Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Chester, VA

Are you planning a camping trip to Chester with your dog? We've got you covered. Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Search nearby pet-friendly campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Chester, VA (40)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground

    1. Pocahontas State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    306 Photos
    325 Saves
    Chester, Virginia

    Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, camping cabins, 90-plus miles of trails, and nature and history programs. The Aquatic Center, which has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot-deep leisure pools, an activity pool and two tubular water slides, affords seasonal water-based activities for all. Three lakes offer plenty of fishing. Boat rentals are available seasonally by the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, dedicated to Depression-era workers who helped build the state park system, is one of a handful in the nation. Two dining halls may be rented for meetings, weddings and special events. Rustic group facilities with primitive overnight cabins (bunkhouses) are available seasonally for larger groups. The park's 2,000-seat amphitheater hosts the Pocahontas Premieres series of concerts and family-friendly entertainment. Pocahontas State Park's location and 90 miles of trails make it particularly popular among bicyclists.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort

    2. Americamps RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    50 Photos
    66 Saves
    Ashland, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $67 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    4. Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    19 Reviews
    80 Photos
    173 Saves
    Jamestown, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Williamsburg Campground

    5. Williamsburg Campground

    27 Reviews
    78 Photos
    97 Saves
    Lightfoot, Virginia

    Known for its history and charm, Williamsburg is a fantastic destination full of exciting attractions and top-notch amenities that make this area a must-visit town. Camping in Williamsburg, Virginia, gives you all the benefits of exploring the city while taking in the beautiful natural scenery the area has on display. Sleep under the bright stars at our campground and be right in the middle of the action for a jam-packed family adventure.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground

    6. Powhatan State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    105 Photos
    206 Saves
    Goochland, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Picture Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Picture Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Picture Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Picture Lake Campground

    7. Picture Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    4 Photos
    16 Saves
    Petersburg, Virginia

    Family owned and operated by Ryan L Porter and Cathy H Branch, Picture Lake Campground offers a great camping experience for the whole family with so many fun things to do. We're situated next to the Virginia Motorsports Racetrack and the scenic Picture Lake. We're also convenient to Pamplin Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Fort Lee Military Base.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground

    8. Chippokes State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    121 Photos
    218 Saves
    Jamestown, Virginia

    Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes Plantation is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.

    A campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic. Chippokes Plantation also offers wedding packages and meeting facilities.

    Cabins, yurts and camping. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 800-933-PARK. Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, dwelling and park. First, determine the appropriate season, which can vary by park, then the relevant rate. You also may want to learn about the cancelation and transfer policies. A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Anvil Campground

    9. Anvil Campground

    17 Reviews
    23 Photos
    95 Saves
    Williamsburg, Virginia

    This is the oldest campground in Virginia and top 5 oldest in the nation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $140 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from American Heritage RV Park

    10. American Heritage RV Park

    14 Reviews
    24 Photos
    42 Saves
    Norge, Virginia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Chester

390 Reviews of 40 Chester Campgrounds


  • Frank B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Machicomoco State Park Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Machicomoco!

    I was visiting the Yorktown battlefield the next morning so I chose to camp here for the first time.  The facilities are nice and modern, and the environment is quiet.  Just what I was looking for.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Pocahontas State Park Campground

    Lovely campground

    Truly enjoyed this CG. Staff are very friendly and helpful CG is clean. Bathroom rooms are dated (compared to the ones at Twin Lakes State Park near Farmville, VA). The dump station is two-sided - helps on busy mornings when campers are leaving. Spent time touring the civil war sites around Petersburg. Lots of breweries in Richmond - a much needed place as a cold beer was very needed during the extreme heat occurring during my stay.

  • Katie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Daybreak Glamp Camp
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Daybreak Glamp Camp

    Best camping experience!!!

    My boyfriend and I went camping here for our anniversary last October, and it was so fun! The owner and his family were super sweet and helpful. They definitely set you up for success!! He even let us borrow some gear when our tent got raind out and showed us a few tricks. We are definitely coming back for our next anniversary!! It was just so much fun.!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Powhatan State Park Campground
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Powhatan State Park Campground

    Camping and remote work

    Like most Virginia state parks the River Bend campground is well spaced out and great for RV camping. Verizon service was stable enough to work all week with a Jetpack without the need for a directional cell booster

  • Kaylee G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Machicomoco State Park Campground
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Machicomoco State Park Campground

    Very Sunny

    We had a very hot stay. We stayed at campsite 13 which had wonderful shade in the late afternoon. Be prepared with a wagon to transport items from your car to your campsite if choosing the no water/electric sites. Short walk from parking to sites. 

    The interpretive area was really fun to explore in the evening during golden hour and beyond. Great view of the sunset over the river.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Pocahontas State Park Campground

    Huge park with plenty to do!

    Our site was nice and level. Covered by shade the majority of the day. 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. Access to the aquatic park is free for campers. The bathrooms were clean but the one close to my site the outside was falling apart. Don’t know how the camp store is because it is only open Thursday to Sunday and has almost different hours every day. Overall great campground we will be going back

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Chippokes State Park Campground

    Great park for cultural and natural history

    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. The land grant was huge, and as a state park now it provides a rich opportunity to learn about the James River, the natural and indigenous history of the region, the settlement history and role of this plantation in Virginia History, and more. Visiting here provides hiking opportunities to learn about fossils along the river shore, the temperate forest in the woods, and history around the old plantation. Taking the ferry across the river from Jamestown to get here was part of the adventure too. There is a nature center and visitor center that provides lots of info and programs near the river , a network of easy park roads for biking, and the plantation itself, set back further away from the river, provides a wealth of learning, including about the history of crops and trade in this area, and about the lives of the slaves who worked the plantation. The grounds right around the plantation are, in fact, a memorial to the hundreds of souls who lived and worked the land here. It was an amazing learning experience to come to the park, and the options to stay over in the park include standard campsites in a wooded campground, or cabins. The campground has all the usual state park amenities, and was very quiet when we were there in November—so late fall is a great time to come, as the fall weather was amazing

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Pocahontas State Park Campground

    Amazing State Park close to Richmond!

    This state park is amazing, it is close to the Richmond metro but allows an easy and wonderful retreat to nature. I was there in early June, and it wasnt crowded, though I can imagine it might be later in the summer. There are numerous camping options here, ranging from tent camping to RV’s to camper cabins to yurts, to regular full service glamping cabins, all in different sections. There is also an area set aside that could be rented for a group retreat or group summer camp, with groups of cabins around meeting space and dining hall area. The full service cabins are new and very upscale; the camper cabins are older but well maintained. The yurts are lovely too. I car camped in a standard site, all the campsites are wooded, shady, fairly private and well spaced. The park is huge and has lots of recreation, from miles of hiking and riding trails, biking and more. Very family friendly, with playgrounds, an incredible waterpark and pool, and nature programs at the visitor center. There is also a summer series of concerts etc in the park. Highly recommended!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Cheatham Annex / Yorktown Naval Weapons Station RV Campground
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Military Park Cheatham Annex / Yorktown Naval Weapons Station RV Campground

    Camping in the middle if “The Historic Triangle”

    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, making for a great base for exploring the historic sites and state and national parks of the area. There are several Navy Bases in the area, so this is an easy retreat for active duty folks, but also open to uniformed service personnel or retirees and families from all over the country.

    The campground is multi-faceted. There is everything for everyone—camper cabins (some dog friendly and some handicapped accessible) as well as an RV park with hookups as needed, and also standard tent sites as well as primitive tent cents. The various camping areas surround a central recreational area that includes golf course, playground and swimming pool, but there are also wooded hiking trails, two lakes with rowboats and kayaks and fishing, as well as shoreline and piers on the York River itself. The RV campground has a nice central bath house with showers snd toilets as well as laundry facilities. There is a small convenience store as well as a cafe if needed, but you are so close to Williamsburg and its myriad cafes and shops that you have amazing options! We have stayed here several times now, in fall and spring, and it was a great home base for exploring the whole “historic triangle

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes State Park Campground
    May. 19, 2024

    Twin Lakes State Park Campground

    Small, quiet place with good service

    Bike packed in from my house yesterday evening, camped for the night, and heading back this morning. Shower/toilet facilities are clean, good water/power, etc. This park isn’t bad for just chilling out and getting some nature time in, but there aren’t any breathtaking views and so on. Most campsites are on a very slight slope, shouldn’t have any issues if you set up right.

  • Todd K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pickett RV Park
    Mar. 25, 2024

    Pickett RV Park

    Quiet Location

    I am a retired major. My wife and I bought an older motorhome, and this location was great to test it out. I come again. Bath house is a few blocks way, but for 25 dollars a night. The price was right.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Nest Lookout
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Drone fishing in the rain

    It is a great shame that people would desecrate such a beautiful area with trash and a blatant disregard for others! We arrived and set up camp around 3pm. There was quite a bit of trash dispersed in this are in which we picked up. Apparently this is a well used fishing location seen by the debris that was left and the still smoldering prone laying barrel fire unfortunately. Around 9pm we were graced with some visitors. To my dismay the individuals deployed a large fishing drone. I was in disbelief at the blatant disregard and disrespect that this man showed knowing that we were camping the within 30ft of their fishing expedition! This man and woman did this for several hours in the rain with their vehicle lights on. In the morning we discovered that the two had the nerve to also left there chic felt and fishing trash on the ground. What a shame and disgrace! Of course we police the location and made right.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Nest Lookout
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Shooting range and generator blues

    We stayed down by the boat ramp. There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers. A large was camped out in the First section closest to the boat ramp area. There weren't very hospitable to say the least. One releaved him self at his truck on the side We were on and moved on the side with the larger group of cars ,truck and campers. To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate. Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening. In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping. There are other areas though. The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking.

  • Sean R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Americamps RV Resort
    Feb. 28, 2024

    Americamps RV Resort

    Nice Spot

    This is a great campground and very clean to boot.  It is used by seasonal campers but it would also be a great place to stay if you are traveling down I-95.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Nest Lookout
    Feb. 18, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Winter Car Camping

    Car camped here 5 feet from the water. There is a large shoreline area to Car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river. Used by fisherman shore fishing and unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up. Fire pit at shore pull in site and I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed. If your looking for complete privacy, I'd recommend trying one of the other sites sprinkled around the area. Definitely a busy little spot but we ended up having the place to ourselves once the all the people Fishing left. If you are fishing, the pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass. Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out. Helpful hint: This is the spot by the water. There was confusion because the other site on this app just takes you near the gun range and it is not by the water.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Feb. 17, 2024

    Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    Lots to Do plus a Riverfront View!

    What could be better than camping and kayaking on a beautiful river? Maybe try fishing off the new pier or taking a bike ride on a nice long trail after visiting Jamestown or Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens which are all within a very short driving distance! Or even a Ferry Ride across the river to a lovely waterside restaurant where you can experience delicious food and the most amazing sunsets! And no worries if you don’t have a tent or camper, because they have cozy yet roomy glamping tents available!We love camping at CRP! Everyone is always friendly and helpful! Facilities are always clean and well maintained. We have stayed in the spring as well as late summer without any problems. There is a camp store, two bath houses, and a convenient dump station. Playground and fenced pool. A boat ramp for motorized boats as well as a launch site for kayaks. Bring your own or rentals available. Looking forward to our next visit this Spring!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    Not bad!

    Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It’s 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving. No amenities but nice camping experience and you can purchase $4 daily pass or if Virginia residents free 14 days camping complementary as well with any fishing license or hunting license if you have. I will come back!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chickahominy Riverfront Park
    Nov. 6, 2023

    Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    Riverfront Park, boat ramp and camping.

    Its a nice park right on the river, sites are a little close but not bad with mostly full hookups. Easy access to bike trail that runs from Richmond to williamsburg, passing many plantations and farms,forrest, etc along the way. The bike path runs seperate from the roads, but is blacktoped for easy riding. They also have canoe, kayak rentals, a nice pool in summer, beautiful views off the bluff of the river as well as a trailered boat launch.

  • Tristan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockahock Campgrounds & Resort RV Park
    Oct. 25, 2023

    Rockahock Campgrounds & Resort RV Park

    Unethical Customer Service/Management

    Booked a lot on September 21, 2023 for November 1st. I received an email for the confirmation of the deposit. I called on October 25, 2023 to cancel the reservation as we were no longer going to be in the state at the time of the reservation. I spoke with the customer service lady who told me she would speak with the manager, Becky. They then called to tell me per the cancellation policy they sent me in the confirmation email that it was a forfeiture of the deposit. I had Becky send me the email as I could not find it while driving. The original email they sent versus the “refurbished” email Becky sent state two completely different things. I have called around 20 times and no one will answer. I have emailed the original email to show where the cancellation policy has been reworded. I have left voicemails and no response. I’m out of $250. Hopefully I can save other people from giving these frauds any money with this review. You have been warned.

  • Diane R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chippokes State Park Campground
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Chippokes State Park Campground

    Old Ameture

    Personally, I spent my Birthday week 09-13 October there. I had a wonderful experience for my first time car camping. I would've preferred not having noisy camp neighbors but I guess it was to be expected. So happy that I invested in a tent that survived a rainy night with flying colors. It was a training run to get myself accustomed to the many insects that frayed my nerves. I would return though and the next time should be a lot easier on this old woman and her old husband. 😁

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Pocahontas State Park Campground
    Sep. 27, 2023

    Pocahontas State Park Campground

    Nice park! Will be back!

    Stayed just one night on our way to Maine. Nice, well-kept park and very friendly staff! Will definitely come back when we can stay longer. Stayed in a pull-through site with lots of space and privacy.

  • Donna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Picture Lake Campground
    Sep. 14, 2023

    Picture Lake Campground

    Short Stay

    The pictures are for sure not like the campground. I only needed one night so it wasn’t a big deal but it wasn’t maintained well at all. The volleyball courts were grown over, the basketball court had no hoops (not even the poles) and the grounds themselves weren’t well maintained. It seemed as though there were a lot of people that were permanent residents there but I wouldn’t want to actually vacation there.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport News Park
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Newport News Park

    Local Getaway

    My 6 year old daughter and I stayed for two nights. It was her first Daddy/Daughter camp trip and she had a great time.

    Reservations/Check In/Check Out:

    • All were flawless.

    -Staff was friendly and efficient.

    • Cost typical for State Park.

    Camp Site:

    • We tent camped fyi.
    • Beautiful shaded site overlooking the lake.
    • A fair amount of litter was on the site from previous campers. We cleaned every piece we could find though.
    • Power and water on site.
    • We were at site 116. For the life of me, I couldn’t find a very level spot for the tent, but we made do.
    • Grill leaned awkwardly to one side.
    • Fire area not well defined.
    • Traffic and Train noise took a bit getting used to.
    • Issues aside, I would still return for a repeat trip.

    Amenities:

    • Bathrooms weren’t very clean.
    • Store was surprisingly reasonable $ for most essentials.
    • Bike trail was fun.
    • My daughter enjoyed the playground.

    Overall:

    • A nice park close to many attractions.
    • A good place to get away without really getting away (if that makes sense).
    • The good outweighs the bad.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chester, VA?

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

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chester, VA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Chester, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.