Best Campgrounds near Colonial Beach, VA

The Northern Neck peninsula surrounding Colonial Beach, Virginia features a mix of waterfront and wooded camping options along the Potomac River. Westmoreland State Park Campground, located about 15 miles east of Colonial Beach, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins nestled among mature forests with views of the Potomac. Thousand Trails Harbor View provides seasonal camping from April through October with shaded sites for tents and RVs. Monroe Bay Marina and Campground offers waterfront camping with boat access directly in Colonial Beach. Caledon State Park, approximately 20 miles northwest, provides more primitive tent-only camping accessed via hiking trails for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when temperatures and humidity can be high. Westmoreland State Park's bathhouses remain clean and heated in winter, making it suitable for off-season camping. Spring brings heavy pollen that can coat outdoor surfaces, as noted by one camper who reported, "If you have allergies, avoid spring. Everything outside was covered in a light haze of pollen." Summer brings mosquitoes and ticks, particularly in wooded areas. Cell service varies by provider, with Verizon reported as reliable at Harbor View. Many campgrounds close or reduce operations between November and March, though some state parks maintain year-round availability.

Potomac River access represents a significant draw for campers in the Colonial Beach area. Westmoreland State Park's Fossil Beach attracts visitors searching for prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline. According to one camper, "The best part is that you can actually find sharks teeth on the beaches here. When it rains, the teeth get washed out of the cliff." Many campgrounds feature relatively close quarters, with several reviewers noting proximity to neighboring sites. A Harbor View camper observed, "The sites are very shady, which certainly comes in handy in the Virginia heat. They are also very close together—our slide was almost touching our neighbor's slide." Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, pools, and communal activities are common at the larger established campgrounds, while state parks offer more natural settings with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Colonial Beach, Virginia (71)

    1. Westmoreland State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Montross, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 493-8821

    "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter."

    "The sites we have stayed at have all been super clean and close to bathrooms and water. They include a fire ring, picnic table and a hook for your trash. The bathrooms are clean and have hot showers."

    2. Thousand Trails Harbor View

    7 Reviews
    Colonial Beach, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "All the sites are very shady, which certainly comes in handy in the Virginia heat. They are also very close together--our slide was almost touching our neighbor's slide."

    "Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun."

    3. Caledon State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    King George, VA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Caledon was an amazing adventure that’s so close to Fredericksburg. It’s a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by."

    "Porta pottie right next to wood pile. You’re not supposed to setup anything outside of the “tent pads”. I had a hammock hung and three rangers saw but didn’t say anything."

    4. Big Timber Campground

    2 Reviews
    Rollins Fork, VA
    6 miles
    +1 (540) 775-9630

    5. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    6. Monroe Bay Marina and Campground

    1 Review
    Colonial Beach, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (804) 224-7418

    7. Goose Bay Marina

    1 Review
    Ironsides, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 932-0885

    "Location on the Potomac is great for boaters. Bought a bushel of crabs right off of the boat from Mr. Joe. Many people have golf carts, but not necessary as the campground was very walkable."

    8. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    31 Reviews
    Dumfries, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 221-7181

    $26 / night

    "The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."

    "Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."

    9. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    9 Reviews
    Marbury, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $27 - $65 / night

    "They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."

    "Nice trails, water sports available, and historic landmarks"

    10. Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Woodford, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 633-8244

    "Access to DoD folks only."

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Recent Reviews near Colonial Beach, VA

452 Reviews of 71 Colonial Beach Campgrounds


  • j
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lake Anna State Park Campground

    Nice space

    Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

  • Edward S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA

    Small and quiet

    We stayed here for one night for our travel home. Not far off i95, plenty of signage telling you where to go.

    Once here it's tucked away nicely away from everything, sites feel spacious enough and mostly level on their own.

    Pool facility looks clean and good size for all to enjoy. With a playground right next to it and a small mining operation for the kiddos.

    Will likely be back to explore the area more!

  • Genie W.
    Apr. 26, 2025

    R & D Family Campground

    Sparta Pines Family R V Park

    We are winter residents having spent our first time this past year. We found the new owners and management very accommodating. Lot fee is reasonable. We found it quiet, pet friendly,and wooded off-road location. Looking forward to returning in the fall.

  • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2025

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Expensive for what you get; and drainage problems.

    We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored.  Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida.  Fine.  Comes with the territory.  But Bull Run manages to goose you even more.  There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights.  But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay.  Even mid-week.  In APRIL for gosh sakes!

    While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain.  Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical.  The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow.  Result was lots of standing water at our campsite.

    We're done with NOVA Parks campgrounds.  Better cost options exist with Fairfax County Parks.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Thousand Trails Harbor View

    Thousand Trails Harbor View

    Would give it 4 stars for the hookups and friendly staff but we were welcomed to our site with pile of dog poop that had been left there. Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud.


Guide to Colonial Beach

Camping near Colonial Beach, Virginia, offers a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature while being close to the water.

What to do:

  • Explore the local attractions: Many campers enjoy visiting the nearby historic sites and parks. For instance, at Cherry Hill Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC." This makes it a great base for exploring the capital.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Fishing, hiking, and biking are popular. One visitor at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "The site was clean and well kept, bathhouse was close to the tent site and in ok shape." This park offers trails and playgrounds for family fun.
  • Visit the water parks: If you're looking for some splashes, Pohick Bay Campground offers discounts to a nearby water park, making it a hit with families. One camper shared, "Campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Fairfax Campground said, "Great bathrooms all singles w showers. Lots of fun things to do."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA noted, "Staff was super friendly!!"
  • Community vibe: Campgrounds like Westmoreland State Park have a sense of community. A camper remarked, "The whole place seems very well taken care of, with a camp store, visitor center, and discovery/education center for kids."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Lake Anna State Park mentioned, "The bathroom door needs to be fixed because every time someone went to the bathroom we would hear the door SLAM shut all hours of the night."
  • Site proximity: Many sites are close together, which might not suit everyone. One visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground said, "The campsites are pretty close together, we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Oak Ridge Campground noted, "Restrooms have sinks and flush toilets in all Loops. However Loop C also has showers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Cherry Hill Park, one parent said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have stores for essentials. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "The camp store sells s'mores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon."
  • Bring outdoor games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Fairfax Campground shared, "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "We visited Cherry Hill Park Campground in a Class A Motorhome and while it was tight, we fit no problem."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA said, "If looking for a place to stay near Richmond with full reliable hook-ups this would service that need."
  • Plan for parking: Some campgrounds have limited parking, so arrive early. A visitor at Lake Anna State Park mentioned, "The campground was fair, nice flat sites, semi wooded."

Camping near Colonial Beach, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat, there's a spot for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Colonial Beach, VA?

For camping in Colonial Beach, Thousand Trails Harbor View is a popular option with shady sites and family-friendly amenities including a pool with kiddie area, playground, and putt-putt golf. The campground hosts community events like Saturday night bonfires. Another excellent option is Monroe Bay Marina and Campground, located right in Colonial Beach with waterfront access. For those willing to drive a bit further, Westmoreland State Park offers scenic camping with hiking trails and beach access. The area provides a mix of private and public campgrounds to suit different preferences, from full-service RV resorts to more rustic experiences.

Are there RV parks with hookups in Colonial Beach?

Goose Bay Marina offers RV camping with hookups near Colonial Beach, providing water and electric connections in a convenient location for boaters and RVers alike. The marina is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for larger recreational vehicles. For those seeking a full-service RV experience, Americamps RV Resort is within driving distance and features full hookups, a seasonal pool, and clean facilities. While located just north of Richmond off I-95, it makes a good base for exploring the Colonial Beach area. Several campgrounds in the region offer various hookup options from basic water/electric to full service with sewer connections.

Is tent camping available near Colonial Beach, VA?

Yes, tent camping is available near Colonial Beach. Big Timber Campground near King George offers tent sites with basic amenities including water access and toilets. Westmoreland State Park Campground is another excellent option for tent campers, featuring scenic sites along the Potomac River about 20 minutes from Colonial Beach. The park provides tent pads, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails and beach areas. Many tent campers appreciate the natural settings and more affordable rates compared to RV-focused parks. Most tent campgrounds in the area are open seasonally, typically from spring through fall, with some offering winter camping for hardy outdoor enthusiasts.

What attractions can I visit while camping in Colonial Beach, Virginia?

While camping near Colonial Beach, you can enjoy the town's waterfront access with its public beaches along the Potomac River. Pohick Bay Campground visitors recommend exploring nearby Westmoreland State Park, which offers hiking trails, fossil hunting, and scenic Potomac River views. Colonial Beach itself features a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants. History enthusiasts will appreciate the birthplace of George Washington at nearby Washington's Birthplace National Monument and James Monroe's birthplace. Prince William Forest Park is within day-trip distance, offering extensive hiking trails through 15,000 acres of protected forest. Fishing, boating, and water activities are popular along the Potomac River and Monroe Bay.