4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northwest River Park & Campground features equestrian trails among its recreational offerings located 36 miles west of Sunbury. The campground accommodates tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays with hookups for water and electric at most sites. Horse owners can access multiple trails through the park's 763 acres of natural setting. The park does not offer permanent horse corrals, so visitors must bring portable containment for their animals. Bath houses are clean and well-maintained, and firewood is available for purchase at $6 per bundle. Some campers note that certain sites near wetlands can flood during heavy rainfall periods.
The equestrian trail system connects to the park's extensive hiking network that runs alongside the Northwest River. Horse trailer parking is available in designated areas, though advance arrangements are recommended for equestrian camping. The trails provide varying terrain through wooded areas and open fields, suitable for riders of different experience levels. Water access points along the river allow horses to drink during rides. Campers should be aware that gates close early in the evening, so arriving before 8pm is essential for check-in. The park operates seasonally from April 1 through November 30, with weekends typically filling to capacity while weekdays remain less crowded for horse camping.
"Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus."
"Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."
from $21 - $36 / night
Check Availability"The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps."
"Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all."
from $37 - $345 / night
Check Availability"The park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. "
"Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites 4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in."
from $11 - $42 / night
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GuideI have spent my childhood here and I am excited to share it with my kids. We hike here when visiting grandparents. Chesapeake Public Park’s does a great job with events and education at NWRP! Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus.
LegendAwesome things to see here! It’s been a working farm since 1619 with beautiful gardens and livestock. The mansion and outbuildings are pretty cool as well.
Restrooms were not very clean. Each time I went to the ladies room, the door was propped wide open, and when I went to brush my teeth in the morning the counters were covered in moths and bugs and gnats. Yuck. The showers were ok.
Ice is $3 and you can grab that from the camp host if it’s after 4pm which is when the store closes. It’s cash only, exactly change. Wood is $6 and there’s a metal box - pay on your honor.
The beaches were very nice. You’re on the Cobham Bay vs. right on the river and in the dead of the summer, the water is sooo unpleasantly warm. You can wade out at the very least 100 yards and still be less than knee-deep, water still hot. The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps.
The little visitor center near the water access has cold drinks, souvenirs, ice cream, etc. They obv. accept credit cards. You can bring your dog into this area. There’s also a little wildlife info center and restrooms in the same buildings. There are also areas for day use and a good sized parking lot near the water access.
Straight across the river is Jamestown and Williamsburg, which is cool. I think I was told it’s about four miles across. That being said... those are your closest grocery stores and you have to take the Jamestown Ferry to get there. There is a Dollar General near the park, for odds and ends. Just make sure to stop in advance for what you need because you won’t find much in Surry.
Stopped at the Surry Seafood Co. for lunch and it was ok. Food and service was mediocre, but there was a nice water view from the deck. Was looking forward to stopping for some shrimp to cook that night from Colonial Seafood market but after walking in, I walked right back out. It was so unclean and didn’t smell fresh at all.
We took a beautiful drive around the plantation. The cabins look great and we’ll definitely try those out next time. There were corn fields and soybeans for miles. Such a great park due to its history.
Campsites themselves were pretty nice; not too close together. Our site had the tent pad down away from the picnic table and fire ring which was kind of nice. It was really shady, too. Room for hammocks.
Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, lantern pole. Verizon service was great.
ScoutThe park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. They were very insistent about the "no alcohol" rule.
Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6.
The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice. The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go. Other than that, expect no amenities. Bugs weren't terrible but were present. Definitely bring bug spray.
The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by. There is no sound barrier between 64 and the park so every noise just filters right through the trees. Not anyone's fault, but definitely a downside.
Overall when you consider the dirt cheap price of 10.60 per night, this campground delivers as advertised.
GuideSite was shaded, private, and right next to the river, so we had our own private access for swimming and bathing. Plenty of room for several tents and lots of parking space. Plenty of land to walk around and check out the farm.
Bathrooms were very clean and just a short walk from the site. Hosts are friendly and generous, especially with the use of the kayaks. We took kayaks out on the pond and the river and caught lots of fish!
They're building a farm store and allowed us to shop during our stay.
GuideThis is a former KOA, I stayed here years ago when it was a KOA, and have spent considerable amount of time here fairly recently. 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. They do keep a few sites open for transient campers. If you need to stay for a duration in the Norfolk-Va Beach area (we're talking months), this is the place to be! Several sites have good access to satellite system.
LegendSites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites
4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in. It is a short hike along the lake and placed a short distance from the trail so hikers will not be hiking through the sites. You have a sand bottom tent site, picnic table, fire ring/grill and trash. This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved. This really is a great site. There is an amazing nature center that overlooks Sandy Bottom Lake. Hiking, and biking trails, fishing, boating with boat rentals or bring your own, birding and wildlife viewing. 757-825-4657
LNT
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ScoutLots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do. It was so pretty & so fun. We took out two dogs with us too. There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions. Definitely will go back!
GuideLove Chippokes! Feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation! Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all.
ScoutThis place is amazing, almost surreal. Knobby tree stumps wind up from the river, surrounded by fossilized shells falling from eroding sand banks. The camp ground is a short walk away.
Northwest River Park & Campground is located 36 miles west of Sunbury, North Carolina in Chesapeake, Virginia. The park spans 763 acres with seasonal operation from April 1 through November 30. Sites include gravel camping pads with water available at central locations rather than all individual sites.
Fishing and paddling opportunities: Northwest River Park provides access to the Northwest River with rental options for kayaks and canoes. "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," notes Heather L., who visited during a weekday when the campground was less crowded.
Miniature golf and hiking: Recreational activities extend beyond water sports. "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more," shares Patricia L. after her stay at Northwest River Park & Campground.
Plantation touring and beachcombing: At Chippokes State Park Campground, visitors can explore historical sites and natural features. "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach. Pool is very clean," recommends Danielle H. The park combines historical plantation tours with riverside recreation opportunities.
Spacious campsites: Northwest River Park offers well-designed sites that accommodate various camping setups. "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks," reports Gary D., noting that while not every site has direct water access, fill stations are convenient.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained amenities at Northwest River Park. "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night," shares Joseph H. about his recent experience.
Ferry access to attractions: Chippokes State Park Campground provides convenient access to regional attractions. Philip S. explains, "About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...it's free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids! You can follow history or ride plenty of roller coasters at Busch Gardens."
Weather considerations: The low-lying terrain around some campsites can present challenges during heavy rainfall. "Because this area is near wetlands some of the campsites were flooded throughout the weekend. If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site," advises Nicole L. from her Labor Day weekend experience.
Water availability varies: Not all campsites provide direct water hookups, which requires planning. "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)," mentions Sally T. about her stay at Chesapeake Campground, noting it's "nothing fancy" but suitable for nature hikes and one-night tent camping.
Waste disposal location: Some visitors note inconvenient placement of trash facilities. Sheri K. observes, "The only thing I have a problem with here, is that there are no garbage cans or dumpsters near the campsites. The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground!"
Kid-friendly activities: Chesapeake Campground provides numerous options for children. "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. The camp store is great. It has ice cream, which my kids loved," shares Audriana V.
Shallow water access: Families with young children appreciate safe water features. At Chippokes State Park, Susan P. notes, "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!" These natural shallow-water areas provide safer alternatives to swimming pools.
Campsite selection: For equestrian camping near Sunbury, North Carolina, site selection matters. Johnathan M. advises about Chippokes State Park, "Very clean and easy setup. The campsites on the A loop are a little more on an angle, they converted tent site lots to camper lots so they come with a level tent area as well."
Leveling requirements: Northwest River Park's terrain may require equipment for proper setup. Sheri K. notes, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers." This preparation helps ensure a comfortable stay in recreational vehicles.
Extended stay limitations: For those considering longer visits, Northwest River Park has specific policies. "I asked if they had weekly rates and was told yes. But of course you are limited to 14 days like so many other campgrounds. When I arrived and talked to the clerk about the weekly rates, all he did was multiply the daily rate by the number of days. There is no discounted weekly rate," explains Sheri K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sunbury, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sunbury, NC is Northwest River Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sunbury, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Sunbury, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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