Best Campgrounds near Chester, VA

Chester, Virginia and the surrounding Tidewater region offer a variety of established campgrounds with options ranging from RV sites with full hookups to tent camping and cabin rentals. Pocahontas State Park Campground, located in nearby Chesterfield, provides campsites in a wooded setting with access to extensive trail systems and recreational facilities. Several privately operated facilities like Picture Lake Campground and Americamps RV Resort accommodate both RV and tent campers, while South Forty RV Resort includes cabin rentals and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, with peak season running from late spring through early fall.

Campground facilities near Chester typically include water and electric hookups, with many offering full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and dump stations. Access roads are generally well-maintained, making most sites suitable for larger vehicles. "Americamps is mostly surrounded by woods, has a seasonal pool, a clean bathhouse, a nice camp store, propane for sale, and is walking distance to a local brewery that often has live music or events on weekends," according to one visitor. Summer temperatures in the region can be quite warm and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity quickly.

The proximity to water features enhances the camping experience at several locations. Chickahominy Riverfront Park offers sites along the Chickahominy River with opportunities for fishing and paddling. Campers report excellent access to regional attractions from most campgrounds. A recent review noted, "This park was very convenient to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating." Shade coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with some sites offering mature tree coverage while others provide limited protection from the sun. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, particularly at Pocahonony Riverfront Park and other waterfront camping areas. Most developed campgrounds provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to recreational facilities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and fishing areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Chester, Virginia (51)

    1. Pocahontas State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Chester, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 796-4255

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."

    "Playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground. Firewood for sale by QR code was convenient. The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."

    2. Picture Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Petersburg, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 861-0174

    "We came here to dive at Lake Phoenix (they have a no pet policy this year) and have our pup with us. The staff was so nice. We were close to the front. They have full hookups."

    "Pool and laundry close to pool. Clean store. Kid friendly"

    3. Richmond Family Recreation RV Camp

    1 Review
    Chester, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 279-1094

    $30 / night

    4. Americamps RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Ashland, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 798-5298

    $67 / night

    "Just north of Richmond Virginia, off interstate 95, this park is located between the interstate and Ashland Industrial Airpark."

    "The office manager saw us come in and met me as I was walking up to the after hours arrival board."

    5. South Forty RV Resort & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Petersburg, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 732-8345

    "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."

    6. Camptown Campground

    1 Review
    Dinwiddie, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 469-4569

    "A little further from the highway than we wanted but this makes for a quiet and peaceful place to stop between Charlotte and Richmond."

    7. Glamp @ The Experience

    1 Review
    Mechanicsville, VA
    15 miles
    +1 (540) 642-9424

    $100 - $155 / night

    9. Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    19 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 258-5020

    "There is a nice bike/running path, (the Virginia Capital Trail-51 Miles from Jamestown to Shiplock Park) a playground, pool & splash pad, fishing pier, and group sites."

    "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites. They have a modern bathhouse and a pool."

    10. Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA

    23 Reviews
    Doswell, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 876-3006

    "Nice location. Next to King’s Dominion."

    "The most convenient campground in proximity to Kings Dominion. Clean bathrooms, well maintained. Recommend the raised platform for folks with tents if it rains as the video will show."

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Showing results 1-10 of 51 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chester, VA

412 Reviews of 51 Chester Campgrounds



Guide to Chester

Camping near Chester, Virginia, offers a mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly environments. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available at Pocahontas State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."
  • Water Activities: At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, you can kayak or fish. A camper shared, "What could be better than camping and kayaking on a beautiful river?"
  • Historical Sites: Visit nearby attractions like Colonial Williamsburg. One family noted, "We visited Colonial Williamsburg before checking in. It is only minutes away."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Williamsburg Campground stated, "The amenities were all clean and in good working order."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground, one camper said, "The staff and camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Powhatan State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice, spacious sites. Clean and well maintained bathrooms and showers."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A visitor at Bethpage Camp-Resort warned, "Be warned on a holiday weekend you’re packed in like sardines."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A camper at Lake Anna State Park Campground noted, "There was no market, but the park had beautiful trails."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or trains. A review for Anvil Campground mentioned, "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, one parent said, "The playground for younger kids was very popular."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping during peak season, make reservations early. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park advised, "We have stayed in the spring as well as late summer without any problems."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Pack games for family fun. A visitor at Williamsburg Campground mentioned, "There were plenty of activities for all to enjoy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground noted, "The campsites are nice and shaded, not TOO close to neighbors."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Pocahontas State Park Campground appreciated, "The park is huge and has lots of recreation."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A review for Lake Anna State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a nice dump place."

Camping around Chester, VA, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chester, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 51 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, VA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Chester, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, VA is Pocahontas State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 78 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Chester, VA.