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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
