3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chippokes State Park Campground and Kiptopeke State Park Campground offer limited options for equestrian camping near Millwood, Virginia. Neither campground features dedicated horse corrals among their amenities, though both allow pets on leash. Chippokes State Park occupies a historic plantation setting with access to the James River shoreline and wooded trails through temperate forest. The campground provides water and electric hookups, reservable sites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins, with clean shower facilities and restrooms. The surrounding plantation grounds include historical exhibits and farm areas that showcase the region's agricultural heritage dating back to 1619.
The trail system at Chippokes connects to scenic paths along the James River where campers can explore fossils along the shoreline. Spacious, shaded campsites in the right loop offer better coverage for tent campers seeking privacy from neighboring sites. Access to Williamsburg requires taking the Jamestown Ferry across the river, approximately four miles across. Both parks maintain family-friendly environments with amenities such as swimming pools, picnic areas, and access to water activities. Kiptopeke offers year-round camping while Chippokes operates seasonally from late March through early December. Trail users should note that summer visits require substantial bug protection due to mosquitoes and biting flies that are prevalent in the warmer months.
"We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside."
"Chippokes State Park is located on the grounds of an old historic plantation, actually one if the original plantations in the area dating back to the 1600’s."
from $37 - $345 / night
Check Availability"Virginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails."
"Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there"
from $32 - $459 / night
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ScoutVirginia has some wonderful state parks and this is one of my favorites. Its got a nice beach, boat launch and a couple miles of hiking trails. The lovely town of Cape Charles with an even better public beach and restaurants is close by. I use the park as a base for exploring the barrier island on the ocean side by kayak.
ScoutWe've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside. There's also a large pool during the season with a camp store, snacks. The staff are always great, the sites are level and not too close together, with plenty of shade. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean and the showers are huge! There's plenty to do on the grounds, hiking, biking, touring the plantation, geocaching, and yes, even Pokemon Go! About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...its free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids! You can follow history or ride plenty of roller coasters at Busch Gardens.
LegendChippokes State Park is located on the grounds of an old historic plantation, actually one if the original plantations in the area dating back to the 1600’s. The land grant was huge, and as a state park now it provides a rich opportunity to learn about the James River, the natural and indigenous history of the region, the settlement history and role of this plantation in Virginia History, and more. Visiting here provides hiking opportunities to learn about fossils along the river shore, the temperate forest in the woods, and history around the old plantation. Taking the ferry across the river from Jamestown to get here was part of the adventure too. There is a nature center and visitor center that provides lots of info and programs near the river , a network of easy park roads for biking, and the plantation itself, set back further away from the river, provides a wealth of learning, including about the history of crops and trade in this area, and about the lives of the slaves who worked the plantation. The grounds right around the plantation are, in fact, a memorial to the hundreds of souls who lived and worked the land here. It was an amazing learning experience to come to the park, and the options to stay over in the park include standard campsites in a wooded campground, or cabins. The campground has all the usual state park amenities, and was very quiet when we were there in November—so late fall is a great time to come, as the fall weather was amazing
TravelerWe camped at the tent only loop(F3). The site was great. The walk to the beach was longer than I thought. The most northern access was closed.
I was a bit disappointed with the bathroom situation and the trash situation. The one shower/bathroom serviced 3 different loops. And they closed it for cleaning in the morning for about 30 min. Frustrating.
There was no trash can in the loops. It was located at the entrance to the park forcing us to either drive it up daily or keep on site till the end.
Otherwise I loved the fishing and crabbing. The north beach was beautiful and water warm. Although they don’t allow dogs on the north beach.
Overall I would still go again.
LegendAwesome things to see here! It’s been a working farm since 1619 with beautiful gardens and livestock. The mansion and outbuildings are pretty cool as well.
Restrooms were not very clean. Each time I went to the ladies room, the door was propped wide open, and when I went to brush my teeth in the morning the counters were covered in moths and bugs and gnats. Yuck. The showers were ok.
Ice is $3 and you can grab that from the camp host if it’s after 4pm which is when the store closes. It’s cash only, exactly change. Wood is $6 and there’s a metal box - pay on your honor.
The beaches were very nice. You’re on the Cobham Bay vs. right on the river and in the dead of the summer, the water is sooo unpleasantly warm. You can wade out at the very least 100 yards and still be less than knee-deep, water still hot. The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps.
The little visitor center near the water access has cold drinks, souvenirs, ice cream, etc. They obv. accept credit cards. You can bring your dog into this area. There’s also a little wildlife info center and restrooms in the same buildings. There are also areas for day use and a good sized parking lot near the water access.
Straight across the river is Jamestown and Williamsburg, which is cool. I think I was told it’s about four miles across. That being said... those are your closest grocery stores and you have to take the Jamestown Ferry to get there. There is a Dollar General near the park, for odds and ends. Just make sure to stop in advance for what you need because you won’t find much in Surry.
Stopped at the Surry Seafood Co. for lunch and it was ok. Food and service was mediocre, but there was a nice water view from the deck. Was looking forward to stopping for some shrimp to cook that night from Colonial Seafood market but after walking in, I walked right back out. It was so unclean and didn’t smell fresh at all.
We took a beautiful drive around the plantation. The cabins look great and we’ll definitely try those out next time. There were corn fields and soybeans for miles. Such a great park due to its history.
Campsites themselves were pretty nice; not too close together. Our site had the tent pad down away from the picnic table and fire ring which was kind of nice. It was really shady, too. Room for hammocks.
Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, lantern pole. Verizon service was great.
ScoutWe come every year because it's on our top list of yearly visits. The beach and staff there are nice. Crabbing and fishing there's very popular. Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at. Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc; sites are nice and big. Some sunny some shady. Park usually fills up when I'm there
LegendThis was our first time staying in a yurt at Kiptopeake State Park. We love staying in the yurts at Virginia State Parks because they are always an affordable, easy way to camping without having to set up a tent or spend the extra money for a cabin. The ones at here are $75/night. This one was awesome! It is hidden down a long walkway from the parking area and is very secluded. The one we stayed in, Yurt 4, only has neighbors on one side. It comes with two picnic tables, a water spigot, fire pit, grill, a big deck around the yurt with rocking chairs, and a refreshing breeze coming off the bay. Unfortunately, the way the yurt is situated, none of that breeze gets inside the yurt and it was very hot inside. Especially if staying here in the summer, I would suggest bringing some fans or a portable a/c for a more comfortable nights sleep. The bathrooms are farther away than I would like with little kids. You have to walk through to the tent campground loop to get to them. Even with a couple negative things about it, I think this is the way to stay here at Kiptopeake and I am already planning our next yurt trip here for next year!
Love this park so much! The beach is amazing. This time we discovered the dog-friendly beach, which was less crowded than the main one. I always like to go out and watch the sunset over the bay, it is magical!
TravelerBlackwater Birds and Bees offers many treasures. Without giving too much away, setting up camp, I noticed a sweet bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers and a small tasting jar of honey from their apiary on the picnic table! There is a pond on the property, with several canoes and kayaks to graciously borrow. I took to the Blackwater River that runs along the property, which I highly recommend for a peaceful and scenic paddle. The goats and chickens are all smiles behind the blueberry patch and a fresh bog. See if you can spy the carnivorous plants! If you venture past the southern Virginia peanut plantations you’re heading in the right direction, to a beautiful property with amazing camping!
GuideOnly campground in the Virginia State Park system that offers sewer hook-up's. As for the campsites, I was not really impressed so only gave it 4 stars. If you like open field camping and absolutely no shade, this is the place for you! Other than the lack of tree's, I think this is a great campground, a great location, and a ton of things to do...
Chippokes State Park and Kiptopeke State Park provide the primary options for equestrian camping near Millwood, Virginia. The Eastern Shore region features flat coastal terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range.
Fossil hunting at low tide: Visitors at Chippokes State Park Campground can search for prehistoric treasures along the shoreline. "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach," notes Danielle H., highlighting one of the unique natural activities available.
Kayaking through marshlands: The James River and its tributaries provide excellent paddling opportunities with diverse wildlife viewing. "Definitely recommend following the river inland and kayaking through the marshland," suggests Christina, who frequents Chippokes State Park.
Exploring historical exhibits: The working farm at Kiptopeke State Park offers glimpses into regional agricultural heritage. "This hidden gem is just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day," explains Rose H.
Spacious wooded sites: The tent camping areas at Chippokes offer good separation between sites. "Very clean and easy setup. The campsites on the A loop are a little more on an angle, they converted tent site lots to camper lots so they come with a level tent area as well," reports Johnathan M.
Beach access options: Chesapeake Campground provides proximity to multiple water features. "This park is a nice place to bring your family to camp, fish, crab and relax by the beach and collect seashells. It has 2 beautiful beaches, one that allows pets and the other does not," notes Annemarie R. about the Kiptopeke area.
Convenient ferry access: The Jamestown Ferry provides easy transportation to additional attractions. "We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia... About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...it's free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids!" shares Philip S.
Limited shade in certain areas: Site selection matters significantly for comfort. "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites," warns Ashley I. about Kiptopeke, suggesting campers select spots in the wooded sections when possible.
Drainage issues during storms: Prepare for wet conditions after rainfall events. "If you go on a rainy season bring boots," advises Anna S. about camping conditions at Chesapeake Campground.
Seasonal pool operations: Facilities may not be consistently maintained year-round. "The pool doesn't look like it's been opened in years but there is a little beach area near the welcome center," mentions Johnathan M. regarding Chippokes, contradicting some website descriptions.
Teen-friendly activities: Kiptopeke State Park offers recreational opportunities for older children. "Great Campground! We took 6 teenagers camping and they had a blast! Especially the pool!" shares Virginia B. about her experience at Chippokes.
Shallow water beaches: Areas with gradual depth changes provide safer swimming for younger children. "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!" explains Susan P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Evening hours often provide glimpses of local fauna. "Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc," Gabby B. reports from Kiptopeke, making note of possible wildlife sightings for families.
Loop selection matters: Choose camping areas based on hook-up needs and shade preferences. "C loop has full hookup where A and B do not. Try and get C loop spots 15-21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop," recommends Aaron S. regarding site selection at Kiptopeke.
Level site considerations: Some RV sites require additional preparation. "1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay!" notes Ashley I., suggesting campers bring leveling blocks if assigned to these areas.
Long-term options: For extended stays in the region, Chesapeake Campground accommodates monthly residents. "They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RVs, it otherwise looks very clean. They do keep a few sites open for transient campers," explains Cliff M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Millwood, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Millwood, VA is Chippokes State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Millwood, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Millwood, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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