The camping scene near Mascot, Virginia centers around the Chesapeake Bay watershed where the terrain features low coastal plains with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Area campgrounds typically operate year-round or from March through November depending on their water-based amenities.
What to do
Crabbing and fishing from private piers: At Cross Rip Camp, campers access the Chesapeake Bay directly. "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 one visitor.
Kayaking on multiple waterways: The Mattaponi River provides excellent paddling opportunities. A camper at Rainbow Acres Campground shares, "This is always our spot when we are in the area, sometimes even when we're not. It's so relaxing and so much to do. We love rainbow acres! Great place to fish or paddle board whatever you're into really."
Biking the Virginia Capital Trail: Access this paved trail system directly from Chickahominy Riverfront Park. One camper mentioned, "The roads around the campground are a pretty drive. Also a great paved biking path that goes for a number of miles."
Mini golf on campground grounds: Several resorts maintain their own courses with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Grey's Point Camp notes, "There are so many activities for kids at this campground. There are waters slides, playgrounds, fishing, water rentals, and campground sponsored fun."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer premium spots along rivers and lakes. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, a camper shared, "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site."
Clean, well-maintained pools: Swimming facilities are a major draw during summer months. A visitor to Thousand Trails Williamsburg remarked, "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites."
Proximity to historic sites: The location serves as an excellent base for exploring Virginia's colonial attractions. One camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park explained, "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, several parks near Mascot offer yurt rentals. A visitor at Thousand Trails Williamsburg commented, "This campground is gorgeous and has great amenities," referencing their yurt experience.
What you should know
Train noise impacts some campgrounds: Several parks are located near active rail lines. At Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages, a camper warned, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage can be spotty, especially in more remote areas. A visitor at Rockahock Campgrounds noted, "Little or no cell signal Wi-Fi is okay," while another at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay mentioned, "T-mobile gateway internet sucks here, but Starlink works well from the site we are in."
Full-time residents at some parks: Several campgrounds have a mix of weekend visitors and long-term residents. A camper at Rainbow Acres Campground observed, "This campground is about 3/4 year rounders. People who rent a campsite and build porches and party sites up and come visit on the weekend or stay the summer."
Yurt availability is limited: For those interested in yurt camping near Mascot, Virginia, reservations should be made well in advance. "Our first time with thousand islands. We like it. It has everything you need, full hook ups, laundry, indoor outdoor pool, mini golf," reported one satisfied yurt camper.
Tips for camping with families
Secure golf cart rentals early: At popular resorts, these quickly book out. A visitor to Bethpage Camp-Resort advised, "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)."
Consider splash pad alternatives: For families with small children, water features beyond pools offer safer options. One camper at Bethpage Camp-Resort noted, "Water park- amazing, splash pad-fun for small children, small beach, kayaking available."
Check playground age-appropriateness: Equipment varies widely between parks. A Grey's Point Camp visitor mentioned, "Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied!"
Pack extra supplies: Some locations are isolated from shopping. A Bethpage Camp-Resort reviewer warned, "Very secluded-get groceries before. Not much to do close by."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters for level camping: Many parks have varied terrain. A visitor to Anvil Campground noted, "The site was clean and level. No fire pit or grill, so plan ahead."
Electrical protection recommended: Infrastructure quality varies between parks. One RVer at Rockahock Campgrounds cautioned, "The electrical hook ups were all busted up, (I would not recommend using it without a surge guard), the water faucets leaked and the ground was soaked."
Roads can be challenging at some parks: Navigation difficulties exist for larger rigs. A camper at Thousand Trails Williamsburg observed, "Roads are tight," while another at Bethpage Camp-Resort mentioned similar concerns.
Double-check sewer connection locations: Some sites have unique setups. A Bethpage Camp-Resort visitor pointed out the helpful design: "Sewer is in 2 locations for each site."
