Lake Anna offers glamping destinations in the Piedmont region of Virginia, approximately 200 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. The area surrounding Mineral, Virginia provides access to 13,000 acres of freshwater at Lake Anna, created in 1972 as a cooling reservoir for the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station. Camping options near Mineral include both established campgrounds and more rustic sites with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Powhatan State Park offers multiple trail options for all skill levels. "Nice trails, decent campsites, cabins! The paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing platforms are a really nice addition," notes a visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Pocahontas State Park features extensive mountain biking trails for various skill levels. "Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff," shares a reviewer from Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Horseback riding: Some area campgrounds offer equestrian activities. "Wonderful place, very beautiful! of courses, horses loved It too!" comments a camper at Lake Anna State Park. At Shenandoah Crossing, guests can "ride horses, take a carriage ride or eat at the 'real' restaurant."
Fishing access: Multiple lakes and rivers provide fishing opportunities. "If your looking for a relaxing fishing afternoon, they have some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area," notes a camper about Lake Anna State Park.
Water recreation: The Rappahannock River offers tubing and kayaking. "We stayed here and went tubing on the Rappahannock River one day. The tubing trip was organized by the same people that run the campground so that was very convenient!" explains a visitor to Rappahannock River Campground.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campgrounds feature secluded sites with natural screening. "The sites are nice, lake is amazing in the summer time, and the family that runs the place are always helpful," shares a camper at Christopher Run Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are consistently mentioned. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center," notes a visitor to Big Meadows Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies offer excellent viewing conditions. "We did go back out to the field at night to do some star gazing and that was beautiful," writes a Rappahannock River camper.
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional camping, various glamping structures are available. "We stayed in a yurt, and I'm gonna let the photos do most of the talking. Yurt has a full kitchen and bath. Coffee, popcorn, toiletries, linens provided," shares a visitor to Shenandoah Crossing.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Big Meadows Campground operates from "May 6 to November 13" while Christopher Run Campground runs from "April 1 to October 31."
Facility limitations: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between locations. At Rappahannock River Campground, "toilets are a porta potty type" and "showers are outside stalls," according to visitors.
Site characteristics: Levelness can be an issue at some campgrounds. "The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away," notes a Christopher Run visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "Make sure you reserve your spot on the weekend they go fast," advises a Christopher Run Campground reviewer.
Noise levels: Campground quiet hours are typically enforced. Christopher Run has "quite times 9 and they have security going around to remind everyone," but some locations can be louder with "kids running around and being noisy" at night.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with designated child areas. "They have a beach, playgrounds, mini golf, hiking, arcade and many other amenities," reports a visitor to Christopher Run. Another camper notes Richmond North KOA has a "large playground and pool, all very clean and well kept."
Easier access options: For families with small children, consider proximity to facilities. "This campground is ADA accessible with the lantern hangers having lower hooks for those in wheelchairs," shares a Lake Anna State Park visitor.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations are available for children. The campground at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA "was perfect for a quick dip and the park was clean- lots of garbage cans and all the staff were friendly and helpful."
Age-appropriate selection: Not all campgrounds cater equally to all ages. Christopher Run "is pretty big and has a wonderful beach with swim access to the lake... The playground is for kids 5+ and there's not much to do outside of swimming in the lake for 5 and under."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by location. Pocahontas State Park has "no sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp)" according to one visitor.
Site selection: Choose sites based on levelness and access. At Fredericksburg KOA, sites are "nicely spaced and level" and the "camp store is fairly well equipped too."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can impact comfort levels significantly. "The yurts are adorable and had electricity. We used a space heater and were very toasty," shared one Lake Anna visitor.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though location and convenience vary. Lake Anna State Park notes having a "dump station" with one visitor commenting "for being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to... There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites."
