Fort Boykin

Great little beach and place to hang out at by the river. Typically pretty clean and not very crowded. Nice walking trails and some awesome historical information surrounding the location. Worthwhile, even if you're just needed a place to picnic or have lunch... there are picnic tables for this very reason.

Long overdue review! I went to Fort Boykin (FB) for the first time about a year ago. I didn't even know it existed until Amber D. posted a review (thanks Amber!). I don't think most people know about this place except for locals. FB is a historical site, and they believe it dates back to 1623, when the colonists built a fort to protect themselves. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 for its archaeological potential (Wikipedia). The first time I visited FB, I took some pictures of some ruins, but they completely took it away. It's covered by grass now. It's a wonderful spot and lots to do. Check this out:* Home to the Commonwealth's 2nd oldest Black Walnut Tree, over 200 years old, and has been named to the Remarkable Trees of Virginia Project. * Part of Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first national water trail. (www.nps.gov/cajo)* Also part of the Civil War Trails, Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network, Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail and Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. It is part of the eBird System, the bird database run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/).* Restrooms* Small, dirt parking lot, but it's usually not busy.* Pavilion with picnic tables and grills* Dogs allowed (on a leash)* Beach Access--This is the best part of FB! My son came with me last time and we had a ball walking up and down the beach. You can swim, but no fishing. The water is calm because it's on the James River.

This place is incredible! We stumbled upon this late 1600's Fort site a few years back...and though the very base is still there, there is little left of the fort accept a monument. However, this place is not to be taken lightly! It has a great walking grounds full of beautiful trees and flowers and hidden trails going this way and that to meander yourself through. When we're there, we feel as if we're in a secret garden of sorts.But the best part, the VERY best part, is the private beach! It's the perfect place to take kids when you don't want the chaos of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or a perfect date area to see the sunset with little to few visitors to overwhelm you, or just feel like your on your own island for a few hours to read a good book....whatever the case this place is amazing! You could score major brownie points for surprising your spouse with a place like this or if your kids love to explore and want to go on an adventure where you never know what you will see or find next this place is it!It has this rugged feel to it, with all the lush green overgrowth...its pretty incredible! It's not the easiest place to get to, and is off a dirt road, but it's worth it! Also, it appears they have visitors with littering issues, so sometimes you need to be on the lookout for glass and the like. Not a great selling point I know, but something to be aware of prior to arrival to warn your kids about. They have all these great rocks the kids love to look around and see and investigate little tidal pools to their hearts delight! Haven't found another place like it anywhere in the Hampton roads area!

If I could rate this place -10 stars I would. The person working locked me and three other cars in the parking lot after we stood pass the parks closing hours by only 8 minutes. I don't understand why no one told us that they were going to lock us in with no way out! I really enjoyed the scenery of the river but the inconvenience of this staff is is beyond my understanding. I hope whoever worked tonight receives some kind of disciplinary action. This is unbelievable.

I had no idea I lived near a fort until one day I decided to look up things to do in the area with my kids. We explored the area and found a private beach! I couldn't believe how empty it was and how there weren't a whole lot of people there. We go all the time now. I still need to visit The Rocks location.

Never knew that place existed until my sister told me about it, been going to that beach for few years now. It's small and private and relaxing that's for sure. You do have to walk the trail to get there but it is worth it.