Pocahontas State Park Campground is situated in the Virginia coastal plain region, with the campground located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Richmond. The area features predominantly oak-hickory forest with gentle slopes between 200-300 feet in elevation. Weather patterns typically include humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak season and mild winters with occasional snowfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, campers can enjoy fishing from multiple access points. According to Patrick R., "There's a dock down by the boat ramp. It says no fishing. Wait until dark and ignore the sign. There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere. Not big fish, but fish."
Bike trail access: The Virginia Capital Trail runs near several camping areas, providing miles of paved paths. As Samantha G. notes, "The kids were able to ride around the park (it is small) and park is within sight. A few places to access the water and about as close as you can get to the capital trail."
Nature exploration: Powhatan State Park Campground offers extensive outdoor activities across its 1,500+ acres. One camper shared, "Over 1500 acres with 40 sites... The park has lots of trails, miles of open meadows, and James River access. Great park for bicycling."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses at the campgrounds. Glenn T. reports about Pocahontas State Park Campground, "Well laid out sites, clean restrooms and showers."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. According to Gregg S., "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful," while Jim L. at Powhatan State Park notes, "Sites are very spacious and good distance between other campers. Nice privacy."
Water activities: Multiple glamping locations near Chester provide swimming options. Katie B. mentions that Chickahominy Riverfront Park has "an incredibly large and CLEAN" pool that "felt very refreshing and even had adult swim time and attentive life guards."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Chester are located near active rail lines. According to Alexas H. at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages, "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."
Reservation timing: For popular glamping spots close to Chester, Virginia, advance planning is essential. At Powhatan State Park, RL advises, "You're also about 10-15 minutes from the town of Powhatan so if you need groceries or gas, you're not far from Sheetz, Food Lion, etc."
Hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full hookups, even at developed campgrounds. Ashley I. notes about Powhatan State Park, "Campground is waaayyy back in the back of park. Only a few years old. No full hookup (yes 30/50 amp)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort provides excellent recreation options for children. According to Jennifer B., it features "Level sites with brick paver pads, full hookups, RV storage, playground, pool, store, fire rings, 3 fishing ponds, awesome owners."
Swimming options: Multiple glamping locations near Chester offer swimming facilities. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Samantha G. mentions, "There is a pool and splash pad as well as boating ramp and fishing docks."
Historical activities: The area's rich history provides educational opportunities. Ashleigh M. states, "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should check site grades before booking. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, Scott T. notes, "We enjoyed a larger pull through lot that faced the woods. Some of the sites look pretty tight, but that can be common with a lot of KOA's."
Utility placement: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned hookups. Matt from South Forty RV Resort comments, "The only downside was a utility hub somewhat in the middle of the site. The site itself was fairly level, had a brand new picnic table, and had a little gravel pad."
Seasonal considerations: Several glamping spots near Chester have limited availability during winter months. Robert M. at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA mentions it's a "Nice, quiet overnight stop. We are full time and were passing through and saw this on map. Friendly staff. Level sites with good size sites. Didn't venture out as temps dropped fast this day."
