Camping spots near Morattico, Virginia include sites along both the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers. The Northern Neck peninsula, where Morattico sits, features a low-lying coastal plain with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Fossil hunting on the rivershore: Belle Isle State Park Campground offers unique fossil-hunting opportunities. "We kayaked in a sunset which was gorgeous and their were six tent sites. 4 of which were close together and two new ones which were really nice," notes Gina G. in her review of the park's primitive camping areas.
Crabbing from designated piers: At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay in Reedville, visitors can enjoy catching blue crabs from the campground's private pier. "We had never been crabbing and this beautiful rv park has its own crabbing pier. There is boating, hiking, watching wild life and so many pretty birds," shares Mike T.
Kayaking on calm waters: Naylor's Beach Campground offers water access for paddlers. "The water 'beach spot' was very clean and very calm for lounging on a float or playing in the sand. My boys loved it," writes Rachel S., noting that "you can rent kayaks and there is a small store" at the campground.
Winter wildlife watching: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, offering a different experience in colder months. A visitor to Westmoreland State Park Campground reports, "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."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention the ample space between sites at Belle Isle. "Only 30 sites, all which have electric/water hookup. We've been here twice now, once with an RV and once in a tent. Most sites are shady and level, with lots of space between," Kristin writes about Belle Isle State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. "I had some family members camping here, and took a quick day trip just to look around and take a couple of small hikes, and to use the dump station. Campground has a shower/bathroom/laundry block that looks well taken care of," notes Geo&Deb T. about Belle Isle.
Waterfront access: Waterfront sites provide direct access to rivers and bays. "Sites are spacious! Golf cart rentals, pool is incredible for all ages. Employees are super friendly. 50amp & 30amp hookup. Sewer is in 2 locations for each site," writes a happy_champers reviewer about Grey's Point Camp in Topping.
Less crowded off-season: Many campers prefer visiting in spring or fall. "We stayed in site 20, with friends across the way in 11, and it was a great way to see friends, but also have privacy. Sites 19 and 20 would be great buddy sites as well," says Kristin about Belle Isle State Park during a September visit.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense, especially near water. "We had super mutant mosquitoes and horse flies. They were resistant to citronella candles, essential oils, and bug spray with 40% deet. We only found relief in the water," warns Gina G. about primitive camping at Belle Isle.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "Verizon: 2 bars of LTE," reports Charles C. about Belle Isle State Park, while another camper at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay mentions "very poor to non existent Wi-Fi and cell service (both T-Mobile and Verizon)."
Remote location requires planning: The Northern Neck's rural character means limited shopping options. "Come stocked with food and water since I don't think there's any large food markets that are close by," advises Frank E. about Belle Isle State Park, adding they "had water hookups and electric. They also have firewood sold at the campground that they sell on the honor system."
Weather considerations: The peninsula experiences quick weather changes. Beverly T. notes about Grey's Point Camp: "We stayed here Sept 2020 during tropical storm and covid, lol. Was a great safe location in port of storm, the sites mostly drained well. Very few sites had issues."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for different ages: Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna offers extensive water recreation. "We love this place! It has everything you need and more!! Water park- amazing, splash pad-fun for small children, small beach, kayaking available," shares Our Greight Escape reviewer.
Playground options: Family-friendly campgrounds offer play areas for children. "As others have stated, sites are plenty long and patio areas quite large. Showers are separate from the bathrooms. Both are clean and well maintained," notes a reviewer about Belle Isle State Park, which features multiple playground areas.
Educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities. "The rangers are amazing and it is very family friendly. Love going here very good prices and a nice little quiet beach to enjoy," Shannon P. writes about Belle Isle State Park.
Affordable family entertainment: Campgrounds often include recreational amenities. "This campground is family and dog friendly and close to Williamsburg tourist destinations. It has multiple sites for rvs, tents, camping cabins, yurts, and nicer more fully equipped cabins with bathrooms," explains Bridget H. about Williamsburg Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should carefully choose loops based on their needs. "We were in the middle of week and it was calm and quiet but other campers said weekends can be quite boisterous to the point of police being called," notes Tim S. about Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay.
Leveling and size: Many sites accommodate larger rigs but vary in levelness. "This was our first trip in our first TT (33ft), we're complete rookies! We had site 68 which had plenty of space for the TT, truck and car to park," shares Nick E. about Point Lookout State Park.
Full hookup availability: Water, electric, and sewer connections vary by campground. "Spent 5 days at BethPage and despite the rain, it was a great trip. We enjoyed the site Mulberry 2A that was a full hookup and a patio...backed to the lake," reports Robert P.
Seasonal considerations: Many waterfront sites are subject to flooding. "It rained the day we arrived. There wasn't a lot of rocks down, so we had mud all weekend, it never dried up," notes Buck P. about Point Lookout State Park's Tulip Loop, adding "Tulip Loop has full hookups which was great, but the sites are basically in a swamp."
