Several military campgrounds provide RV accommodations near Fort Monroe, Virginia, most requiring proper military ID for entry. These rv parks in Fort Monroe, Virginia are typically located on bases with restricted access but offer competitive rates with varying hookup options. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, higher temperatures and humidity affect camping conditions, with afternoon thunderstorms common. Many locations experience aircraft noise due to nearby military operations, particularly noticeable in the evenings.
What to do
Beach activities: Access points vary at each location, with The Colonies RV and Travel Park offering proximity to water on both sides. "The campground is awesome. Beach is a short walk, but what they don't tell you is that there's a club on the beach. So be warned- it's a bit noisy," notes James A.
Historical exploration: Fort Monroe National Monument provides educational opportunities near camping areas. "Located on historic Fort Monroe, VA the fort has a lot to offer. No reason to leave but if you do there's plenty in surrounding areas," explains Becky W. from The Colonies.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points across facilities allow fishing. Tim W. notes about The Colonies, "Site had everything you need. Bay on one side and ocean on the other. Little country store with good prices on things that campers actually need too."
Water recreation: Equipment rentals available at some locations. At Cheatham Annex / Yorktown Naval Weapons Station RV Campground, Janet R. describes, "There are several Navy Bases in the area, so this is an easy retreat for active duty folks... There are also wooded hiking trails, two lakes with rowboats and kayaks and fishing, as well as shoreline and piers on the York River itself."
What campers like
Water views: Waterfront locations provide scenic settings. Maria K. shares about The Colonies, "One of the most scenic and peaceful campgrounds in the state of Virginia, you are right by the water (it's almost like an island), 2 minutes walking distance from a secluded beach, add two more minutes to that and there is Paradise Ocean club."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathhouses get positive mentions. "The bathrooms were clean, showers had hot water, and the campground was very quiet," notes Sharon B. about American Heritage RV Park.
Convenient base location: Proximity to attractions makes these parks strategically located for exploring the region. As John D. comments about American Heritage, "This park was very convenient to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach... We found it ideal as a base camp to explore the tidewater area of Virginia."
Recreational amenities: On-base facilities enhance the camping experience. "The RV campground has a nice central bath house with showers and toilets as well as laundry facilities. There is a small convenience store as well as a cafe if needed," describes Janet R. about Cheatham Annex.
What you should know
Base access restrictions: Military ID required for most locations. Steve V. notes about Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park, "1 night stop while traveling the east coast. Friendly staff that provided lots of assistance when making reservation and giving directions to the campground."
Variable site conditions: Pad quality differs across facilities. Anders S. comments about American Heritage, "Great pool and convenient to travel to several activities including Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Va Beach and more. Nice concrete pad sites with full hookup and shaded by tall pine trees (some not)."
Reservation systems: Advanced booking recommended for many locations, especially during peak season. About The Colonies, N I. details, "Sites: 22 with 1 pull thru 13 full hookups 12 Tent sites. Electric: 30-50 amp. This is a private campground and you do not have to be military to stay."
Noise considerations: Aircraft operations affect many campgrounds. "Expect to hear aircraft all the time. You get used to it quickly, but can be loud," reports Eleanor the Airstream R. about Little Creek MWR RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Kid-friendly areas vary by location. Erin W. shares about The Colonies, "This is a great location to the beach, just a short walk. The stairs are broken down to the beach, so you have to climb over the rail. The campground is great if you have a number of campers, you can hangout in the middle."
Beach access considerations: Walking distance to waterfront differs by site location. Jaime W. describes The Colonies, "This place was relaxing and peaceful. It's located on a peninsula with beautiful bay and creek views. You can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. There is a little beach down from our site and our dogs enjoyed their first dip in the bay."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching possible at several locations. Jenn P. notes, "I like they built towers for the osprey to build nests. I watched birds catch crabs next to the bathhouse. All in all it was a very nice stay."
Seasonal activities: Program schedules change throughout the year. "The camp hosts Pat and Chet were wonderful and suggested a wonderful local dinner place with views of the tunnel. The place is was clean and had really cool Halloween decorations," mentions Jaime W.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Connection placement varies across parks. Janet R. cautions about Sea Mist RV Campground, "There are two loops, the south loop is older with many trees and shade and more space between sites, the northern loop is new and treeless and open with sites close together."
Site types: Pull-through availability limited at certain campgrounds. About Ocean Pines RV Park, Carmen F. explains, "The park has large sites that are paved. Plenty of parking and clean. The only problem is the bar thats across the street, the music is extremely loud and the internet is is almost nonexistent."
Road conditions: Interior roads have maintenance issues at some facilities. Leo S. advises about Fort Story Cape Henry, "Cellular signal and Starlink won't work well here and the campground WiFi isn't great. But in the true spirit of camping, this is a great place to disconnect and take long walks around the base and the beach."
Winter accommodations: Extended stay options available at certain parks. "They have a monthly winter rate $756 (not proratable) from October 1 thru April 30," shares Maria K. about The Colonies.
