Best Campgrounds near Carrollton, VA

Camping in the Carrollton area of Virginia features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds spread throughout the coastal region. Nearby options include First Landing State Park and Newport News Park, which accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups. Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers primitive tent sites with hiking access, while Isle of Wight Family Campground provides both developed sites and rustic options. The region supports diverse camping experiences ranging from military facilities like Bethel Recreation Area to waterfront settings at The Colonies RV and Travel Park.

Access to camping facilities varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating year-round but some, like Chippokes State Park Campground, closing between December and March. Reservation requirements differ by location, with Sandy Bottom Nature Park using a first-come, first-served system for their 11 primitive sites. "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate," notes one visitor to Sandy Bottom. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, while tent-only areas typically offer more basic amenities with centralized facilities.

Campers consistently mention the natural settings as highlights, particularly at waterfront locations. Newport News Park features boat-in camping options that appeal to paddlers and anglers, while state parks like Kiptopeke offer a combination of RV sites, cabins, and tent camping with beach access. Several military campgrounds in the region are limited to those with appropriate ID but provide well-maintained facilities at reasonable rates. Urban proximity creates both advantages and challenges, as noted in one Sandy Bottom review: "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway." Many campgrounds balance natural settings with accessibility, providing wooded campsites within a short drive of Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Newport News attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Carrollton, Virginia (73)

    1. First Landing State Park Campground

    118 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 412-2300

    $28 - $40 / night

    "FLSP is a real Gem in the midst of a very busy Virginia Beach. The campsites range from tenting with no hookups to 20, 30, and 50 foot sites with water and electric."

    "Our game ground was surrounded by the forest but your in walking distance to the beach. The shower and rest rooms are sit up nicely the best I’ve seen at a campground."

    2. Newport News Park

    20 Reviews
    Lackey, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 888-3333

    "The sites are quiet, very spacious, nicely spaced, some surprisingly so, but many are deceptively unlevel, particularly on the outside of the loops, and are heavily wooded."

    "A bit of a long walk to the bathroom, as we need to walk around the entire loop to get to it. Gorgeous,  spacious sites with electric and water at each site. Some sites back up to the St."

    3. Chippokes State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 294-3728

    "We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside."

    "Chippokes State Park is located on the grounds of an old historic plantation, actually one if the original plantations in the area dating back to the 1600’s."

    4. The Colonies RV and Travel Park

    11 Reviews
    Hampton, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 788-4305

    $25 - $59 / night

    "Lovely small campground located inside a National Park land. Full hookup sites are named after the original 13 colonies. Nicely situated between Williamsburg, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach."

    "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, add two more minutes"

    5. Sandy Bottom Nature Park

    5 Reviews
    Newport News, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 825-4657

    $11 - $42 / night

    "The park is centrally located with easy highway access.  Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from.  The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. "

    "Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites 

    4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake

     The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in."

    6. Military Park Langley AFB Bethel Recreation Area - Park and FamCamp

    7 Reviews
    Newport News, VA
    12 miles
    +1 (757) 766-7627

    $15 - $30 / night

    "There is a small playground in the campground area, but right next to the campground is a large play area that has a rock wall that our kids really loved playing at. "

    "There is a lake for fishing with boat rentals available. Not very quite as it’s located near a busy road. (Saunders road). You can hear cars ambulance etc. all night."

    7. Davis Lakes Resort

    8 Reviews
    Suffolk, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 539-1191

    $72 - $105 / night

    "The lakes are fun and we always have a great time. Some sites are amazing. Only 4 stars because of proximity to highway."

    "We had a personal guide to show us the location of our campsite. Campsites had wood decks which would be nice in warmer weather. Close to highway but reasonably quiet at night"

    8. Holiday Trav-L-Park

    44 Reviews
    Virginia Beach, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 849-8860

    $25 - $92 / night

    "We stayed at Holiday Trav-L-Park in Virginia Beach for the first time for 3 nights in July.  As our travel trailer is small, we were able to stay in site #152. "

    "I stayed here to go to a concert in downtown Virginia Beach when high-season hotel rates made booking a room too pricey."

    9. Isle of Wight Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Smithfield, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 357-7211

    $25 - $40 / night

    "You walk into the woods which is kept neat and pick a spot to set up your tent - I looove that! Fishing on the lake was a blast!"

    "It is a little ways out of town in any direction bit it's very nice and quiet out here as you're surrounded by woods. They also have a fishing pond and trails on-site."

    10. Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Townsend, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 331-2267

    $30 - $47 / night

    "Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."

    "We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Carrollton, VA

719 Reviews of 73 Carrollton Campgrounds


  • Aaron S.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Kiptopeke State Park Campground

    A great place!

    This is a great campground. Well maintained, nice and quiet. C loop has full hookup where A and B do not. Plenty to do, hiking, fishing, birding. Camp store is nice, the staff for the park are great. The bathhouses are a little dirty, but not terrible. One of our favorite places to camp for sure! Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They’re shaded and at the back of the loop.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Anvil Campground

    Everything was there on a small surface

    Little pool, nice playground, games the kids where very happy. The historic-city of Williamsburg is very nearby. Also the traintrack and big road are wright next to the campground. Spots are correct some have a bit to much sun for us (there are parasols provided)

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2025

    First Landing State Park Campground

    Great place as always, small site

    Love coming here every year. This site, while convenient to the bathroom, is small, no privacy, is part of the pathway to the bathroom and has a slight sewer oder.

  • Leo S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park

    Disconnect and enjoy long walks

    Cellular signal and Starlink won't work well here and the campground WiFi isn't great. But in the true spirit of camping, this is a great place to disconnect and take long walks around the base and the beach. The express store nearby has limited hours but the fitness center allows for 24/7 access if you register your ID card with MWR.

  • Leo S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Off season gem

    Prices come way down during the off season. Much of the facilities are closed but they keep open one of their bathhouses. Otherwise it's a peaceful stay in the winter months.

  • a
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Virginia Beach KOA

    Va Beach KOA

    Nice, large sites, 2 pool, 1 lazy river. 1 stocked store. Planned activities.

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2025

    South Forty RV Resort & Campground

    Great overnight spot

    Perfect location right off of I-95. Spot we had was spacious and easy to get in and out of. I arrived after hours, but had my reservation hanging on the wall for me. Ground was pretty level and hookup was easy. We only stayed overnight, as we continued farther south. The bathrooms were clean and there was a friendly maintenance guy who offered to take our garbage to the dumpster for us. It was “part of the treatment” he said. Gotta love that Southern Hospitality. Will definitely stop here again as I make this trip quite often.

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Grey's Point Camp

    Good park with alot of area!

    Went for a long weekend. Everyone was friendly from entry of the gate, to the store to the grounds guys! Quite a bit to do here. Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied! Fishing didn’t get us much but not the campgrounds fault! Higher Water temps and jellyfish when we were there most likely kept them away. Would return again!

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Virginia Beach RV Resort

    Good stay for simple camping

    We picked this site for its proximity to the beach. Site #4 was level and had full hookups. It was a bit tricky to get our setup into but was accomplished once I determined the best way to maneuver. The playground was basic, but a playground non the less. Pools were nice and never really crowded. There is no on site camp store, and we did not find ice as advertised. We also had to treat our lot/camper for ants but given the location we figured as much. We have AT&T and Verizon and both picked up well. The WiFi didn’t seem to exist unless you were close to their buildings. Everyone was friendly and was a nice quiet getaway to let the kids ride bikes and fish. All in all, we enjoyed our vacation and would book here again.


Guide to Carrollton

Camping near Carrollton, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. One visitor said, "What could be better than camping and kayaking on a beautiful river?" This park also has a boat ramp for easy access.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Merchants Millpond State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The trail system was magical. We hiked early in the am and it was such a therapeutic hike through the forest and swamp."
  • Historical Sites: Visit nearby attractions like Colonial Williamsburg. One reviewer at Williamsburg Campground noted, "It’s our first experience with a KOA, and so far impressed. The whole campground is shady, and while some sites appear pretty on top of one another most, including ours, are standard."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Chippokes State Park Campground said, "Great showers & restrooms. Large swimming pool but it was closed."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Anvil Campground shared, "Campground was relaxing, had a perfect mom and pop feel to it."
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers love the natural beauty and wildlife. A visitor at Kiptopeke State Park Campground mentioned, "We visited for a bit and fell in love with the peace and serenity."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Anvil Campground noted, "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it."
  • Site Proximity: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Holiday Trav-L-Park said, "The RV spots are not even 20 to 25 ft apart from each other."
  • Limited Shade: Some campgrounds have limited shaded areas. A reviewer at First Landing State Park Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites have shade a few do not have any shade."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One camper at Virginia Beach KOA said, "They provide you with a schedule outlining all of the events they will be having that week."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good facilities and supervision. A visitor at Kiptopeke State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms/showers were clean."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby markets. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park noted, "There is a camp store, two bath houses, and a convenient dump station."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A visitor at Holiday Trav-L-Park mentioned, "The site that I had was very uneven."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park said, "Has full hookup 30 amp 50 amp fresh water dump station sewage hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt roads that can get dusty. A visitor at Virginia Beach KOA noted, "The only downside was the dust kicking up from the vehicles going by."

Camping around Carrollton, VA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific features of each campground to find the best fit for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Carrollton campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Carrollton offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. American Heritage RV Park provides concrete, level sites with exceptional bathrooms that are clean, air-conditioned, and well-supplied. For a more rustic experience, Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area offers basic waterfront parking spots with no amenities, perfect for self-sufficient campers seeking quiet. Most developed campgrounds in the region typically include water hookups, electric sites, restrooms, and shower facilities.

Where are the best camping spots in Carrollton?

While exploring the greater Carrollton area, First Landing State Park Campground stands out as a premier camping destination. Located near Virginia Beach, it offers sites surrounded by beautiful forest with ocean access just a short walk away. For a more secluded experience, False Cape State Park Campground provides primitive camping in a remote coastal setting, requiring hikers to trek 5+ miles to reach this hidden gem. Both parks feature natural coastal beauty while remaining accessible to nearby attractions.

Do I need reservations for camping in Carrollton?

Reservations are highly recommended for most campgrounds in the Carrollton area, especially during peak seasons. The Colonies RV and Travel Park is a small campground with limited full-hookup sites, making advance bookings essential. For state parks like Newport News Park, reservations can be made online through the Virginia State Parks reservation system. Some primitive areas like Chickahominy WMA may allow first-come, first-served camping with a daily pass ($4) or free 14-day camping for Virginia residents, but availability is not guaranteed without a reservation.