Pocahontas State Park Campground offers a variety of terrain across 7,950 acres, with elevations ranging from 175 to 325 feet above sea level. Located 20 miles southwest of Richmond, the park contains over 64 miles of trails through forests of oak, hickory, and pine. Winter temperatures average 30-45°F while summer averages 75-90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing access points: The James River at Powhatan State Park Campground provides fishing opportunities year-round. "The park has lots of trails, nature center, pool, and creek for kayaking and fishing. You can also rent water equipment while you're there. Very good for beginners," notes Samantha G. about Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system at Pocahontas includes technical sections for experienced riders. "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp). Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff," reports Ashley I.
Historical explorations: Several campgrounds serve as bases for exploring Virginia's colonial heritage. "We stayed here for 8 nights while visiting one daughter stationed in Norfolk, and one daughter stationed in Quantico," shares Rosa B. about Americamps RV Resort, which provides convenient access to historical sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the well-spaced sites at certain parks. "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful," writes Gregg S. about Pocahontas State Park. Similarly, at Powhatan State Park Campground, "Sites are spaced well and still very close to everything. Very bike friendly and lots of trails," according to Isaac R.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming facilities for cooling off during hot Virginia summers. "The kids were able to ride around the park (it is small) and park is within sight. A few places to access the water and about as close as you can get to the capital trail. There is a pool and splash pad as well as boating ramp and fishing docks," notes Samantha G. about Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
After-hours activities: Some campgrounds organize regular social events. "The staff was friendly and put on some fun events during the time we were there like mimosas on Mother's Day and a larger race day event with a band and food trucks," says Jen O. about Americamps RV Resort.
What you should know
Proximity to noise sources: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby attractions or transportation. "It's RIGHT beside the race track and the races go on till midnight. The sites are very close together and uneven," warns Shandi H. about Picture Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Virginia's climate affects camping comfort throughout the year. "Every camper's dream spot. Seriously, this modern giant state park has it all: mostly private sites, a paved road for biking, plenty of tree cover (even in winter) a lifetime's worth of trails to explore, and clean, legit bathrooms and showers," describes N P. about Pocahontas State Park.
Site characteristics: Level sites are important for RVs and comfortable tent camping. "Booked last minute on a Wednesday night they had two openings. Sites are very spacious and good distance between other campers. Nice privacy. Large Bath house dump stations were great. Some sites were very level. We were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel," reports Jim L. about Powhatan State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly biking areas: Several parks have dedicated biking areas safe for children. "This is a great place for families with children, young and old! Kid friendly biking around the park. Also saw many with electric scooters and golf carts. Large playground and pool, all very clean and well kept," reports Cat R. about Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA.
Parks with playgrounds: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Chester include playground facilities. "Small rundown playground along with a small pool are easily accessible. The site also comes with limited hiking trails, a pond, and a large field for the kids to run in," notes Samantha G. about Amelia Family Campground.
Splash zones and pools: Water features are available at several campgrounds. "The swimming pool was incredibly large and CLEAN!!! I was surprised! It felt very refreshing and even had a adult swim time and attentive life guards," shares Katie B. about Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "Campsite was nice. Scenery was great," states m C. about Pocahontas State Park Campground, which offers electric hookups but lacks sewer connections at most sites.
Pull-through access: Some sites accommodate larger rigs without disconnecting. "Spent the night here on site E4. It is a level gravel site with full hookups, including cable TV. There is a pool, playground, meeting room, bar and BBQ area, laundry facilities as well as shower rooms. Each site had plenty of room. Ours was a pull through and we didn't have to unhook to fit!" shares Cat R. about South Forty RV Resort & Campground.
Military options: Service members have additional camping options in the area. "Small six site campground that the fire department states is never used. Nice clean level spots. Easy on and out if visiting Richmond. You must get a permit from the fire department to use grill, super simple and took five minutes," notes Never Sitting S. about Richmond Family Recreation RV Camp, a pet-friendly option for military personnel.
