Westmoreland State Park Campground near Caret offers traditional campsites, cabins, and glamping options on the shores of the Potomac River. Located in Virginia's Northern Neck peninsula, the region experiences mild winters and warm summers with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 90°F seasonally. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations under 200 feet above sea level with a mix of coastal plains and woodland terrain.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Lake Anna State Park Campground features multiple trails suitable for novice hikers, with ADA-accessible routes for those with mobility concerns. "The paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing platforms are a really nice addition," mentions one visitor. The park balances activity with tranquility as another camper states, "We prefer a lot more privacy we were within 3 feet of our neighbors & 10 feet of 6-7 camp sites. There were more people than there was trees & wildlife."
Water recreation: Bethpage Camp-Resort provides access to the Rappahannock River with boat launches and rentals. "We enjoyed all the family activities there are to do. We went bike riding and also enjoyed that this campground is Golf Carr friendly. The grandkids loved all the water slides," explains a camper. The resort operates seasonally with water features typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Historic exploration: Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA serves as a convenient base for exploring regional historical sites within a 30-minute drive. "This KOA is clean and convenient to the historic sites in the Fredericksburg, VA area and is close to DC," notes one reviewer. The campground remains open year-round with peak season running April through October.
What campers like
Private outdoor spaces: Westmoreland State Park Campground offers sites with varying levels of seclusion. "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others," explains one visitor. Campers recommend sites in the A loop for more separation between neighbors, particularly A22 for increased privacy.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses at campgrounds near Caret. "Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter. So appreciate the recycling bins," shares a Westmoreland visitor. Another notes, "Bath houses are heated which is amazing. We had a large group so we rented B49 and B48."
Family-oriented activities: Rainbow Acres Campground provides riverside camping with fishing access on the Mattaponi River. "This is always our spot when we were are in the area, sometimes even when we're not. We love rainbow acres! We've been in groups and just the two of us. It's so relaxing and so much to do," states one regular visitor. The campground offers both short-term and seasonal sites.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping sites near Caret close during winter months, though some maintain year-round operations. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river," reports a Westmoreland camper.
Train noise: Anvil Campground in Williamsburg (about 40 miles from Caret) sits adjacent to active railroad tracks. "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it," notes one family, while others report: "Not really a complaint from us since the kids thought it was awesome. So, just a heads up on the trains. They are loud and they are often."
Reservation timing: Campground occupancy near Caret varies dramatically by season. During peak summer months, many campgrounds reach capacity, especially on weekends. "It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night. We only have a small tent and some snacks. Lol but we are having an amazing time," notes a spontaneous camper who got lucky with availability at Westmoreland.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly features: Most area campgrounds provide dedicated activities for children. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," explains a visitor at Pohick Bay Campground.
Budget options: Several campgrounds offer tent-only areas with reduced rates compared to RV sites with full hookups. "We are tent campers but almost all our neighbors were in an RV or trailer. The site had water and electric which was nice," notes a family at Pohick Bay. Tent sites typically cost $25-40 per night during peak season.
Accessibility considerations: Look for campgrounds with ADA features if needed. "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to. This campground is ADA accessible with the lantern hangers having lower hooks for those in wheelchairs, and at least one of the cabins has a wheelchair ramp," explains a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When glamping in Caret area resorts, site location significantly impacts experience. "We stayed on the B loop, the lot we reserved by only looking at a park map was nice a spacious for our popup. We were a little too close to the other site, bad design, other camp fire was right next to the the trailer spot," cautions a visitor to Westmoreland State Park.
Utility hookups: Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA offers full-hookup sites with varying amp service. "Nice and peaceful campground from what I could tell. 50/30 amp full hook ups," mentions a camper. Most sites include water and electric, though some premium spots include sewer connections for additional fees.
Winter camping: For those seeking off-season glamping in Caret, Virginia, prepare for reduced amenities. "We stayed during the covid pandemic when things were just starting to open back up, so the play grounds weren't available. The bathrooms are clean and the laundry facility is a plus. They also have a dog park which we used a ton," shares a camper about Kings Dominion KOA's winter operations.
