Camping options near Doswell, Virginia include a mix of riverside, woodland, and lake-adjacent sites within a 35-mile radius. The region sits in Virginia's Piedmont at approximately 200-300 feet elevation with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly reach 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though services may be limited from November through March.
What to do
Shark tooth hunting at Westmoreland: Westmoreland State Park Campground features unique fossil-collecting opportunities along its beaches. According to one visitor, "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night." Another camper mentioned, "I love the sharks' teeth display in the shop and when I was there they were working on putting bones together of a whale that was found!"
Equestrian activities near Gordonsville: Shenandoah Crossing offers horseback riding among its many activities. "Beautiful sunsets over the stables and horse pastures," notes one reviewer, highlighting the picturesque setting. The campground provides guided trail rides and carriage tours as confirmed by another visitor: "Horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground."
Water recreation at Lake Anna: Lake Anna State Park Campground provides multiple options for water activities on its namesake lake. "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," according to one reviewer. Another camper noted that the park includes "a small 'beach', a lake to fish in, & multiple really nice playgrounds for kids."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites at state parks: Powhatan State Park gets high marks for site privacy. One reviewer noted, "The sites in the River Bend Campground (main campground) are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full." Another camper praised the "open field camping" at Christopher Run Campground, stating it's a "great spot on lake. Always fun."
Organized activities during holidays: Multiple campgrounds offer special programming during major holidays. One visitor to Cozy Acres Campground noted, "They do an awesome job for 4th of July!" Another camper at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA shared, "We have stayed at this campground several times and always enjoyed it. Quiet and secluded. Nice place to recharge your mental batteries."
Well-maintained facilities: Many reviewers praise the cleanliness standards at area campgrounds. "Very clean camp houses dump stations were great," wrote one visitor to Powhatan State Park, while another noted, "The bathrooms were clean & the laundry facility is a plus. They also have a dog park which we used a ton."
What you should know
Off-season considerations: Several campgrounds modify operations during winter months. A camper at Pocahontas State Park Campground shared, "Powhatan Trail entrance is right off the loop and lovely, even in December. Pack your bags and go!" Another visitor added, "Mostly private sites, a paved road for biking, plenty of tree cover (even in winter) a lifetime's worth of trails to explore."
Site layout and terrain challenges: Not all sites are equally level or spacious. "Our site D9, backed up to a small wooded section. Some full hookups. Tent sites, numerous semi-permanent people," noted one camper at Christopher Run Campground. Another reviewer at Shenandoah Crossing warned, "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season and holidays. "We needed a place just for the night so it worked out, but I wouldn't choose to stay for any length of time," shared one visitor about Richmond North KOA, highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Look for heated facilities during cooler months: Westmoreland State Park offers welcome amenities for off-season camping with children. "Bath houses are heated which is amazing. We had a large group so we rented B49 and B48," noted one visitor, making this an excellent glamping near Doswell option for families during cooler weather.
Consider pool access when glamping: Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA offers swimming facilities that campers appreciate. "We stayed during the covid pandemic when things were just starting to open back up, so the play grounds weren't available. The bathrooms are clean and the laundry facility is a plus. They also have a dog park which we used a ton," shared one family.
Seek campgrounds with age-appropriate recreation: Christopher Run Campground offers activities that may be better suited for certain age groups. "It's okay. Not much for younger kids," mentioned one parent, while another noted, "The campground is pretty big and has a wonderful beach with swim access to the lake... I'd recommend for adults and teens more so than large families with younger kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility concerns: Those traveling with large rigs should note variable site conditions. "We o my needed a place for a quick nights sleep enroute to our next destination... The admin called us when they were closing to make sure we knew they had our reservation and the paperwork would be in the night drop," wrote one RVer about Fredericksburg KOA, adding "The location is quiet but it is a bit off the beaten path for the traveler. This is nice but an extra 20min in and out from the main route."
Water and electrical access varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Campground is waaayyy back in the back of park. Only a few years old. No full hookup (yes 30/50 amp). Well maintained trails, level sites. No river access in campground," shared one visitor to Powhatan State Park, providing crucial information for those seeking luxury camping near Doswell with specific utility needs.
Amenities worth noting: Some campgrounds offer uncommon conveniences appreciated by RVers. "They have a nice camp store and even carry some RV repair items. More than you see at most campgrounds," noted a visitor to Cozy Acres Campground, demonstrating attention to detail valued by those traveling in recreational vehicles.
