Glamping options near Hopewell, Virginia extend beyond luxury tents to include several family-friendly camping alternatives within a 30-mile radius. The region sits along the James River watershed at elevations generally below 200 feet, creating accessible terrain for campers of all experience levels. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-75°F.
What to do
Kayaking on the Chickahominy River: The waterways near Chickahominy Riverfront Park offer prime fishing spots. "Nice spot on the river. There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. 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," notes Patrick R.
Historical exploration: Many campgrounds serve as bases for exploring Colonial Williamsburg. According to Ashleigh M., "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites. They have a modern bathhouse and a pool."
Mountain biking trails: The extensive trail system at Pocahontas State Park Campground offers options for all skill levels. One camper shared, "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp). 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."
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the area feature swimming facilities to combat summer heat. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, "The swimming pool was incredibly large and CLEAN!!! I was surprised! It felt very refreshing and even had adult swim time and attentive life guards," according to Katie B.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages. As Angee T. notes, "So much to do here...biking, hiking... places for kids to run. The sites are clean and the owners are wonderful."
Clean facilities: Bathhouse quality matters to many visitors. "Well laid out sites, clean restrooms and showers," shares Glenn T. about Pocahontas State Park, while another camper mentions, "This park has mostly private sites, a paved road for biking, plenty of tree cover (even in winter) a lifetime's worth of trails to explore, and clean, legit bathrooms and showers."
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks highly in reviews. Liz M. from Chickahominy Riverfront Park shares, "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities! Our only regret is not staying longer."
Convenience to attractions: Location near historical sites and amusement parks receives frequent mentions. According to Da'Paul F., "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. They even run until 12-1 in the morning for those who plan to do the Haunt."
What you should know
Train noise affects some locations: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Anvil Campground, "The train is so close that it shakes our RV," reports one reviewer, though others find it part of the experience: "The cabin we stayed in was about 15 feet from the tracks. Not really a complaint from us since the kids thought it was awesome."
Site variations within campgrounds: Not all sites offer equal amenities or privacy. "Sites up front are a little crammed together, but level. Not a bad place to stay," notes one camper about Rockahock Campgrounds, while another mentions, "Our site was large, but we ended up in a non-sewer lot. Weird, as I booked this trip 6 months earlier."
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact some campgrounds. One camper at Thousand Trails Williamsburg explained, "We arrived on opening day for the season. They had unfortunately been a victim of the rain and the main road to the campground had washed out. Alternative routes were set up to enter and exit."
Reservation timing: During peak season, book well ahead. According to Trina C., at Chippokes State Park "Reserve 12 months out, full payment required. 90 day maximum stay."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Many families choose campgrounds with swimming facilities during summer months. Niles C. shares about Chickahominy: "Great site. Very Clean bathhouse. Pool and water area for the kids with a life guard! Huge grass area to walk the dogs or hit golf balls."
Playground access: For families with younger children, playground quality matters. At Richmond North Kings Dominion KOA, one visitor noted, "This is a great place for families with children, young and old! Kid friendly biking around the park. Also saw many with electric scooters and golf carts. Large playground and pool, all very clean and well kept."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural encounters create memorable family experiences. "We saw a fat raccoon, daring squirrels, a turtle, and vultures. There are gorgeous, HARMLESS, garden spiders that are shockingly large and bright yellow," writes Katie B. about the local fauna.
Beach alternatives: When seeking glamping close to Hopewell, Virginia with water access, consider sandy areas. One visitor to Chippokes State Park Campground advises, "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach. Pool is very clean," while another notes, "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. Ashley I. notes about Pocahontas State Park, "No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp)," which requires planning for longer stays.
Site leveling concerns: Some campgrounds require more setup work. "From what I observed, the sites were all pretty level," reports Cat R. about Kings Dominion KOA, though others mention challenges at different locations.
Accessibility for larger rigs: Tight turns and low-hanging branches create challenges at some locations. "The roads are a bit narrow and there are lots of trees," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Not a bad place to stay. FHU, pool and plenty of room to stretch your legs. Sites up front are a little crammed together, but level."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season visits offer different experiences. "We needed a place just for the night so it worked out. Due to Covid and the proximity to a temporarily closed King's Dominion this campground was very quiet. We enjoyed a larger pull through lot that faced the woods," explains Scott T.
