Best Campgrounds near Colonial Heights, VA
State parks and established campgrounds surround Colonial Heights, Virginia, providing diverse camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. Pocahontas State Park, Virginia's largest state park at nearly 8,000 acres, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options just 15 miles northwest in Chesterfield. Several private campgrounds like Picture Lake Campground and South Forty RV Resort in Petersburg provide additional options with varying amenities. The region's camping landscape extends east toward Williamsburg with Chickahominy Riverfront Park offering waterfront sites along the Chickahominy River, and military families can access specialized facilities at Richmond Family Recreation RV Camp and Cheatham Annex.
Summer humidity and heat significantly impact camping comfort from June through August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage, making September through early November particularly popular. As one camper noted, "We stayed during the week in October. It was warm enough during the day and got a bit chilly at night." Verizon cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with one reviewer confirming it was "stable enough to work all week with a Jetpack without the need for a directional cell booster." Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, especially at state parks during summer and fall.
Riverfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with the James River and Chickahominy River providing scenic backdrops at several campgrounds. Campers frequently mention the historical significance of the area, with many sites serving as convenient bases for exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites," noted one visitor. Recreational opportunities vary by location, with mountain biking trails at Pocahontas State Park, fishing at multiple sites, and the Virginia Capital Trail (a 51-mile bike path) accessible from Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Shade availability differs significantly between campgrounds and even between loops within the same park.