Camping spots near Colonial Heights, Virginia range from basic tent sites to well-developed RV parks with full hookups, most within 30 minutes of the city. The area lies in Virginia's coastal plain with elevations under 300 feet, creating a generally flat terrain ideal for novice campers. Water access is a defining feature of many nearby campgrounds, with the Chickahominy River providing popular fishing and boating opportunities across multiple sites.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Pocahontas State Park features extensive trail networks for riders of all skill levels. "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," notes one visitor to Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and rivers provide excellent fishing within a short drive. At Ed Allen's Campground, "There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restaurant nearby, the campground had a barbecue dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk," according to one camper at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages.
Capital Trail access: The 51-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail connects Richmond to Williamsburg and passes near several campgrounds. "The campground is right along the river and has a pool. The roads around the campground are a pretty drive. Also a great paved biking path that goes for a number of miles," reports a visitor to Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Local brewery visits: Some campgrounds are within walking distance of craft breweries. One camper at Americamps RV Resort notes: "There is a brewery that also serves food right across the street (a short walk depending on where your site is in the park)."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Riverfront and lakefront sites consistently receive praise for their views and direct water access. "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities," notes a camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards in bathhouses and common areas. According to one visitor at Picture Lake Campground, "We absolutely loved this park. The staff was so nice. We were close to the front. They have full hookups... They have a bathhouse, a nice pool, laundry facilities, a little store, and trash in the back. The lake is beautiful."
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks cater specifically to travelers with pets. "Nice office with two small dogs to greet you and a jar of dog treats. The flower beds, pond, playground, basketball court and dog park were among the nicest. There is even an on-site dog walker," reports a camper at Americamps RV Resort.
Security features: Gated entry and regular staff presence provide peace of mind. "The grounds were very well manicured and looked like a lot of work is regularly being put into the facility. The park is gated and you are provided a gate code," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Some campgrounds are located near active rail lines. At Ed Allen's Campground, a camper warns: "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Boat launch traffic: Fishing is popular in the area, and boat ramps can get busy during peak seasons. "The place is overrun with fishermen launching boats before dawn. And I mean 25-50 trucks/trailers/boats each morning," reports one Chickahominy Riverfront Park visitor.
Permanent residents: Several campgrounds have a mix of overnight and long-term campers. At South Forty RV Resort & Campground, a camper notes: "Nice, quiet overnight stop. Friendly staff. Level sites with good size sites. Also seems to have many who want to stay 4-5 months in this area."
Cell service reliability: Most campgrounds have adequate coverage for remote work. At Pocahontas State Park, "Verizon cell service is generally reliable throughout the area," with one reviewer noting it's "20 mins from every store you can imagine, but super quiet at night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Williamsburg Campground, "My kids loved the playground and the pool. The bathrooms were spotless and the whole campground was peaceful and relaxing," according to one family.
Swimming options: Several parks feature pools and water access during summer months. One camper reports that Williamsburg Campground has "a pool with a sprayground and a grassy area with ping pong and corn hole. Plus, they always have activities for the kids."
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds organize regular family-friendly events. "Visited fall of 2016. Lots to do with kids... planned activities like petting zoo, hayrides, and movie night, and campground amenities like a pool, bounce pillows, bikes, short hiking trails, and ice cream shop," notes a Williamsburg Campground visitor.
Site selection tips: Shaded sites are crucial during summer heat. At Pocahontas State Park, "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful," while another notes "Site 118 was perfect for our camper van. Could see one site across the road but other neighbors were mostly hidden."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary widely between campgrounds. At South Forty RV Resort, a visitor reports: "The site itself was fairly level, had a brand new picnic table, and had a little gravel pad."
Hookup particulars: Full hookup availability differs significantly across the area. A camper at Picture Lake notes: "They have full hookups. The sewage was a little weird to hookup but we figured it out."
Registration assistance: Staff at some campgrounds will help first-time RVers. At Americamps, "We let them know we were newbies and they were most accommodating! A staff member lead us to our site and stayed to help us set up and was most knowledgeable."
Road conditions: Interior roads can be challenging at some locations. "Camptown has such a lovely and supportive community. Feels like a neighborhood. A little further from the highway than we wanted but this makes for a quiet and peaceful place to stop between Charlotte and Richmond."
