Camping near Charles City offers a mix of primitive and developed sites along the James and Chickahominy Rivers. The region sits in Virginia's coastal plain at elevations under 100 feet, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures commonly reach 90°F with high humidity, creating ideal conditions for water-based recreation during camping stays from April through October.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Visit Chippokes State Park Campground, where the plantation showcases agricultural history. "This hidden gem is 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 and how they can survive into the future," explains Rose H.
Water activities: The Chickahominy River provides excellent kayaking opportunities. A camper at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages notes, "There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restuarant nearby, the campground had a barbeque dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk."
Bike riding: The Virginia Capital Trail runs near several campgrounds. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one visitor mentioned, "A few places to access the water and about as close as you can get to the capital trail."
Shark teeth hunting: Search the beaches at Chippokes State Park where visitors report finding shark teeth fossils. Danielle H. recommends you "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach. Pool is very clean."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At American Heritage RV Park, Sharon B. appreciates that "There was decent space between the sites, though of course not like what you find at a state park!"
Water access: Direct waterfront access makes fishing and swimming convenient. Liz M. from Chickahominy Riverfront Park shares, "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms. One visitor at Pocahontas State Park commented, "Well laid out sites, clean restrooms and showers."
Swimming options: From lakes to pools, water recreation remains popular. A camper at Williamsburg KOA appreciated that "They have a pool with a sprayground and a grassy area with ping pong and corn hole. Plus, they always have activities for the kids."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Ed Allen's Campground operates from March 28 to November 15, while others like Chippokes State Park run from "last Friday in March to first Monday in December."
Train noise: Some campers report railroad disruptions near certain campgrounds. At Anvil Campground, Alexas H. warns, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Wildlife management permits: For primitive camping in Wildlife Management Areas, permits cost $4 daily, though Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses receive 14 days complementary camping.
Site variations: Campground terrain varies significantly. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, Brenda L. notes, "The roads are a bit narrow and there are lots of trees. Plenty of nice area to walk our dog. All in all it was okay... as long as it doesn't rain."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Kids enjoy water features at several dog friendly campgrounds near Charles City. At Chippokes State Park, Virginia B. reports, "Great Campground! We took 6 teenagers camping and they had a blast! Especially the pool!"
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds provide play areas. A visitor at Williamsburg Campground enjoyed the amenities: "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites."
Educational activities: Historical sites offer learning opportunities. Katie B. from Chickahominy Riverfront Park recommends the Virginia Creeper bike trail: "it went for miles and was beautiful!!! Next time!"
Dog-friendly beach access: Shallow water areas work well for children and pets. Susan P. found Chippokes State Park perfect: "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Reserve carefully based on rig size. At American Heritage RV Park, one RVer recommends requesting concrete pad sites: "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."
Utility connections: Several parks offer full hookups with varying amperage. Austin H. at Chickahominy notes they have "full hookup 30 amp 50 amp fresh water dump station sewage hookup."
Pull-through availability: Some parks specialize in easy-access sites. American Heritage RV Park provides "138 sites mostly pull thru's with full hookups 30/50amps just minutes off the highway I-64."
Road conditions: Narrow campground roads can challenge larger rigs. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, one camper cautions about access: "Getting to the actual 'resort' is difficult, hard to find and small roads. The sites are close, many are not level, not very big rig friendly and satellite is near impossible due to trees."