Camping near Fort Lee, Virginia places visitors within an hour's drive of multiple rivers including the James, Chickahominy, and Appomattox. The region sits at elevations generally below 400 feet with minimal terrain variation across campgrounds, creating easy access for both tent and RV camping. Summer nights can remain above 70°F through much of July and August, with humidity levels routinely exceeding 80% in early morning hours.
What to do
Paddling access points: Several campgrounds offer direct water entry for kayakers and canoeists. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one camper noted, "Nice campground right on the river. There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. There is a dock down by the boat ramp." The park provides boat rentals for those without personal watercraft.
Mountain biking: Pocahontas State Park Campground features extensive trail systems for riders of varying skill levels. "Great State Park campground! 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," wrote one reviewer. The park maintains over 25 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails.
Historical exploration: The working farm at Chippokes State Park Campground offers visitors agricultural demonstrations and exhibits. A camper shared, "Love Chippokes! Feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation! Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all." The plantation dates back to 1619 and features preserved farm equipment displays.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Waterfront sites provide cooling breezes and fishing opportunities. "The sites are very close together and uneven. It would be a nice quick stop place on the way to a nicer camp but I don't recommend making this place the getaway campsite," noted one visitor about Picture Lake Campground, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Family-oriented amenities: Williamsburg Campground provides extensive facilities for children. "They even have a fantastic dog bath and holding kennel in case you have more than one dog. They have a pool with a sprayground and a grassy area with ping pong and corn hole. Plus, they always have activities for the kids," explained one camper.
Shaded campsites: Summer heat makes tree cover essential at many local campgrounds. One visitor to Pocahontas State Park Campground commented, "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful." Sites with shade can be 10-15 degrees cooler during peak afternoon heat.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages, a camper warned, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night." Trains typically pass multiple times between 10pm and 6am.
Race track proximity: Picture Lake Campground sits near a motorsports facility with evening events. "The lake was beautiful and the price was nice however it's RIGHT beside the race track and the races go on till midnight," reported one camper. Noise levels can reach disruptive levels on weekend evenings.
Bathroom facility variability: Quality and cleanliness differs significantly between campgrounds. About South Forty RV Resort & Campground, one visitor stated, "The restrooms and showers were disgusting and in ill-repair. I've used truck stop showers and restrooms all over the country. These were some of the worst facilities I've ever seen." Always check recent reviews for updated bathroom conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for children during summer months. A visitor to South Forty RV Resort & Campground mentioned, "Nice, quiet overnight stop. Friendly staff. Level sites with good size sites. Has laundry, pool (closed for winter)." Most pools operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Water recreation options: Fishing opportunities exist throughout the region. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one camper advised, "There is a dock down by the boat ramp. It says no fishing. Wait until dark and ignore the sign. There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere."
Accommodation variety: Options range from tent sites to cabins. A visitor to Williamsburg Campground noted, "They have multiple sites for RVs, tents, camping cabins, yurts, and nicer more fully equipped cabins with bathrooms." Cabins typically require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Electrical access variations: Not all campgrounds provide consistent power options. At Pocahontas State Park Campground, a reviewer explained, "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp)." Some sites may experience voltage drops during peak usage periods.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Late arrival and get situated only to find the breaker broken. Maintenance moved us spots rather quickly though. Spots were not level but were shaded," reported a camper at South Forty RV Resort & Campground. Carrying extra leveling blocks is recommended.
Site spacing differences: Privacy levels vary substantially. "The site itself was fairly level, had a brand new picnic table, and had a little gravel pad. Other sites closer to the pool were super close together," noted a visitor to South Forty RV Resort & Campground. Sites along outer loops typically offer more separation than central locations.
