walking around, going to the beach to dig holes and collect seashells and go around with their bikes. During the weekend the little store is open, my kids would love to go their and buy ice cream. the lady is so nice there! We'll come back for sure!!!

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Questions & Answers

Does this park rent kayaks?

Melinda Davis | Feb 6, 2019
Jacie McCabe | Feb 7, 2019

Yes!! And its a great area for advance and beginners!!

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Is there a playground in the park.

David D | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

We had to close it for renovation last month. Sorry.

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Do they have yurts available?

Martie Dreisbach | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

Yes

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Does this park have wifi?

Warren Blair | Feb 6, 2018
Trevor Newcomb | Feb 7, 2018

No wifi unfortunately, but does get cell reception.

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Can I take my own kayak and kayak to the concrete ships?

Yanet Chavez | Aug 9, 2021
Mary Cothran | Aug 10, 2021

Yes! But don't get too close because the ships are old and fragile. Please use caution.

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Are the campgrounds far enough from each other to allow for proper social distancing/Is there plenty of campgrounds to be far apart from others?

Billy Falls | Feb 5, 2021
Livia Mackison | Feb 6, 2021

Yes,plenty of room for social distancing between campsites

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Do you need fishing license while camping here?

Gil Lee | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

The park has a fishing license for the pier so you do not need one from there. You do need to register for the FIP through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. If you fish from the shore you need a salt water fishing license.

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Is there a fishing PiercingClothing

Suellen Pentz | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Maybe your phone decided to make an off auto correct. If you are asking if we have a fishing pier, we do.

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Can you get T-Mobile service within the park? Campsites as well as beach? Wondering if we will have data for our visit.

Geoffrey Campbell | Feb 6, 2020
Geoffrey Campbell | Feb 7, 2020

Good T-Mobile Service in the campground area (full bars and LTE). Spotty service and mostly no data on the beach.

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Can you catch black drum here?

Jonah M | Feb 6, 2020
Lokey Chronicals | Feb 7, 2020

Now yes

Hi all, thanks for your help with our firewood question. We're here and WOW, what a park! Thinking about stopping back by on our return from Ashville NC at Thanksgiving. Are the Yurts or cabins dog friendly?

Suzanne Reisser | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Glad you are enjoying Kiptopeke. The yurts are not pet friendly at this time. We are working on a plan to reinforce the interior structure so at least some of them can be but we needed to get them all built first.

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is this somewhere i can set up a tent and just stay for a weekend?

Ryan Ames | Feb 6, 2018
Brittany Gay | Feb 7, 2018

They have tent only sites without electricity and sites with electricity that allow tents or campers. Each section has a bath house. It's the perfect place for a short or long stay. Of course, as I'm sure your aware of, it's not free camping.

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What is the dog beach like?

Elizabeth Brickhouse | Jan 6, 2022
Dawn Globis | Jan 7, 2022

Dogs need to be leased and cleaned up after. Nice and clean, long walk

Can we access the dump station only? If yes, how much is it?

Christophe L | Oct 8, 2021
Paul Zavada | Oct 9, 2021

I think you can with a daily parking pass. $8.00

Can you drive and primitive camp on the beach here?

ron williams | Sep 8, 2021
Samuel Sunko | Sep 9, 2021

No, if you want to camp, you need to reserve a campsite.

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Can you swin here or are there sharks and jellyfish?

Cinthia Aguilar | Aug 9, 2021
felix Diaz | Aug 10, 2021

Yes you can swim,no issues at all in June when we were there...

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Are there RV sites available

Morris Lane | Jul 10, 2021
Jacob Attar | Jul 11, 2021

Yes. Electric water wan sewer at most of them.

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Can you have a golf cart on the beach?

Cindy Henderson | Jul 10, 2021
Ronnie Paynter | Jul 11, 2021

No... You see the Ranger and he will let you know.Or call the Park its self for info...

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How long of an electrical cord is needed for a travel trailer to plug into the power outlet?

Matt Taylor | Jun 10, 2021
Gregory Marter | Jun 11, 2021

Depends on site. Our connection for sewer and electric was only 5 feet away from our 28 foot travel trailer connection

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Does each camper site have a grill

Becky Warner | Jun 10, 2021
Nancy Heltman | Jun 11, 2021

Fire rings with grill inserts at each site.

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Are there fire pits and grills at the cabin sites?

Ryan Naughton | May 11, 2021
Andrew Hocker | May 12, 2021

Yep, there sure are!

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Is there a dog beach nearby?

Nancy Zaziski | Apr 11, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Apr 12, 2021

We have one at the park separate from the regular beach. However it is not a fenced area so dogs must remain leashed.

Are there hotels to stay in?

Cheryl Altemose | Feb 5, 2021
David Lieu | Feb 6, 2021

The state park has cabins for booking and lodges for larger parties. They have their own bathrooms and kitchens etc. I'm not sure if there are hotels near by. Maybe in Cape Charles? We stayed at Cape Charles KOA (south of the state park right after getting off the bay bridge/tunnel). They have cabins and RVs for booking too. Only 10 minute drive to the park from there.

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Can vehicles with tents mounted on top (roof top tent) camp here? Or is the parking and camping site far away from each other?

Jakemynameis | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

Yes you can. The parking is at the site so it will work fine.

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If a Golf Cart is street legal and tagged as a slow moving vehicle is it able to be used.

Patty Huber | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

As long as the vehicle is titled under § 46.2-908.3 you can drive on the park roads and in the campground with your "street legal" golf cart because our speed limits are all under 35. We do not currently have any trails in the park certified for golf cart use though. PS - If other visitors ask about your golf cart, we'd appreciate if you would point out the titling so they understand that just any golf cart would not be allowed.

Can you drive your golf cart from the neighborhood in the front interest

carol west | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

No. State Park roads are considered State Highways so all vehicles must be legal to drive on highways and golf carts do not qualify. Details here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/regs-golf-carts.pdf

How to rent a cabin?

Meire Chavis | Feb 5, 2021
Shirley Leon | Feb 6, 2021

https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/kiptopeke-state-park/VA/140162/overview

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Can you use a small grills on the beach?

Jonah M | Feb 5, 2021
DeWayne Law | Feb 6, 2021

Yes they also have a fier pit at each site highly recommended this park for anything from primitive tent camping to full size rv stays

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I fished the pier once last May and waters near pier were littered with crab boats. Are the crabbers in the boats heavy in this area the entire summer?

Jonah M | Feb 5, 2021
Skinnie Skinn | Feb 6, 2021

I was just there last week, no boats, but pods everywhere...

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Can you surf fish from kiptopeake state park

George Sample | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

Yes!

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Do rv sites have cable hookup and sewage hookups

Byron Baker | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

Sewer yes, cable no.

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Does the shelters are available now.

Vale Edits | Feb 5, 2021
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 6, 2021

Yes they are open now.

Where is a cliff jumping place

Alex Ashby | Feb 5, 2021
Jeff Jorgensen | Feb 6, 2021

There is no place at Kiptopeke State Park for that.

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Will the sites accept a 37 foot fifth wheel?

notatoyota4x4 | Feb 6, 2020
James McDonold | Feb 7, 2020

Yes, there are many that size. Wonderful place for sure.

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How long can my RV or camper be on a full hookup site?

Honor Scoops | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Maximum 14 nights in a 30 day period.

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Does the park have wi fi?

Terry Conklin | Feb 6, 2020
steven olson | Feb 7, 2020

There is no WiFi but my Verizon still get LTE connection while camping there. I don't know any State Park/camp grounds that does.

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Is there atv riding on the state park?

Erin Hurley | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

No. Not allowed on any of our Virginia State Parks.

Is there a price to entering the park to visit

Barbara Bernas | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Yes, $7 per car.

Is it a good place to do kayaking? Water is not so crazy?

Ulises Cardenas | Feb 6, 2020
Nancy Heltman | Feb 7, 2020

It is the open Chesapeake Bay so currents and how crazy the water is can be weather and tide dependent. You might consider taking one of our guided paddling trips. Like these: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-events-list?srchloc=KP&eventtype=101&BDate=07%2F02%2F2019&EDate=08%2F01%2F2019&action=detail

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Can a tent camp on our rv site w us?

Debra Conlin | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

You can have a max of 2 pieces of camping equipment and up to 6 people on one site. So an RV and a tent are ok as long as you don’t have more than 6 people.

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Is there a restroom on-site for people fishing (wife's coming)(not porta John's)?

Jonah M | Feb 6, 2020
Brian Scott | Feb 7, 2020

Yes there are by the pier

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Can u rent a camp ground

Sandra Johnson | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Yes, you can reserve a campsite. Check out our website. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke#general_information

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Can boats with paddles or motors be rented here?

Gav n Zanes Mom | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and paddleboards may be rented at the camp store.

Do the pier open for fishing yet?

Long Ta | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

Yes, it is actually open year-round.

How much does the kayak rental cost?

Emily Hartis | Feb 6, 2020
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2020

You can find the prices here: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/fees-equipment-all.pdf

Are dirt bikes allowed?

Bryan Archila | Feb 6, 2020
Tyania Voss | Feb 7, 2020

No

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When is the park reopen?

Long Ta | Feb 6, 2020
Leni Jones | Feb 7, 2020

Year round

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Which campsites are designated for host?

Carolyn Wright | Feb 6, 2020
Mary & Jim Hunter | Feb 7, 2020

Host site is to the right of the restrooms as you look at the front of the building. Not sure about any others

Do you have 3 BR cabins with full or Queen beds?

Carolyn Wright | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

We have 2 three bedroom cabins at the park. They each have a queen bed in one bedroom, two twins in one bedroom and two sets of bunks in the third. The park also have 2 two bedroom cabins and 5 six bedroom lodges. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke#cabins_camping

Do you have Electric Car Charging Station or Port?

Jong Yun | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Not yet. We are trying to get one added.

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we are coming down next week and know not to bring in firewood. Does the camp store or a local store sell good firewood?

Suzanne Reisser | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Yes, we sell it.

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Would kayaking to the shipwrecks with two children (ages 5 and 7) be safe and feasible? Approx. how far are the shipwrecks from the shore?

Mike Dennis RVA | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Mark points out some of the pitfalls. Have the children had any kayaking experience beyond flat water? Water with current is a completely different experience. We wouldn't allow children that young on any of our guided trips even in the calmer water.

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Do you have bird banning at the park?

A Google User | Feb 6, 2019
HensAndHounds | Feb 7, 2019

If you mean bird banding, yes they do!

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Do you have to make a reservation for a tent site

Ian Rudd | Feb 6, 2019
Ki Kim | Feb 7, 2019

Yesif its available

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I’m here for a few days with a 14’ sailboat, would like to sail, any suggestions?

Vince M | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Head down to the Park Office - they should know a good person to talk to. We usually have someone in the Camp Store near the launch and fishing pier familiar with the area or our Park Interpreter, Bill Dyas, has lived on the Eastern Shore a long time and would have some tips. The area around the refuge beginning down on the east side of the peninsula where the Chesapeake Bay Bridge crosses would give you some good views of pristine beach and wildlife.

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My parents want to stay on the campground for 3 nights. How much would that be?

Rosmeryyy. Roblero | Feb 6, 2019
Green Drumheller | Feb 7, 2019

It is based on what kind of site you want or if you rent one of their temts or cabins. I suggest checking the web page or calling to check

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If You want to stay in the campground for 3 nights, How much would it cost?

Rosmeryyy. Roblero | Feb 6, 2019
Tod Fisher | Feb 7, 2019

It depends on what type of site you want, and what days you will be staying. But a primitive tent site would run you around $90 for a 3 night stay. It is best to visit the Virginia state parks website, and follow the links to make a reservation. They have a list of site fees.

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Can you take your dog onto the fishing barge

Brenda Lumpkin | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Yes you can take your dog anywhere in the park except the designated swimming beach (there is a separate beach that allows dogs), or in the office, restrooms and bathhouses. The pier is fine. The dog must be kept on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length and be under your control at all time.

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do you have cabins

kathleen colon | Feb 6, 2019
william chapman | Feb 7, 2019

Yes they do. Yurts too

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does it have cabins for rent

Gary Malbon | Feb 6, 2019
DAVID CRITZER | Feb 7, 2019

yes large and nice

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Are the beaches Dog Friendly?

Rebranded Customs LLC | Feb 6, 2019
Heady Osmer | Feb 7, 2019

They allow dogs to the left of the pier. It’s not maintained and there was quite a bit of debris But my dog didn’t mind.

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Do you have to pay to get in?

Casper Holmes | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

There is a $5 per car parking fee that must be paid by everyone coming into the park. If you have a campsite or cabin overnight rental, the fee for up to 2 cars is covered by your rental fee.

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what are the prices on the cabins

geneva rushworth | Feb 6, 2019
Bob Lessemun | Feb 7, 2019

No idea contact the state park or Google the internet. Based upon occupancy I remember they were reasonable

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How about crafting today?

Kwangkuk Lee | Feb 6, 2019
David Hill | Feb 7, 2019

No

Can we rent bikes here?

Tova Gerchikov | Feb 6, 2019
Danny Mcclain | Feb 7, 2019

Come on Andy get with the program.

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Do you need a license to fish, if so which one? And is it a large crowd during weekdays? Also, what's normally caught from pier?

Jonah M | Feb 6, 2019
Pat Hammond | Feb 7, 2019

For fishing from the pier you just need to register with Virginia for a free Fishermen ID (mrc.virginia.gov), then pay $3 daily pier fee. Catch flounder, croaker and the others mentioned above. We've only been on weekdays. Not busy early summer, very busy later. Lots of friendly people!

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Looking at camping there in July. How's the water temp then? Also are there any waves at the campground beach?

Emily Smith | Feb 6, 2019
Danny Mcclain | Feb 7, 2019

If I were you I would start looking into obtaining a site now. they go very quick especially the month of July and August. The water temperature has always been great come July, It's seems the wave size are more influenced by the wind rather than tidal flow. You still get that beautiful noise from the waves just not as loud.

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Does this campground allow dogs? And if so how much do you have to pay for them to be there?

Anne Ramirez | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Yes we allow dogs in the campground. There is no extra fee. Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed 6 feet and be under the owners control at all times. They cannot be left unattended at the site. We do charge a fee in our cabins.

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Can we access this park by boat? Is there anywhere to tie up the boat for shore exploration or an overnight stay?

Andrew Streenan | Feb 5, 2021
Michael Most | Feb 6, 2021

Sorry off topic Bill, You have a fantastic eye for photography. Really enjoyed your pics. Thanks

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Is the boat ramp free or not?

Ben Tambling | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Due to the storm activity early this year the boat launch is closed until we can get dredging completed hopefully by May. When open we have a daily parking and launch fee, $5 for parking and $8 to launch. Overnight visitors who camp or stay in a cabin can launch for free if they park at their campsite or cabin. Due to limited parking at the launch site overnight guests are charged $3 if they choose to park their trailers at the launch site.

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Does this park allow small weddings?

lil_Indian Gurl | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

Great answer Gina. Thanks!

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When does the park officially close for winter?

Jordan Popovich | Feb 6, 2018
lauren leggett | Feb 7, 2018

It doesn't; VA state parks are open year round, though not all activities are available all year.

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Can I keep fish I catch from there?

David Pettepher | Feb 6, 2019
Kiptopeke State Park (Owner) | Feb 7, 2019

We have a fishing pier that requires a fee and registration with the FIP program. You would have to follow all state laws on fish size and catch limits. Off the pier you have to have a license and also follow all of the fishing laws.

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