RV parks near Surry, Virginia typically operate on varying seasonal schedules, with many offering full amenities from April through November. Temperatures in the region average 48°F in winter and 87°F in summer with typical coastal humidity. The area sits along the tidal James River with most campgrounds positioned for water access while remaining under 20 miles from Colonial-era attractions.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Multiple campgrounds offer shoreline or pier access for fishing. At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, "Great park! Much better than last year. It's more relaxed and you can actually rest and enjoy nature," notes one camper who appreciated the water access. The resort maintains crabbing piers and river access points.
Historic exploration: Camp locations provide strategic positioning for visiting Colonial sites. A reviewer at Military Park Cheatham Annex noted it's "an amazing recreational campground for military families and retirees that is located right on the York River between Williamsburg and Yorktown. It is immediately adjacent to the Colonial Parkway for easy access to historic Jamestown as well."
Water parks and recreation: Several family-oriented RV parks feature built-in water attractions. At Grey's Point Camp, "There are water slides, playgrounds, fishing, water rentals, and campground sponsored fun," according to one visitor who documented the multiple recreation options.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Many campers specifically mention the quality of parking surfaces. "What a nice RV park with 138 sites mostly pull thru's with full hookups 30/50amps just minutes off the highway I-64. Our site was very nice site#10, a leveled concrete site with room to park our towed vehicle while still attached to our Motor Home," reports a visitor at American Heritage RV Park.
Waterfront views: Sites adjacent to water bodies receive consistent praise. The Colonies RV Park offers "one of the most scenic and peaceful campgrounds in the state of Virginia, you are right by the water (it's almost like an island), 2 minutes walking distance from a secluded beach," according to one reviewer who valued the coastal location.
Indoor amenities: Off-season camping benefits from indoor facilities. Thousand Trails Williamsburg offers "indoor and outdoor pools. Indoor pool and hot tub are nice features," according to a camper who appreciated these year-round options.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season booking requires advance planning. "We recently brought a group of ten campers to American Heritage RV Park because several of us had stayed there before and remembered it as a clean, well-kept park," explained a visitor, though they noted challenges with site assignments when attempting to keep their group together.
Site selection considerations: Back-in sites at some parks present specific limitations. A reviewer cautioned, "Because sites are not assigned in advance, we could not choose sites that worked well for our group. Our 42-foot fifth wheel was placed in back-in site#136, which— like the other back-in sites— has a tree planted at the rear that prevents fully backing in."
Internet connectivity: Service varies significantly between properties. "Our Wi-Fi and cable were very adequate and easy to connect to the internet," noted one camper at American Heritage, while at The Colonies RV and Travel Park, reviews did not mention dedicated WiFi services but reported adequate cellular coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Several parks maintain dedicated water recreation areas. "The pool was relaxing but the park set up reminded me of a typical American trailer park. Not my cup of tea but it was nice," commented a visitor who stayed in a cabin at American Heritage RV Park, appreciating the swimming facilities despite other reservations.
Playground options: Facilities vary significantly between parks. At Camp Cardinal RV Resort, "Bounce pillow was fun for the kids and the playgrounds had something for all ages. Pools were clean and the water park looked fun but not for October activities," according to a recent visitor assessing the family amenities.
Rain contingency planning: Weather impacts site conditions differently at each property. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, "We arrived on opening day (March 19, 2021) for the season. They had unfortunately been a victim of the rain and the main road to the campground had washed out. Alternative routes were set up to enter and exit."
Tips from RVers
Big rig navigation: Some parks present significant maneuverability challenges. "Large rigs should be cautious— the back-in sites are tight and maneuvering is difficult," warned a reviewer at American Heritage RV Park, noting they observed another camper with a similar-sized rig damage a water faucet while attempting to park.
Utility placement considerations: Hookup positioning affects parking flexibility. At South Forty RV Resort, "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."
Overnight stay logistics: Travelers using parks as stopping points should verify after-hours procedures. "I arrived after hours, but had my reservation hanging on the wall for me. Ground was pretty level and hookup was easy," noted a camper at South Forty RV Resort & Campground who found the location convenient for I-95 travelers.
