Westmoreland State Park Campground offers diverse accommodations for visitors seeking outdoor experiences on the Potomac River. The campground features well-maintained tent sites in both open and wooded areas, with many campsites offering privacy despite being near other sites. Bathroom facilities at Westmoreland receive consistent positive reviews for cleanliness, with heated bathhouses available during winter months. The camping loops are organized into sections with the B loop containing some of the most spacious sites, particularly B48 and B49 which work well for larger groups.
What to do
Shark tooth hunting at Fossil Beach: Westmoreland State Park provides access to the popular Fossil Beach where visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils. A camper noted, "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year."
River activities and swimming: The Rappahannock River offers opportunities for water recreation near Colonial Beach. At Rappahannock River Campground, campers enjoy river access for kayaking and swimming. One visitor shared, "Great spot right next to the Rappahannock River, plenty of place to set up camp. Had water on site with a fire pit and picnic table too! It was super easy to get down to the water and there was plenty of spots to explore."
Trail exploration: Several parks in the Colonial Beach area offer hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. A visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground remarked, "Nice trails, decent campsites, cabins! The paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing platforms are a really nice addition."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at campgrounds near Colonial Beach. At Bull Run Regional Park, a visitor observed, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Colonial Beach region maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "Bath houses are clean and well maintained. Our site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking a more peaceful glamping experience near Colonial Beach, Virginia, weekdays offer less crowded conditions. A visitor to Westmoreland State Park advised, "If you're anything like me, traveling for peace and quiet and solitude, I highly recommend Sunday and Monday nights if you have flexibility with jobs etc. It was SUPER quiet during my stay."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather can significantly impact your glamping in Colonial Beach, Virginia experience. A Westmoreland State Park visitor reported, "Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help! Bath houses are heated which is amazing."
Limited privacy at some sites: Campgrounds can become crowded, especially during peak season. At Pohick Bay Campground, one camper warned, "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced."
Bathroom facilities vary: While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, the type and quality differ. A camper at Rappahannock River Campground explained, "Showers were hot. Toilets are a porta potty type. Great for a weekend away from all the hustle and bustle."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Pohick Bay Campground, a visitor shared, "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."
Look for playgrounds: When glamping in Colonial Beach with children, campgrounds with play areas provide additional entertainment. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, a visitor noted, "Kid focused park. Lots of activities. Great setting. Nice sites. Very wooded. Big pond. Great store."
Consider pool access: Summer camping with children benefits from swimming opportunities. A Lake Anna State Park visitor mentioned, "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented. It has great hiking trails and if your looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: RV sites at campgrounds near Colonial Beach vary in grade. A visitor to Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA reported, "Sites feel spacious enough and mostly level on their own."
Consider site spacing: Some RV sites provide more privacy than others. A camper at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA observed, "The spaces are very snug so forget privacy when they're busy, but at the time we were the only ones on our little road."
Look for shuttle services: Some campgrounds offer transportation to nearby attractions. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, a visitor mentioned, "One convenient option that comes with staying is they have a shuttle service to the amusement park that runs by roughly every 25-30 mins. They even run until 12-1 in the morning for those who plan to do the Haunt the park has during the Fall/Halloween season."
