The Chesapeake Bay region near Kilmarnock, Virginia sits along Virginia's Northern Neck peninsula, surrounded by the Rappahannock River to the south and the Potomac River to the north. Most campgrounds in this coastal area maintain elevations below 100 feet, creating flat, accessible camping terrain with minimal hiking difficulty. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, campers can enjoy crabbing on the dedicated 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," notes Mike T. The campground also features both river access and a fishing pond.
Historic site exploration: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Colonial-era attractions. Located near American Heritage RV Park, York River State Park offers nature trails just 4 miles from the campground. "American Heritage RV Park is just 4 miles from York River State Park. After getting set up, we went there and we highly recommend it for nature lovers," reports Sharon B.
Family activities: Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna offers organized events throughout the camping season. "Casino night was a blast! Overall a family friendly place with plenty for the kids to do!" states Michael B. The resort also features mini golf, kayaking options, and a water park for families seeking structured recreation.
What campers like
Water amenities: Visitors particularly appreciate the swimming options at many campgrounds. "We love having both options for spending some time in the water," mentions Christen C. about Bethpage Camp-Resort's lake and pool facilities. Another camper notes, "Pool is incredible for all ages."
Kid-friendly features: Grey's Point Camp offers extensive children's activities. "There are so many activities for kids at this campground. There are waters slides, playgrounds, fishing, water rentals, and campground sponsored fun," observes Scott T. The campground's safe environment appeals to families with younger children.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Thousand Trails Virginia Landing, "The bathrooms were very clean but could use some serious updating, only half of the toilets were working. Laundry room was clean and well care for," reports Charity G. Many campers note well-maintained common areas despite some aging infrastructure.
What you should know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Weather impacts can create challenges at some campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, one visitor noted: "We arrived on opening day (March 19, 2021) 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."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service quality varies significantly throughout the region. At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, one camper reported, "T-mobile gateway internet sucks here, but Starlink works well from the site we are in." Another noted, "We had good cell service on AT&T and Sprint networks."
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Several campgrounds experience significant atmosphere changes between weekdays and weekends. "We were in 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," reports Tim S. about Grey's Point Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Consider location for activities: When camping with children, choose sites near playgrounds and pools. "We stayed in Spadefish 3 which was right next to the pool and playground," mentions Nick E. about Grey's Point Camp. This proximity allows children easier access to activities while remaining within sight.
Check age-appropriate facilities: Different campgrounds cater to various age groups. According to Christopher T., "Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied!" Some campgrounds feature multiple play areas designed for different age ranges.
Look for organized kids' events: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities for children. "Sweet Justice played this year on the Saturday we were there....phenomenal band....we had an awesome time," shares Kathy Jo M. about weekend entertainment at Bethpage Camp-Resort. Scheduled events provide structured entertainment options during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For larger RVs, request specific site information before booking. "We had a very nice site#10, a leveled concrete site with room to park our towed vehicle while still attached to our Motor Home," notes Mary H. about American Heritage RV Park. Concrete pads provide stability regardless of weather conditions.
Golf cart availability: Several campgrounds offer golf cart rentals, but availability can be limited. "Bring your golf cart or rent one there," advises Beverly T. about Grey's Point Camp, while another visitor noted at Bethpage Camp-Resort, "Golf carts were difficult to reserve. Golf carts were only available for pickup at 1/2pm the day of your rental(Kind of a waste)."
Hookup positioning: Some rv sites near Kilmarnock, Virginia feature dual hookup locations. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, a camper observed, "Sewer is in 2 locations for each site." This flexibility allows for easier connection regardless of RV configuration or parking position.
