Northwest River Park & Campground operates seasonally from April through November in Chesapeake, Virginia, approximately 12 miles from Corapeake, North Carolina. The 763-acre park provides equestrian access with trails suitable for day rides across varied terrain. Water access points can flood during heavy rainfall, affecting certain campsites and trail conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Northwest River Park & Campground offers watercraft rentals for exploring the blackwater river system. "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," notes Heather L., who found the hiking trails particularly rewarding.
Mini golf and recreation: Beyond equestrian activities, the park maintains family recreation areas. Patricia L. explains, "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more."
Fishing spots: Chesapeake Campground provides access to fishing areas popular with visitors staying at equestrian-friendly sites. The campground's location on George Washington Highway places campers near additional water recreation despite occasional drainage challenges during storms.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple visitors note the maintenance standards at horse campgrounds near Corapeake. "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night," reports Joseph H. about his experience.
Helpful staff: Chippokes State Park Campground maintains well-regarded service standards. "The staff are always great, the sites are level and not too close together, with plenty of shade. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean and the showers are huge!" shares Philip S.
Spacious sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the room to spread out at Northwest River Park & Campground. Gary D. confirms this benefit: "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks. Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."
What you should know
Water access varies: Not all campsites provide direct water hookups. Sally T. advises: "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)."
Weather considerations: Camping facilities near Corapeake experience drainage issues during rainfall. Nicole L. shares practical advice: "If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site."
Reservation systems: Some equestrian campgrounds use third-party booking services that can complicate modifications. Directly contacting the campground office often proves more effective for horse campers needing special accommodations.
Seasonal differences: Chesapeake Campground remains open year-round while other facilities close seasonally. The campground attracts long-term guests: "They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RV's, it otherwise looks very clean," notes Cliff M.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Shallow water areas provide safer recreation for younger visitors at certain locations. Susan P. describes her experience: "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!"
Activity planning: Chesapeake Campground maintains child-oriented recreation areas. Audriana V. reports: "There were a lot of child friendly activities to do here. It's about 40 mins from the beach. We tent camped and had a blast. The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean."
Pool facilities: Swimming opportunities vary by location and season. Johnathan M. notes: "The pool doesn't look like it's been opened in years but there is a little beach area near the welcome center."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven terrain at some equestrian campgrounds. Sheri K. advises: "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
Trash disposal locations: Some parks centralize waste management away from camping areas. "The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground!" Sheri K. mentions as a practical consideration.
Campsite selection: RV campers should consider proximity to roads when selecting sites at horse-friendly campgrounds near Corapeake. Sites positioned away from main thoroughfares provide quieter experiences and potentially better drainage during wet conditions.
