Best Tent Camping near Chester, VA

Recent Tent Reviews near Chester, Virginia

373 Reviews of 6 Chester Campgrounds

• C

  Crystal K.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 28, 2021

  Emporia KOA Holiday

  Good old family fun!

  Kids had a blast playing in the water and taking the paddle boats out. Campground was clean, quiet and spacious! We camped in a tent not far from the beach area. The water park/pool wasn’t open due to COVID-19 but the kids were happy with the beach. There was a dance party with yogi and his friends and our kids enjoyed that. We also painted some figurines in the arts and crafts area. Overall great experience!

• 

  Ashleigh M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 12, 2018

  Chickahominy Riverfront Park

  Close to Historical 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. The tent sites are kind of close together and lack privacy but we were the only ones there Sunday night so it wasn’t that big of a deal. There are lots of trees to protect you from the harsh Virginia sun and great views of the Chickahominy river.

• 

  Summer M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2018

  Kings Creek

  Affordable Lodgeing in Williamsburg for Military Families

  Beautiful area with views of the York River. Tons of cabins and house rentals along with RV and tent camping sights. It is located on a military base so access is limited to those with base access. The base is more of an industrial area with lots of traffic but some of the cabins sit back on the water so noise is not an issue.

• 

  Abel T.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2022

  Daybreak Glamp Camp

  Awesome 👌

  Ended up a Day Break by chance to be honest, but I'm sure glad I did. I tent camped there for 4 nights and it was amazing. It was quite peaceful and the weather for the most part was great. I had camp fires every night. The bathroom was kept clean and there's a shower also. I highly recommend if you just want to get away for a couple days. Can't wait to go back next year

• 

  Scott S.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 22, 2020

  Isle of Wight Family Campground

  Excellent camping experience.

  We have been here a couple of times.  Love the fact that they just let you choose your area.  They have two tent sites that have power the rest are premiative.  The bath house is always clean.  The staff is always nice, they do whatever it takes to keep you happy.  The little store has a good variety of things that are priced pretty good.  This is our go to for local camping.

• 

  RL

  Legend

  

  Mar. 25, 2021

  Twin Lakes State Park Campground

  Wooded Sites

  Tent sites are shady, although some can be VERY close to one another. There’s a nice beach area and the park seems to offer boat rentals (unsure of COVID policies at the moment, though). 🛶

  The playgrounds and amenities for kids are cute, and the bathrooms are clean. The park sells wood and has a little mini outdoor library and charging station which is adorable and something I don’t see often 💜

• 

  Samantha G.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2019

  Kings Creek

  Love it! Secluded and quite a bit to do

  We ended up staying here because everything else was booked and we needed a place to stay for the kiddos soccer tournament. The sites are close but not on top of each other. We have an RV but there are cabins and tent sites. There are paved and dirt roads/trails, a pond, shower areas and is right on the water. They also have a light game by the showers that the kids loved. We’ll be back!

• c

  carol E.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2021

  Thousand Trails Williamsburg

  Williamsburg trip

  Although, the cabins were nice the campground was not maintained. The staff is not courteous and the prices for the stay way tooo high. We paid 150 for two nights for a primitive tent site with garbage in a can that was never picked up during our whole time there. There was also feces at one site. Looked to be human because the restrooms were so far away. The grounds are dirty and not maintained. I could have stayed at a national park for better accommodations.

• 

  Steve W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 18, 2019

  Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

  Beautiful park!

  Bear Creek Lake is a bit off the beaten path which was one of the things I really loved about it. My kids and I camped in a tent on the Chestnut Loop, which was well shaded by trees and the bathrooms were incredibly clean. The sites are a little close to each other for my taste, but everything else was so nice I didn't let it bother me.

  The lake itself is smallish, but the scenery is beautiful. We rented kayaks and the staff were all very nice and helpful. There is a small beach area for swimming, but I'm not a fan of swimming in lakes myself so I skipped visiting that area. Instead we hiked the very scenic trails around the lake, which are well marked for the most part.

  In all, this was a very nice park to visit for camping, hiking and kayaking. I imagine I'll be returning again in the future.

• 

  Katie M.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 9, 2019

  Chippokes State Park Campground

  Summer camping at Chippokes

  Love this park. Lots of biting flies and mosquitoes during the summer! The left loop sites are a good size but not much shade or privacy. I would definitely stay in the right loop area next time for tent camping. Newer bathrooms and showers. Pretty basic camping setup with fire ring and picnic table. 

  We love the pool in the summer! Free pool passes when you camp there. It has never been too crowded for us. The plantation area is pretty cool with a farming equipment museum and  farm animals. Great playgrounds for the kids. Love the hiking trails here and hunting for fossils at the beach. 

  Overall, not a bad experience, just bring your bug spray and sunscreen!

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2022

  Newport News Park

  Uptown Country

  Sites: 188 

  Reservations: 757-888-3333 or 800-203-8322 

  Fees: $33.00-$50.00 

  24 hour security 

  Store, heated showers, toilets, picnic table, grills, dump station, electric and water hookups, laundry, playground, group sites Pets welcome with a rabies certificate This is a beautiful country, woodland natural setting with RV/tent sites interspersed among the forest with nice separation between sites. Paved road in good shape. There is an 18 hole championship disc golf, archery range, Fido Field dog park giving the fur babies an acre to roam. The park itself has 7,111 acres to include a aero model field. Hiking, biking, birding, so may options and pursuits. 

  LNT 

  Travel safe

• L

  Lindsey B.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 18, 2021

  American Heritage RV Park

  Great little spot

  Great little camping spot. This was RV only. No tent camping here. There were a few different options for site sizes pending the size of camper/rv you have. Some of the end sites were larger and had a larger fireplace and tables. The standard sites did had a tiny tin bucket for your fire pit. Wish they were more of a fire pit though. The campground wasn’t too loud, people were respectful and all the fellow campers were very friendly. If you’re looking for things to do, there is an arcade for the kids near the entrance and some mini golf (I personally wouldn’t call it mini golf and it doesn’t look the greatest) There’s a few wineries and a brewery not too far from the campground as well

• S

  S L.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 3, 2023

  Isle of Wight Family Campground

  Nice and Very Quiet!

  This is a really nice campground. They have on-site bathrooms/showers as well as laundry. It's mostly RV spots but they also allow tent camping and have a couple cabins available for rent. They have a dog park area, playground and pool. The store has items for purchase and a gathering room. They do potlucks and get togethers often for the campers. The staff is very friendly and super helpful. You can purchase firewood and propane on-site. Each spot has a concrete padded area with a picnic table and fire pit. It is a little ways out of town in any direction bit it's very nice and quiet out here as you're surrounded by woods. They also have a fishing pond and trails on-site. This really is one of the best campgrounds I've ever been to! Definitely recommend.

• S

  Stephen T.

  Scout

  

  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.
• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 13, 2018

  Hidden Acres Campground

  Quiet nights at Private Campground

  Stopped off at this campground after finding it while passing though just before Labor Day weekend. While it was the last weekend for the pool before its closure and while they were in the process of working on some of the plumbing at the campground, it was a well put together campground which was very impressive.

  Located somewhat remotely from the larger community and near several places of interest along the road, this camp was a great stop for a tent camper like myself. They offer a basic tent site for $26 with nice bath houses. For full connections the price does rise slightly offering both both 20/30 amp and 50 amp connections for RVs.

  The roads around the camp are gravel and a little bumpy but the sites themselves were pretty level and grassy for tents which was pretty nice. Sites are located far enough off the road that road noise is minimal.

  I did also notice they have cabin rentals available and a pretty nice little store with lots of options for those who didn't bring everything with them.

• 

  Katie M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 2, 2020

  Powhatan State Park Campground

  Peaceful and quiet!

  We stayed here in March and it was very cold for tent camping, I think it got into the 20's at night! There were no other campers staying there while we were there in the canoe-in campground so it was very peaceful and quiet. This campground is primitive so there is no electricity or water. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Our tent pad was pretty level and pretty big! You could probably fit two small tents on there. There is a short .2 mile hike from a parking lot so we packed light and backpacked in. We stayed in site 4, which is towards the back of the loop. Not much privacy in the winter because there are no leaves on the trees. This campground has a pit toilet at the front of the campground and fire wood available for purchase near the canoe launch. 

  We loved this park! The trails are fun and love all the beautiful views. We saw some incredible sunsets over the James River. There are all sorts of fun, gnarly trees for the kids to play on at the campsite! They had so much fun!

  There are some great breweries nearby and only a short drive from Richmond and Charlottesville!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  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!

• 

  Bridget H.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 20, 2019

  Williamsburg Campground

  Close to popular tourist destinations

  This campground is family and dog friendly and close to Williamsburg tourist destinations.  It has multiple sites for rvs, tents, camping cabins, yurts, and nicer more fully equipped cabins with bathrooms.  They even have a fantastic dog bath and holding kennel in case you have more than one dog.  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.  Love this place and can't wait to go back.

• 

  Amanda D.

  Guide

  

  May. 9, 2019

  Pocahontas State Park Campground

  Favorite campground! Large, clean, lots of amenities!

  So much to say! We’ve loved our trips to Pocahontas, even in the cold months of December and March. For one, the bathrooms/showers are nice and toasty (and super clean). I was there in December for a camping and mountain biking trip with Scouts. The group site we were at was very spacious and private. There were a few RV/tent sites nearby but not very close. We felt quite secluded but it wasn’t too far to walk to the bathrooms. The bike trails were epic fun! Some areas were more challenging than others, likely because there had been a lot of rain and wet leaves on steep bike trails can be tough to avoid slipping/sliding. But we made the best of it. I returned a few months later for a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course that was held in a large dining hall on the park’s property. It couldn’t have been more perfect! We camped there and drove to the dining hall each day for class. It was very well-organized! I have fond memories of this park and look forward to returning during other times of the year for more fun things to participate in!

• 

  Amanda D.

  Guide

  

  May. 9, 2019

  Chippokes State Park Campground

  Beautiful, clean, spacious!

  Chippokes is a gem! Quaint park with a variety of activities. You can tour the mansion on the property along with some other historical sites, or just take a stroll along the shoreline of the gorgeous, sprawling James River. My son, furbaby, and I camped in their RV/tent site with easy access to their bathrooms which were spotless (and maintained multiple times a day) and warm! We bought firewood (there is a drop where you can just deposit money and grab a bundle) next to the bathrooms along with a locked ice bin so you can buy ice from the campground host. Everything we saw was well-maintained. We navigated our way to a mile-hike to the river so we could fish off a kayak dock. I was surprised when we arrived that they don’t rent kayaks (though it appears they have the capability to, perhaps they only do it for special occasions or times of year). All the staff we encountered were super friendly and helpful. You can even buy ice cream at the visitors center! This was a big plus for my son. We’ll definitely be returning!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  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

• 

  Katie B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 26, 2018

  Chickahominy Riverfront Park

  Great family campsite for easy access to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, Williamsburg, VA

  For 6 nights in late August 2018, my boyfriend and I stayed at a tent campsite with our 4 girls, ages 10-16. We needed a budget friendly option and shopped online to compare reviews. We had 3 day passes to Busch Gardens, Williamsburg and Water Country USA, so we needed to be within a short drive from the parks. Chickahominy Riverfront Park was the answer to our prayers! We had a beautiful spot along the river, so two of the girls spent every moment at the camp swimming and talking girl talk. The campsites were spacious and we had no immediate neighbors, so we spread out. The park rangers drove by every few hours and seemed very friendly and helpful, not invasive. They never complained about my boyfriend's car parked a campsite over, or about our game tent that was completely in the next site.

  One secret goal was to experiment with different campfire food. We may campfire chili, biscuits and gravy, layered nachos, bacon egg and cheese English muffins, and omelettes. We also had the traditional s'mores and hotdogs, (covered in campfire chili!)

  I was prepared for the passing thunderstorms. We picked up tarps and ropes and strung them up over our cooking area and the entrance to our tents. Most of the time, we were not at the campsite during the rain, but it did help while the trees drained afterwards. We were camping next to the "Jones's," so we got touches of tent envy, but then laughed to ourselves when it took them all morning to pack up thier Castle and small village.

  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.

  The bathrooms and showers were good enough, typical camp showers. Bring your own soap and wear flip flops and you'll be fine. There's a utility sink outside the bathhouse to scrub things off as well. We didn't see the dumpster the first couple days, it is across the street from the bathhouse. Use it whenever you leave or sleep, or all the beautiful wild animals will snack on it! We saw a fat raccoon, daring squirrels, a turtle, and vultures. There are gorgeous, HARMLESS, garden spiders that are shockingly large and bright yellow. My boyfriend also saw a harmless black snake on a trail.

  This campground caters to fishermen. The camp store has very limited food. They do have fishing gear and ice.

  I do have one regret. I opted to leave the bikes at home, not knowing this campground also caters to people riding the Virginia Creeper bike trail!!! it went for miles and was beautiful!!! Next time!

  We camp a lot, and loved this gem. Check it out!

• 

  Stephanie J.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 14, 2018

  Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground

  Well maintained with lots of recreational activities

  Part of the VA State Park system, BCL is exceptionally well-maintained. Most of the site are RV accessible, but there are a few tent-only sites along the lake, which is where we stayed. These sites are absolutely beautiful--great lake views, and while the only swimming allowed is at the roped off beach area, there is a canoe launch and fishing opportunities right at the campsites.

  The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion, but can be uncomfortable on bare feet.

  All sites have fire rings, lantern hooks, and extra long picnic tables. Tent pads are of varying sizes--we stayed in site A12 and our 6 person tent fit easily, and we could have fit a second one-many of our camp neighbors had 10 person tents set up.

  The water view loop was not heavily trafficked, though the water does provide a hazard if you have small children as it is not roped off in any way. Our kids loved having the water right there and we loved watching them, it just requires extra vigilance. Loops B and C have more sites that are very shady but closer together, and there is more vehicle and bicycle traffic going past campsites.

  Bathrooms are clean, and have showers and electrical outlets to charge devices if needed.

  The park has lots of hiking, including trails that go directly from the camp sites to the swimming area, boat/canoe rentals, cabins, fishing, and a lakeside diner that sells concessions. Campsites allegedly have Wifi though we did not test this to see how reliable it is.

  Cumberland County is only at 455' elevation, so the heat and humidity in the summer is intense--we were very uncomfortable our first night because of this, so fall would probably be the best time to go as it is when central Virginia has the best weather.

• N

  Nancy R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 30, 2018

  Pocahontas State Park Campground

  Family camping, very wooded and pretty.

  This is the largest state campground in VA. It is very pretty and clean. Nice facilities modern but not new, clean. Lots of tents and good level tent areas at each camp site. You have a little bit of room and the sites are tucked back in the trees. It was a quite night, I slept right through. North Star Truck Camper GMC 2500HD. One more in my quest for 1state park in every state, 4/50!

• 

  Trina C.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 24, 2018

  Chickahominy Riverfront Park

  County Park

  This park boasts over 120 sites, some wIth river/creek views. sites are Basic: tent; Electric only: tent/pop up; Water/Electric: 20,30 amp; Water/Electric: 20-50 amp; very limited 50 amp full hookups. 2 bath houses. Group sites. No cabins. Fishing pier, pool, biking/hiking/walking trails, play ground, boat launch and small boat rentals. Reserve 12 months out, full payment required. 90 day maximum stay.

• R

  Ruben S.

  Scout

  

  May. 27, 2019

  Chickahominy Riverfront Park

  Memorial Day Weekend

  Nice park along the river with activities for those with families. Kayaking, Virginia Capital Trail, and pool.

• 

  Sam M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 17, 2018

  Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort

  Not too bad

  I gave this campground a 3 out of 5, mostly because it wasn't very memorable. I had a good time there with my family, but there wasn't anything that really stood out to me.

  Also, I really love to hike and get out into nature when I camp. Powhatan, Virginia isn't the best place for that compared to all of the amazing wilderness you can find in other parts of Virginia.

  The sites were a little close together for my liking, but they were still very nice.

  The staff was very helpful and friendly.