Military and civilian RV campgrounds near South Mills, North Carolina provide diverse camping options throughout the year. The region sits at the northern edge of the Great Dismal Swamp, with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows near 40°F. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal activities vary based on weather conditions in the coastal Virginia area.
What to do
Beach access: North Landing Beach RV Park offers direct beach access with opportunities for swimming and fishing. "We enjoyed the pool, kayaking & the activities. If you have a small boat or jet skiis, you are guaranteed to have a blast!" according to one camper.
Lighthouse tours: Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park provides access to two historic lighthouses where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. "This campground is located at the Fort Story Navy Base, set in a wooded area not far from a nice beach right at the corner of where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. Two historic lighthouse mark the spot!" notes a visitor.
Historic exploration: The Colonies RV and Travel Park sits on historic Fort Monroe with multiple water views and sightseeing opportunities. "Located on historic Fort Monroe, VA the fort has a lot to offer. No reason to leave but if you do there's plenty in surrounding areas," shares one reviewer.
What campers like
Water views: Campers appreciate the dual water views at The Colonies RV and Travel Park. "One of the most scenic and peaceful campgrounds in the state of Virginia, you are right by the water (it's almost like an island), 2 minutes walking distance from a secluded beach," states one reviewer.
Wooded sites: Little Creek MWR RV Park offers tree-covered sites and nearby trails. "Several small hiking trails nearby on base that were good for walking the dog," notes one visitor who stayed for five nights.
Pool facilities: North Landing Beach gets high marks for its swimming options. "Great place to go camping. Nice beach. Great pool. Plenty to do," mentions one camper who also praised the food options.
What you should know
Military ID requirements: Several campgrounds require military identification. "This campground is a recreational opportunity for active and retired military and their families," explains one visitor about Cape Henry RV Park.
Noise factors: Virginia Beach RV Resort offers waterfront camping with certain environmental considerations. "We picked this site for its proximity to the beach. Site #4 was level and had full hookups. We also had to treat our lot/camper for ants but given the location we figured as much," reports one camper.
Reservation policies: Advance booking becomes essential during peak seasons. At Kitty Hawk RV Park, sites cost "$60-$70 per night depending on the time of year," according to visitor information, with prices dropping significantly during off-season months.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Virginia Beach KOA provides numerous family-friendly amenities. "They offer seasonal/holiday family activities, host concerts and have many outdoor games to keep different ages involved," notes one repeat visitor.
Transportation convenience: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. "They have transportation via Trolly bus that comes through frequently throughout the day to transport you to Various beach side activities where otherwise you would have to pay for parking," explains one Virginia Beach KOA visitor.
Playground facilities: The Colonies RV and Travel Park includes family-focused amenities. "Full hookup sites are named after the original 13 colonies. Nicely situated between Williamsburg, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Tent sites, group accommodations, store, firewood, pavilion for rent and typical rv resort activities including corn hole, pickle ball," shares a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Sea Mist RV Campground offers varying site configurations. "There are two loops, the south loop is older with many trees and shade and more space between sites, the northern loop is new and treeless and open with sites close together," explains one camper.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies at rv campgrounds near South Mills, North Carolina. At Virginia Beach KOA, "the T-Mobile signal is nice and strong for my needs, both for work and entertainment," while at Little Creek MWR RV Park, "we used our T-Mobile home internet with good connection (4 bars). AT&T on our phones was 1 bar at best."
Hookup configurations: Utility connections require planning at some locations. At Little Creek MWR RV Park, "the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had a long electric cord that reached and had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect."