Camping options near Carrollton, Virginia offer access to water recreation, historic sites, and forest trails. The region sits along the James River watershed with several state parks within a 45-minute drive. Summer humidity levels typically exceed 80% with average July temperatures reaching 89°F, making water activities particularly popular during peak camping season.
What to do
Kayaking in marshlands: At Chippokes Plantation State Park, campers can explore the river and wetland ecosystems. Christina notes you should "definitely recommend following the river inland and kayaking through the marshland."
Shark tooth hunting: The beaches at Kiptopeke State Park Campground offer a unique activity for all ages. "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach. Pool is very clean," shares Danielle H., highlighting this distinctive coastal pursuit.
Paddleboat rental: Northwest River Park & Campground provides equipment for exploring Black Water. One reviewer explains, "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," noting the recreational options beyond hiking.
What campers like
Shaded campsite options: At Northwest River Park, sites offer good coverage from summer heat. "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks. Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic," reports Gary D.
Historic plantation setting: Chippokes State Park Campground offers more than just camping with its working farm. Rose H. explains it's "just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained amenities at local campgrounds. At Northwest River Park, a visitor observed they were "amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night."
What you should know
Beach access restrictions: Kiptopeke State Park provides designated pet areas. "This park is a nice place to bring your family to camp, fish, crab and relax by the beach and collect seashells. It has 2 beautiful beaches, one that allows pets and the other does not," explains Annemarie R.
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying sites may experience water issues after rainfall. At Northwest River Park, one camper warned: "Because this area is near wetlands some of the campsites were flooded throughout the weekend. If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site."
Long-term resident presence: Chesapeake Campground accommodates extended stays. "They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RV's, it otherwise looks very clean. They do keep a few sites open for transient campers," notes Cliff M.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Northwest River Park offers various recreation options. "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more," describes Patricia L., highlighting attractions beyond standard camping.
Educational opportunities: Historic sites provide learning experiences. Philip S. reports Chippokes offers "plenty to do on the grounds, hiking, biking, touring the plantation, geocaching, and yes, even Pokemon Go!"
Child-friendly water areas: Chesapeake Campground provides accessible water activities. "There were a lot of child friendly activities to do here. It's about 40 mins from the beach. We tent camped and had a blast," shares Audriana V.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection strategy: At Kiptopeke State Park, location matters for comfort. "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay!" advises Ashley I.
Extended stay options: RV travelers seeking longer-term accommodations have options near Carrollton. Cliff M. suggests, "If you need to stay for a duration in the Norfolk-Va Beach area (we're talking months), this is the place to be! Several sites have good access to satellite system."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. One RVer at Northwest River Park notes "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
