Best Campgrounds near Richmond, VA
Camping near Richmond, Virginia encompasses a mix of state parks, private RV resorts, and primitive sites within a short drive of the city center. Pocahontas State Park, located just 20 miles south of Richmond in Chesterfield, serves as the region's largest state park with nearly 8,000 acres of forested land and multiple camping options. Powhatan State Park, situated along the James River about 30 miles west of Richmond, provides both developed sites with hookups and primitive canoe-in camping. For RV travelers, Americamps RV Resort in Ashland offers convenient access from I-95, while Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA provides proximity to the popular amusement park in Doswell.
Most campgrounds in the Richmond area remain open year-round, though some facilities like Cozy Acres Campground operate seasonally from April through mid-November. Summer temperatures can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping is available but can see temperatures dropping into the 20s at night. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during peak season (May through September), particularly at state parks. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with dump stations available for RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to the interstate corridors.
State park campgrounds near Richmond feature varying levels of privacy and amenities. According to reviews, Pocahontas State Park offers "shaded campsites" with "clean bathrooms and showers," plus recreational amenities including an aquatic center with water slides that campers can access for free. The park's extensive trail system makes it "particularly popular among bicyclists." Powhatan State Park provides a more secluded experience, especially at its primitive canoe-in sites along the James River. One visitor noted that the canoe-in campground is "quiet and beautiful" with eight sites that include picnic tables and fire rings, though campers should "bring enough water for your trip" as there is no potable water available at these primitive sites.