The camping areas around Elkwood, Virginia sit within the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. This transitional zone between piedmont and mountain terrain creates varied camping environments with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures typically drop to the mid-20s while summer nights rarely cool below 65°F, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Anna: Lake Anna State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple piers designed for accessibility. A camper noted, "The fishing piers with ample sitting area" provide comfortable spots for anglers of all ages, making this a popular family activity with "great hiking trails and if your looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers."
Historical exploration: Sky Meadows State Park features historical reenactments near the visitor center. As one camper observed, "When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool!" This adds an educational dimension to camping trips, especially for families interested in Virginia history.
Swimming access: Waterfront access varies between parks. At Lake Anna State Park, "The beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends," while another visitor mentioned, "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented." Plan weekday visits during summer for less crowded swimming conditions.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Beyond the deer mentioned in the existing description, campers report diverse wildlife. At Sky Meadows, one visitor noted seeing "white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail." Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk.
Holiday celebrations: Holiday weekends offer special programming at some parks. A Leesylvania State Park visitor mentioned, "Always come here for fourth of July and it is quite a show there are a bunch of activities to do." Holiday weekends require advance reservations, often filling months ahead.
Evening atmosphere: The quiet environment receives consistent praise. A camper at Sky Meadows described it as "so peaceful and quiet!" while another noted, "Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. At Sky Meadows, "having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag." One camper warned, "100% do not have food scents near your tent" after experiencing bears "constantly checking out our tent during night."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs between parks. While #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp offers "spotless bathroom and shower facilities," Lake Anna visitors noted issues with "toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin" and "bathroom toilets clogged several times but were usually fixed within the hour."
Check-in procedures: Some campgrounds have complex check-in processes. At Sky Meadows, "You have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site." First-time visitors should arrive early to navigate these procedures before dark.
Tips for camping with families
Biking opportunities: Paved trails and campground roads provide safe cycling for children. A camper at Lake Anna praised "spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade" where "our grandchildren love that they are able to bike ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery."
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play areas. Little Fort Campground has "nice trails/creek behind site" for exploration, while Lake Anna State Park has "multiple really nice playgrounds for kids. Tons of amenities."
ADA accessibility: Some campgrounds offer accessible features. Lake Anna has "ADA accessible with the lantern hangers having lower hooks for those in wheelchairs, and at least one of the cabins has a wheelchair ramp." Leesylvania State Park also features accessible fishing areas and trails.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy and size. At Lake Anna, one camper noted, "There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites" suitable for larger rigs, though tent campers seeking solitude might prefer other options as "we were within 3 feet of our neighbors & 10 feet of 6-7 camp sites."
Group camping options: For large gatherings, Prince William Forest Park offers cabin group camps. According to a visitor, they have "capacities of 75 to 200" with "central shower houses, central dining halls with full modern kitchens, fridge, etc." These are ideal for scouting troops or family reunions but require advance planning.
