The Ashland, Virginia area features a mix of private RV resorts and state park campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Americamps RV Resort, located directly in Ashland, provides full hookup sites with easy access to Interstate 95, making it popular for travelers passing through the region. Richmond North-Kings Dominion KOA in nearby Doswell offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts with year-round availability. State parks like Pocahontas (nearly 8,000 acres) and Powhatan provide more natural settings with both primitive and developed camping options. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though amenities and activities vary seasonally.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when facilities reach capacity. Most private campgrounds offer online booking systems, while state parks can be reserved through Virginia's reservation portal. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with Verizon providing consistent coverage at most campgrounds. As one camper noted, "Verizon service was stable enough to work all week with a Jetpack without the need for a directional cell booster." Summer humidity and heat can be intense, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. Ticks are common in wooded areas, particularly during warmer months, requiring regular checks and preventative measures.
Many campers appreciate the area's strategic location between Richmond and Washington DC. According to one visitor, "Americamps is mostly surrounded by woods, has a seasonal pool, a clean bathhouse, a nice camp store, propane for sale AND is walking distance to a local brewery that often has live music or events on the weekends." State parks receive high marks for their recreational opportunities, with Pocahontas State Park offering extensive mountain biking trails, fishing at Swift Creek Lake, and an aquatic recreation center. Primitive camping options exist at Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, where Virginia residents with a valid fishing or hunting license can camp for up to 14 days at no additional cost. With over 115 campgrounds and campsites near Ashland, visitors can find everything from full-service RV resorts to secluded tent camping locations throughout the region. Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds and even between loops within the same park.
"One fun surprise, Ashland is referred to as "the center of the universe" by its residents. Being big astronomy buffs, we felt we pick the perfect place for our first experience 🌌"
"Nice location. Next to King’s Dominion."
$67 / night
"Just north of Richmond Virginia, off interstate 95, this park is located between the interstate and Ashland Industrial Airpark."
"We enjoy staying at the Americamps Resort in Ashland, VA. The location is ideal for accessing I95 & it’s easy to get in & out of."
$37 - $459 / night
"Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."
"Playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground. Firewood for sale by QR code was convenient. The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."
"Nice private spot close to Richmond. No hookups"
$25 - $100 / night
"Close to Highway, yet feels far and remote!"
$16 - $97 / night
"access to human food."
"Like most Virginia state parks the River Bend campground is well spaced out and great for RV camping."
"We found it quiet, pet friendly,and wooded off-road location. Looking forward to returning in the fall."
$32 - $459 / night
"Great walking trails surrounding the campground. Well maintained."
"Love having the access to the lake. Great areas for dog walking. Family next door was really loud, but not the campgrounds fault."
"Once here it's tucked away nicely away from everything, sites feel spacious enough and mostly level on their own. Pool facility looks clean and good size for all to enjoy."
"We were planning to arrive late after 12 hours of driving. The admin called us when they were closing to make sure we knew they had our reservation and the paperwork would be in the night drop."
RangerVery well kept campground. Clean bathrooms Clean camp sites Cell Verizon and att worked well. Was able to zoom for work and watch Netflix at night. Excellent trails all through the park. Fast rolling gravel trails for gravel bikes and some more technical trails for mountain biking.
TravelerThe site pad gravel was nice and provided good drainage for the DELUGE we got all night long our first night. Surrounded by lovely foliage, which provided nice privacy. And right across from some of the cleanest bath houses we've ever seen. Very nice.
But the real highlight was the variety and abundance of ranger programs offered at this relatively small park. We went on a lovely moth/caterpillar hunt at twilight that was so much fun, and the guide was so knowledgeable.
Also, the trails are very well marked. I like to trail run with my dog first thing in the morning, and I've been burned before by poorly marked trails. These (while expectedly soggy) were very well marked.
TravelerWe've been to Lake Anna a couple of times and have enjoyed it each time. This past trip was over Memorial Day with close family friends. We RV and they cabin camp. So they snagged camp cabin 56 and we were in E/W site 30. Those two are very close to each other, so our kids could go back and forth without supervision, but site 30 was big enough that we were able to host all of the meals in our site. The 5 people staying in our RV and the 4 people staying in their cabin plus the 4 dogs that we have between us! That's a lot of camp chairs and cooking equipment.
Being Memorial Day weekend, we expected it to be very busy, but it wasn't too crowded at all. And everyone was very nice.
A word for parents: the tent pad is pea gravel. Really nice pea gravel. Applied pretty deeply too. So, if your kids are anything like mine, the first they'll do - and continue to fixate on all weekend - is digging in the pit, burying each other, and other various forms of playing with the rocks. You'd think they'd get enough of at at the actual beach. But no. Apparently not.
ScoutSpacious RV campsites. Lots of pull-through sites. They also have tent camping sites and cabins. Location is right next to Kings Dominion amusement park. Staff was very friendly!
GuideWe found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there
GuideNice private spot close to Richmond. No hookups
Scoutwe love this park they have a playground and stuff to do but we were on auto pay and they tried to charge us more than they were supposed to
ScoutThis place has tons of trees and also back up to a 1200 acres of MORE timbers. Close to Highway, yet feels far and remote!
ScoutPeople are very friendly and helpful. I do wish they would escort to site
Campground options near Ashland, Virginia extend beyond the main tourist spots into quieter areas with diverse terrain. The region sits at modest elevations between 200-300 feet above sea level, creating mild slopes that accommodate both wooded and open camping sites near Ashland, Virginia. Most undeveloped areas feature oak-hickory forests that provide partial to full shade during summer months when temperatures regularly reach the 90s.
Mountain biking trails: 45+ miles of paths for riders of all skill levels at Pocahontas State Park Campground. The park spans nearly 8,000 acres with designated biking areas. "Very nice, plenty to see and do, but very crowded and noisy, even after quite time," notes one camper.
James River water access: Multiple boat launches and fishing platforms at Powhatan State Park Campground. "Great park for bicycling. The sites in the River Bend Campground are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full," mentions one visitor.
Seasonal festivals and events: Several campgrounds host themed weekends throughout the year. "Had a great time for Halloween here. Will be back," says one camper about Richmond North-Kings Dominion KOA.
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "While the sites were close together in typical RV park style, they were not scrapping together like we've seen at some places and there were many well established trees to provide lots of shade instead of being in an open field," notes a visitor to Americamps RV Resort.
Clean, updated bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds feature individual shower rooms. "The bathhouse was clean and I especially liked the privacy of individual shower rooms," shares a visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground.
Convenient location: The area serves as a strategic base for exploring Virginia attractions. "We needed a place just for the night so it worked out... It was very clean, with plenty of available trash barrels and very clean bathrooms," notes one camper at Richmond North-Kings Dominion KOA.
Military base camping restrictions: Some local options have limited access. "Access to DoD folks only," cautions a camper about Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp RV Park. "Clean, quiet little park on A.P. Hill base. RV hookups, great wifi, showers and laundry are spotless."
Seasonal operation changes: Not all facilities operate year-round. "Kings Dominion is still closed so the park is very quiet. They are following covid protocols with masks and temperature checks," noted one visitor during off-season.
Private community restrictions: Some nearby camping options limit public access. "This campsite is only open to residents of the gated community and their guests," warns a camper about Lake Land'Or General Campground.
Kid-friendly biking options: Look for campgrounds with paved roads for younger cyclists. "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," reports a visitor to Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA.
Nature programs for children: Several parks offer educational activities. "Wonderful place, very beautiful! Of courses, horses loved It too!" mentions a visitor who experienced the equestrian programs at Lake Anna State Park.
Playground availability: Most family-oriented campgrounds include play areas. "My grandson loves camping there because of the playground, and for dog lovers, there is a fenced dog walk," notes a camper at a local community campground.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Sites are very spacious and good distance between other campers. Nice privacy. Large Bath house dump stations were great. Some sites were very level. We were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel," advises an RVer at Powhatan State Park.
Full hookup availability: Limited at state parks but common at private campgrounds. "No full hookup (yes 30/50 amp). Well maintained trails, level sites. No river access in campground," notes a camper at Powhatan State Park.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. "The only negative comments would be it's right up against interstate 95 so it's a constant drone of traffic," mentions an RVer at Americamps RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Ashland, VA?
Ashland offers several camping options for visitors. Americamps RV Resort is conveniently located just north of Richmond off I-95, featuring wooded surroundings, a seasonal pool, clean bathhouses, and easy highway access. The area also has Powhatan State Park Campground within driving distance, providing a more natural setting. For those seeking alternatives, R & D Family Campground near Milford offers basic amenities including water and toilets with reservable sites. Ashland's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, with the town itself known as the 'Center of the Universe' according to local lore, providing a charming backdrop for your camping adventure.
How much does camping cost in Ashland, VA?
Camping costs in Ashland vary by facility type and amenities. Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA offers full-service sites with typical KOA pricing, generally $45-75 per night depending on the season and hookup level. For budget options, Virginia residents can utilize Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area with free 14-day primitive camping permits, while non-residents pay just $4 for a daily pass. State parks near Ashland like Pocahontas State Park typically charge $25-45 per night for standard campsites. Prices generally increase during summer months and on weekends, with many campgrounds offering discounts for extended stays or off-season visits.
Are there RV parks in Ashland, VA with full hookups?
Yes, Ashland offers quality RV parks with full hookups. American Heritage RV Park provides full-service sites with concrete pads, making it an excellent base for exploring Richmond and the surrounding areas. The park features level sites and exceptional staff. For those wanting additional amenities, Thousand Trails Williamsburg is accessible from Ashland and offers full hookups with resort-style facilities, though site spacing can be tight. Both parks provide water, sewer, and electrical connections suitable for big rigs. The convenient location off I-95 makes these parks popular stopovers for travelers heading along the East Coast, so advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
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