The Virginia Piedmont surrounding Milford features low rolling hills at elevations ranging from 200-500 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with average daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-November when overnight temperatures begin dropping below freezing.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Anna State Park: The park offers swimming, fishing and boating with multiple access points around the 13,000-acre lake. "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented. It has great hiking trails and if you're looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area," notes a visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground.
Fossil hunting along the Potomac: Search for ancient shark teeth and other fossils along the shoreline. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," shares a camper at Westmoreland State Park Campground. The park's Fossil Beach is accessible via a hiking trail.
Disc golf courses: Local parks offer challenging courses through wooded terrain. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a visitor to Pohick Bay Campground, which maintains a full course about 90 minutes from Milford.
What campers like
Quiet woodland settings: Many campsites offer peaceful surroundings away from urban noise. "Quiet and secluded. Nice place to recharge your mental batteries," reports a camper at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA. The wooded sites provide natural shade and privacy between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. "The bathrooms are clean. The laundry facility is a plus. They also have a dog park which we used a ton," explains a visitor to Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA. Many campgrounds offer heated bathhouses during colder months.
Waterfront views: Several campgrounds provide sites with lake or river vistas. "We stayed on the B loop, the lot we reserved by only looking at a park map was nice and spacious for our popup," notes a visitor at Westmoreland State Park Campground. Waterfront sites typically book faster, especially during summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal fluctuations: Campground busyness varies dramatically by season. "We needed a place just for the night so it worked out, but I wouldn't choose to stay for any length of time. Thats partly because we like campgrounds that are more woodsy and don't have cement slab sites," mentions a Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA visitor about their experience.
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking. "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. Some of the sites look pretty tight," explains a visitor to Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA.
Drive time considerations: Many campgrounds require travel from main highways. "The location is quiet but it is a bit off the beaten path for the traveler. This is nice but an extra 20min in and out from the main route," shares a visitor to Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with planned programming. "We needed a place for a quick nights sleep enroute to our next destination. They have great showers and the other amenities look great," notes a Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA visitor. Many sites offer scheduled weekend activities like crafts, movies, and nature programs.
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "This is a nice campground. We stay here once or twice a year. The campsites are nicely spaced and level. The camp store is fairly well equipped too! It's close to lots of things so there is plenty to do," advises a regular at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA.
Swimming options: Parks with beaches and pools provide cooling relief during hot months. "The beach area is small with a concrete ledge next to the water. It didn't look very safe for small children," cautions a visitor to Christopher Run Campground. Inquire about depth and supervision at swimming areas when traveling with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring adjustment. "This is a big campground that caters to boaters on Lake Anna. The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away," reports an RVer visiting Christopher Run Campground.
Hookup availability: Check for full-service options when planning longer stays. "Not far off i95, plenty of signage telling you where to go. Once here it's tucked away nicely away from everything, sites feel spacious enough and mostly level on their own," shares a visitor to Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA. Most glamping sites near Milford offer electrical service, while full hookups vary by location.
Seasonal closures: Some facilities reduce services during off-season periods. "Stayed her in 2020. Nice campground, clean, has a general store with plenty of items. Staff were very friendly and escort you to your site," notes a visitor about Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA. Call ahead during shoulder seasons to confirm available amenities.
