Petersburg camping areas provide diverse options ranging from full-service campgrounds to more primitive sites throughout central Virginia. Situated at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers, the region features gently rolling terrain with elevations between 100-250 feet and characteristic humid subtropical climate patterns. Many campgrounds remain open year-round with seasonal water shutoffs during winter months at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Chickahominy Riverfront Park's waterfront location offers excellent access for water activities. One visitor noted, "There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere. Not big fish, but fish. Bring a light fly rod and enjoy."
Historical exploration: Chippokes Plantation State Park offers visitors a chance to explore working farm operations alongside camping. "This hidden gem is just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day and how they can survive into the future," observed one camper at Chippokes State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Pocahontas State Park features extensive mountain bike trails that attract riders from throughout the region. A visitor mentioned, "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp). Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history."
Capital Trail access: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved cycling route connecting Richmond to Williamsburg. "A few places to access the water and about as close as you can get to the capital trail," reported a visitor at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many Petersburg area campgrounds offer good site separation. At Powhatan State Park, a camper commented, "Sites are spaced well and still very close to everything. Very bike friendly and lots of trails. Large playground and a good boat launch for tubes and kayaks."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks highly among visitor priorities. A guest at Powhatan State Park Campground reported, "I was very happy to see such a clean bathhouse, especially during the current pandemic. Each staff member I encountered was extremely helpful and polite."
Convenient location: Many campgrounds provide strategic positioning for regional exploration. One camper at South Forty RV Resort noted, "Perfect location right off of I-95. Spot we had was spacious and easy to get in and out of."
Variety of accommodation types: Beyond traditional tent sites, many Petersburg area facilities provide alternative lodging. A visitor at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages shared, "Very clean, and well maintained campsites."
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks that affect the camping experience. At South Forty RV Resort, one camper advised, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Seasonal operations: While some Petersburg area campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasonal availability. Chippokes State Park Campground operates from "last Fri in March to 1st Mon in December" according to park information.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, campers report weekend fills, particularly during special events at nearby attractions.
Site variability: Within individual campgrounds, site quality and privacy can vary significantly. A camper at Pocahontas State Park observed, "Great State Park campground! Sites are well spaced."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming pools that provide excellent family recreation options. A visitor at Ed Allen's noted, "There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restaurant nearby, the campground had a barbecue dinner for everyone."
Playground facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically include playground equipment. One camper at Kings Dominion KOA shared, "This is a great place for families with children, young and old! Kid friendly biking around the park. Also saw many with electric scooters and golf carts. Large playground and pool, all very clean and well kept."
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer interpretive programs for younger visitors. A camper at Thousand Trails Williamsburg mentioned, "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites."
Multi-generational activities: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. One visitor at Chickahominy Riverfront Park reported, "There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. There is a dock down by the boat ramp."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have less-than-level sites that require adjustment. A camper at Powhatan State Park mentioned, "Some sites were very level. We were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel."
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems vary between campgrounds. At South Forty RV Resort, a visitor noted, "We are full time and were passing through and saw this on map. Friendly staff. Level sites with good size sites."
Road access considerations: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, one RVer cautioned, "The location is wonderful, as far as it's close to interstate 64 providing access to Williamsburg, Richmond and Virginia Beach. Getting to the actual 'resort' is difficult, hard to find and small roads."
