Camping around Green Bay, Virginia offers visitors diverse recreational opportunities in central Virginia's inland countryside. The area sits at elevations between 250-350 feet above sea level with predominantly clay soils that can become muddy after rain. During thunderstorms, campers should be aware that lightning strikes are common throughout summer months, with July averaging 8-10 thunderstorm days.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Anna: The lake provides excellent flat-water paddling with multiple access points at Christopher Run Campground. According to one visitor, "The campground has access to lake Anna and is clean... quite times 9 and they have security going around to remind everyone."
Historic exploration: Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA serves as an excellent base for visiting Civil War sites. A camper noted, "We stayed here once or twice a year. The campsites are nicely spaced and level. It's close to lots of things so there is plenty to do!"
Mountain biking trails: Pocahontas State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems for riders of all skill levels. One reviewer highlighted, "Lots of trails, nature center, pool, and creek for kayaking and fishing. You can also rent water equipment while you're there. Very good for beginners."
Theme park access: For families wanting amusement park thrills, Richmond North-Kings Dominion KOA provides convenient transportation. A visitor mentioned, "Just recently stayed here during a weekend getaway to Kings Dominion. One convenient option that comes with staying is they have a shuttle service to the amusement park that runs by roughly every 25-30 mins."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Powhatan State Park Campground receives praise for its private, wooded campsites. One camper shared, "The sites in the River Bend Campground(main campground) are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full. The map makes it look like they're really close together so I was pleasantly surprised."
Clean facilities: Small Country Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. A visitor noted, "I really care about the cleaners of the bathroom. This place, is very good with cleaning and stocking the materials that people need."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds in the area offer peaceful settings away from highway noise. According to one Americamps RV Resort visitor, "Although we only tent camped, I noticed a lot of things about the campground that would welcome RVs as well. There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites."
Holiday activities: Seasonal events make camping more engaging at Lake Anna State Park. A camper reported, "Always come here for fourth of July and it is quite a show there are a bunch of activities to do."
What you should know
Site selection matters: When camping near Green Bay, VA, location within campgrounds significantly affects experience. At Rocky Branch Marina, "If you choose to camp here, you get to select your site, and if you go during the summer, you may want to choose a site that has more shade."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and holiday weekends. Sites with hookups at Lake Anna State Park Campground book 3-4 months in advance. One camper recommended, "Great space for RVs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin."
Shower conditions: Bathhouse quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Christopher Run has unusual shower systems; one camper explained, "The shower left SO MUCH to be desired. First, the shower head is on the ceiling which is about 10 feet tall. There is a push button to turn water on (no temp adjustment) and it only allows 36 SECONDS of water."
Access limitations: Not all campgrounds accept public visitors. Lake Land'Or General Campground restricts access: "This campsite is only open to residents of the gated community and their guests."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Christopher Run Campground offers excellent swimming access. A visitor observed, "The campground is pretty big and has a wonderful beach with swim access to the lake. The beach is well maintained and campsites are spacious."
Playground options: When choosing campgrounds with children, check playground quality and age-appropriateness. At Small Country, "The playground is older but my boys had fun using it for hours. Mini golf was very nice($3)."
Educational programming: Several state parks offer Junior Ranger programs during summer months. At Powhatan, these include guided activities: "Staff were wonderful, huge place that is well kept, trails are trimmed back daily. Bathrooms are individual with a shower in each one. Lots of geocaching on grounds, fishing, hiking, boat launch, canoe racks, playground, a store with a nature center, and a Junior Ranger program for the kids."
Age-appropriate camping: Some campgrounds better serve specific age groups. As one Christopher Run visitor noted, "The playground is for kids 5+ and there's not much to do outside of swimming in the lake for 5 and under. I'd recommend for adults and teens more so than large families with younger kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds near Green Bay require leveling equipment. At Americamps, "The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away."
Hookup considerations: When planning camping green bay va trips in RVs, verify hookup specifications. Small Country Campground offers a military discount: "They offer half off for AD military which is the only place I know that offers that."
Shower alternatives: Some bath facilities have limitations for RVers. At Christopher Run, the timer system makes showering difficult: "The shower left SO MUCH to be desired... it only allows 36 SECONDS of water before it shuts back off. (I timed it several times after showering)." Having an RV with shower facilities can be advantageous.
