Recreational vehicle enthusiasts find several RV parks near Charles City, Virginia for overnight or extended stays. The area sits along the James River in Virginia's Tidewater region, where elevation rarely exceeds 100 feet above sea level. Winters are generally mild but spring and fall camping can mean significant temperature swings from day to night.
What to do
Water activities: Pool complex Several campgrounds offer water activities beyond basic swimming pools. Bethpage Camp-Resort features extensive water recreation options. "We enjoyed all the family activities there are to do. We went bike riding and also enjoyed that this campground is Golf Cart friendly. The grandkids loved all the water slides," notes Jennifer G.
Fishing opportunities: Fish directly from shorelines, piers, or boat launches at several campgrounds. Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay offers multiple fishing options. "This beautiful rv park has its own crabbing pier. There is boating, hiking, watching wild life and so many pretty birds," reports Mike T.
Historic sites: Camp within driving distance of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Military Park Cheatham Annex provides strategic location access. "This is 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," writes Janet R.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Many campers appreciate spacious camping areas with room to spread out. At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, "The campground is great if you have a number of campers, you can hangout in the middle," mentions Erin W.
Nature trails: Campgrounds often feature walking paths through wooded areas. Military Park Cheatham Annex offers extensive trail systems. "There are more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing on two lakes and the York River along with an 18 hole golf course," according to reviewer N.I.
Beach access: Some parks provide direct access to waterfront areas. The Colonies RV and Travel Park stands out for its location. "You are right by the water (it's almost like an island), 2 minutes walking distance from a secluded beach," says Maria K.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rain can impact camping conditions at some parks. Thousand Trails Williamsburg has experienced weather challenges. "We arrived on opening day 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," reports Brenda L.
Reservation requirements: Booking well in advance is recommended, especially for holiday weekends and summer months. This applies to all RV parks in Charles City area.
Site types: Different parks offer varying site configurations. At American Heritage RV Park, "This was our first time staying where full hookups were standard, and we had a pull-through site on a level concrete pad. A picnic table was provided, and a metal 'fire pit' will be delivered to your site if requested," explains Sharon B.
Annual residents: Some parks have permanent or long-term residents. Chesapeake Bay has "Lots of annual sites; they're scattered around the park for the most part," according to Ivonne G.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds feature recreational options specifically for children. Bethpage Camp-Resort offers numerous facilities. "The lake and pools are fantastic. We love having both options for spending some time in the water. The playgrounds are large and fun for the younger kids. With all paved streets the campground is perfect for bike riding," mentions Christen C.
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities for kids. Grey's Point Camp arranges special events. "Casino night was a blast! Overall a family friendly place with plenty for the kids to do!" says Michael B.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds offer enhanced safety measures. "Sheriff monitoring the whole facility," notes happy_champers about Grey's Point Camp security arrangements.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at RV parks near Charles City, choose sites that match your specific needs. At South Forty RV Resort, "Site A4 was pretty nice. Had enough space between my camper and the neighbors. 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," advises Matt.
Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi quality varies between parks. American Heritage RV Park offers reliable connections according to Sharon B.: "We had good cell service on AT&T and Sprint networks." However, at other parks, connectivity may be less reliable.
Level sites: Look for campgrounds with level pads to minimize setup time. Rockahock Campgrounds offers "Our site had a nice brick pad, which was convenient and a good bit of space behind the trailer," according to TJ M., though they noted other issues with the park.
Hookup quality: Check hookup condition when selecting RV parks. At Rockahock Campgrounds, one camper cautioned that "the electrical hook ups were all busted up, (I would not recommend using it without a surge guard), the water faucets leaked and the ground was soaked."
