Pocahontas State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems with varied difficulty levels for hikers and mountain bikers. Located within 30 minutes of Doswell, the park spans over 7,900 acres, making it Virginia's largest state park. While Kings Dominion attracts visitors to Doswell, many campers use nearby campgrounds as convenient bases for exploring regional historical sites and nature preserves.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At Pocahontas State Park Campground, cyclists enjoy professionally designed trails for all skill levels. "Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff. 20 mins from every store you can imagine, but super quiet at night," notes Ashley I.
Fossil hunting: Westmoreland State Park offers unique opportunities near Harbor View campground. "We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun," shares Ariel F.
Colonial-era exploration: Visit George Washington's birthplace, just a short drive from waterfront campgrounds. "Right down the road from George Washington's birthplace," explains Jason E., highlighting the historical attractions in the area.
Fishing ponds: Multiple campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas with different catch policies. "We've fished at the little catch and release pond successfully but didn't try out the catch and keep catfish pond," reports one Cozy Acres visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cozy Acres Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Bath house is very clean. The sites are a good size and laid out well. There is a mix of site amenities," says Glenn F.
Level camping sites: Many campgrounds feature carefully prepared surfaces. "Level lots. Clean facilities," notes James P. about Military Park Fort AP Hill, while another camper mentions "level sites with brick paver pads" at Cozy Acres.
Swimming options: Bethpage Camp-Resort offers water recreation beyond basic pools. "Water park- amazing... splash pad-fun for small children, small beach, kayaking available," reports one family, while another mentions "the lake and pools are fantastic. We love having both options for spending some time in the water."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to attractions, many sites maintain peaceful settings. "Clean, quiet little park on A.P. Hill base. RV hookups, great wifi, showers and laundry are spotless," shares MH about the Military Park.
What you should know
Military base access restrictions: Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp RV Park requires specific credentials. "Must have proper government ID to access post," notes James P., while another review clarifies "Access to DoD folks only."
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. "Limited cell service (StarLink or similar is your best option)," reports James P. about Fort AP Hill, while Harbor View campers mention "Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot."
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings heavy pollen to some wooded areas. "If you have allergies, avoid spring. EVERYTHING outside was covered in a light haze of pollen. I worked outside several days and had to wipe my computer off a couple times a day," advises an Harbor View visitor.
Hunting season impacts: Military areas see increased activity during hunting periods. "Hunting season can get a little crowded," warns one Fort AP Hill camper, something to consider when planning fall visits.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Rockahock Campgrounds & Resort offers swimming facilities for children. "It has a nice boat launch a nice pool that is well kept," notes Adam S., making it suitable for families looking for water activities.
Playground options: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for different age groups. "The playground for our two year old was filthy and unsafe for her to play on. They did have a jumping pillow that she could play on and she did enjoy," shares one Rockahock visitor, highlighting the importance of checking playground conditions.
Biking-friendly roads: Paved surfaces at some campgrounds provide safe cycling for children. "With all paved streets the campground is perfect for bike riding," notes a Bethpage Camp-Resort visitor about their family experience.
Military training noise: At Fort AP Hill, expect occasional training sounds. "Sometimes you hear military field training going on (live ranges, helicopters, and ospreys - but I don't mind)," explains one visitor, which could disturb light-sleeping children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Americamps RV Resort, site designs accommodate larger vehicles. "It is a level gravel site with full hookups, including cable TV. Each site had plenty of room. Ours was a pull through and we didn't have to unhook to fit!" reports Cat R.
Traffic noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The only negative comments would be it's right up against interstate 95 so it's a constant drone of traffic," notes Donna A. about Americamps.
Electric protection: Rockahock requires precautions for electrical connections. "The electrical hook ups were all busted up, (I would not recommend using it without a surge guard)," advises TJ M., suggesting RVers bring protective equipment.
Industry noise: Some sites experience daytime industrial sounds. "I noticed one side of the park (around site 22) is very noisy during the work day as there is a big lumber yard there," explains Taylor D. about Americamps RV Resort, suggesting RVers request sites away from industrial areas.
