Tent campsites near Yorktown, Virginia range from accessible day-use parks to remote waterfront sites. Located in Virginia's coastal plain where elevation rarely exceeds 100 feet, these camping areas experience mild winters but humid summers with temperatures averaging 87°F in July and August. Most sites sit within mixed pine and hardwood forests typical of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain.
What to do
Kayak rentals at Sandy Bottom: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers affordable kayak and paddle boat rentals by the hour. "This campsite and park is a ton of fun... There are miles of trails around the lake and through the woods you can follow. It is extremely dog friendly with a fenced in dog park as well. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour," writes Brandon W. about Sandy Bottom Nature Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The park system near Yorktown was rehabilitated from former industrial sites. "This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved," notes camper N I. about Sandy Bottom. The area offers excellent birding opportunities, particularly in spring and fall migration seasons.
Beach exploration: The undeveloped beaches near Wisteria Beach Hideaway provide a less crowded alternative to public beaches. "The beaches were surrounded by pine, wetlands, and tall grasses - it felt remote and not overdeveloped!" reports Kat H., who camped there in September.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent sites near Yorktown offer good spacing between campsites. "They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate," notes liz J. about her experience at Sandy Bottom.
Park ranger presence: Regular security checks provide peace of mind at Carter's Cove Campground, where staff maintain the grounds. At Sandy Bottom, Gracie B. mentions, "There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions."
Convenient trash disposal: Unlike many primitive campgrounds, Sandy Bottom provides accessible waste management. "Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice," according to one camper, eliminating the need to pack out all waste.
What you should know
Alcohol policies: Most public camping areas near Yorktown enforce strict no-alcohol rules. One camper at Sandy Bottom notes that staff were "very insistent about the 'no alcohol' rule."
First-come, first-served policies: Many tent campsites cannot be reserved in advance. At Sandy Bottom, "Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6," according to liz J.
Insect considerations: Biting flies can be problematic at beaches, particularly during calm weather. A camper at Wisteria Beach Hideaway advises, "Due to a lack of wind, flies were bad on the beach. I would recommend bringing an insect screen if you have it."
Tips for camping with families
Short hiking distances: Sandy Bottom's tent sites require minimal walking from parking areas. "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail," notes one camper, making them accessible for families with young children.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when camping with children. At Sandy Bottom, "The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go," mentions one reviewer.
Turtle viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities. "Lots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do," reports Gracie B. about her experience at Sandy Bottom.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most camping near Yorktown focuses on tent camping with minimal RV infrastructure. Carter's Cove offers some electrical and sewer hookups but primarily serves long-term stays. "More of a long term stay but there are a few spots for RVs," notes N I.
Ambient noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by," reports liz J. about Sandy Bottom, which may be problematic for light sleepers in RVs with thinner walls.
