Best Campgrounds near Montpelier, VA

Campgrounds near Montpelier, Virginia range from developed state parks to riverside camping areas with varying amenities. Pocahontas State Park Campground, the largest state park in Virginia at nearly 8,000 acres, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with modern facilities. Chickahominy Riverfront Park provides waterfront camping with access to the James River watershed. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. The area features a mix of established campgrounds with full hookups and more primitive options like Eagle Nest Lookout, a dispersed camping area requiring permits.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open year-round while others operate from March through November. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. Campgrounds near water bodies like the Chickahominy River and James River tend to be more popular. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds but may be limited at more remote sites. As one visitor noted about Pocahontas State Park, "The staff was amazing. Camp store has ice, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and wood is $5 a bucket (honor system). Bathhouses were very clean."

Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and historical sites. The Virginia Capital Trail, a 51-mile bike path from Jamestown to Richmond, passes near several campgrounds, offering recreational opportunities beyond the campsites themselves. Water activities feature prominently in visitor experiences, with many campgrounds providing boat ramps, fishing piers, and swimming areas. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a beautiful campground, right on the Chickahominy River. There are several sites right on the river, another bunch along the road, and a large field with more sites." Historical attractions are another draw, with many campgrounds serving as convenient bases for exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and other historical sites in the region. Campers should note that sites with water views typically fill first and command higher fees.

Best Camping Sites Near Montpelier, Virginia (60)

    1. Pocahontas State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Chester, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 796-4255

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."

    "Playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground. Firewood for sale by QR code was convenient. The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."

    2. Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    19 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 258-5020

    "There is a nice bike/running path, (the Virginia Capital Trail-51 Miles from Jamestown to Shiplock Park) a playground, pool & splash pad, fishing pier, and group sites."

    "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites. They have a modern bathhouse and a pool."

    3. Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages

    6 Reviews
    Lanexa, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 966-2582

    $30 - $45 / night

    "There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restuarant nearby, the campground had a barbeque dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk. "

    4. Williamsburg Campground

    27 Reviews
    Lightfoot, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 565-0230

    "Our site was pull through, not sure how we would get through if there was a full campground, luckily we had room to move around.

    Your very close to Busch Gardens, Watercountry and Williamsburg."

    "We chose one without a bathroom, and the bathhouse was a very short walk. They have plenty of recreational activities for the kids. The staff was friendly and helpful."

    5. American Heritage RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 566-2133

    $79 - $999 / night

    "This park was very convenient to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. The bathrooms were clean, air conditioned, and well supplied."

    "The campground is also close to Colonial Williamsburg, and a little over an hour away (depending on traffic) from Virginia Beach and First Landing State Park. "

    7. Anvil Campground

    19 Reviews
    Williamsburg, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 565-2300

    $46 - $235 / night

    "The campground is very close to all Williamsburg activities. A great walking trail was right down the road."

    "The historic-city of Williamsburg is very nearby. Also the traintrack and big road are wright next to the campground. Spots are correct some have a bit to much sun for us (there are parasols provided)"

    8. Thousand Trails Williamsburg

    10 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It is a serene campground with beautiful walking trails. All the amenities for our two toddlers too… big pool outside, plus an inside pool and hottub. Also, a park, put-put + arcade room!"

    9. Eagle Nest Lookout

    4 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 367-1000

    "There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp."

    "Used by fisherman shore fishing and unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up."

    10. Chippokes State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 294-3728

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Montpelier, VA

452 Reviews of 60 Montpelier Campgrounds


  • Alexander N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Powhatan State Park Campground

    Nice!!

    Very nice stay. Also well maintained establishment! The host are good and knowledgeable and staff is good.

  • Lisa D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    American Heritage RV Park

    Cannot Recommend for Big Rigs or Groups

    We recently brought a group of ten campers to American Heritage RV Park because several of us had stayed there before and remembered it as a clean, well-kept park. Based on those positive experiences, we recommended it to our group and looked forward to sharing the campground with them. Unfortunately, this stay did not meet our expectations. Because sites are not assigned in advance, we could not choose sites that worked well for our group. Our 42-foot fifth wheel was placed in back-in site#136, which— like the other back-in sites— has a tree planted at the rear that prevents fully backing in. This left us very close to the road, with no way to park in front and no room to park alongside without blocking our steps. We first parked across the road in a grassy area but were told to move. When we parked in another group member’s pull-through site, we received a call saying two vehicles were not allowed— even though we observed several sites with two vehicles. The office directed us to the overflow lot near the front of the park, the farthest point from our site on the back row. When we asked to speak to the manager, we were told she works off-site. I emailed her asking her to visit our site, but she never responded. We were also told we could not put up a dog fence that extended onto the grass, though this rule was not posted anywhere. When booking months in advance, we requested that our sites be grouped near a cabin for one of our members— an 86-year-old woman in a wheelchair who requires oxygen. She was placed first in Cabin 5, then moved to Cabin 8 after a request for a larger and closer cabin. The second cabin was still far from our sites, down a hill and facing the woods in an unlit area, making it hazardous to reach at night, expecially for her. We also saw another camper with a rig identical to ours struggle to get into a back-in site, ultimately hitting a water faucet across the road, leaving the park without water for over two hours. These sites are simply not suitable for big rigs. While the park is clean, our overall experience was frustrating. Guests who book early, provide rig sizes, and pay for extended stays should reasonably expect sites that accommodate their camper and tow vehicle, and that group requests would be honored when possible. Large rigs should be cautious— the back-in sites are tight and maneuvering is difficult. Unfortunately, based on this visit, I cannot recommend American Heritage RV Park.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Anvil Campground

    Everything was there on a small surface

    Little pool, nice playground, games the kids where very happy. The historic-city of Williamsburg is very nearby. Also the traintrack and big road are wright next to the campground. Spots are correct some have a bit to much sun for us (there are parasols provided)

  • madison F.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort

    cute - family oriented

    only planned on staying a night but ended up staying for two.

    had the most unique store filled with actual tools/useful equipment and ANTIQUES!! so cute and LOVED the game room - definitely the best options we’ve seen so far HOWEVER it closed the same time as store hours so timing was extremely awkward.

    bathhouses appeared super nice at first but were filled with water by the end of the day - absolutely disgusting to stand in other people’s shower water. water pressure was also insane haha.

    defo family oriented …. super friendly though.

    also have to call to book

    very friendly camp hosts!! helped us avoid hurricane erin

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2025

    South Forty RV Resort & Campground

    Great overnight spot

    Perfect location right off of I-95. Spot we had was spacious and easy to get in and out of. I arrived after hours, but had my reservation hanging on the wall for me. Ground was pretty level and hookup was easy. We only stayed overnight, as we continued farther south. The bathrooms were clean and there was a friendly maintenance guy who offered to take our garbage to the dumpster for us. It was “part of the treatment” he said. Gotta love that Southern Hospitality. Will definitely stop here again as I make this trip quite often.

  • C
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Grey's Point Camp

    Good park with alot of area!

    Went for a long weekend. Everyone was friendly from entry of the gate, to the store to the grounds guys! Quite a bit to do here. Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied! Fishing didn’t get us much but not the campgrounds fault! Higher Water temps and jellyfish when we were there most likely kept them away. Would return again!

  • G
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area

    Take advantage of your local wildlife areas

    Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning.

  • J
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Isle of Wight Family Campground

    Fine for rv’s but not for tents

    If you love trash along the "lake" you would love the rustic spots! The “lake” more like a stagnate pod that smells like a swamp. During our familys "week visit", cut short by about 5 days because this camp is infested with bugs and wolves. Mr. Wolf came right on up to try and eat my dogs food. Really no one was out at all this camp sounded and was dead. No kids playing at the playground or riding bikes like family campground have. You rarely saw another person except for staff on gulf carts. This lake they have? Not even a lake it's a swamp. If you let go of your dogs leash by accident and they run into the forest your shoes will be gone u will have multiple cuts and will take a 30 minute shower trying to get the mud off. The water is mud brown and has trash along the edges. Not a place I will bring my family back.

    The only good thing was the pool

  • Kim O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Picture Lake Campground

    Wonderful place

    We absolutely loved this park. We came here to dive at Lake Phoenix (they have a no pet policy this year) and have our pup with us. The staff was so nice. We were close to the front. They have full hookups. The sewage was a little weird to hookup but we figured it out. They have a bathhouse (we didn't use) a nice pool, laundry facilities, a little store, and trash in the back. The lake is beautiful and this was close to a lot of things. The front spot is are fully paved and require minimal leveling


Guide to Montpelier

Campsites near Montpelier, Virginia provide diverse terrain options from riverside locations to wooded settings within the Tidewater region. Most camping areas sit at elevations below 200 feet, creating accessible terrain for various camping styles. Many campgrounds experience high humidity between June and August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

What to do

River recreation access: At Rockahock Campgrounds, campers can launch boats directly from the campground. "We hit Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens from here. Plus snuck in some kayaking, swimming and fishing," notes Niles C.

Biking opportunities: The area features extensive paved trails connecting multiple campgrounds. "There is a huge grass area to walk the dogs or hit golf balls. Trails lead to hidden docks or beaches on the river," shares Niles C. about Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

Historic immersion: Beyond standard attractions, explore working historical farms. "The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day and how they can survive into the future," remarks Rose H. about Chippokes State Park Campground.

Shark tooth hunting: Beach areas along the James River watershed offer unique fossil opportunities. "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach. Pool is very clean," suggests Danielle H. at Chippokes State Park.

What campers like

Wide variety of accommodation options: From primitive camping to full-service sites. "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities," explains Liz M. about Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

Multiple water recreation points: Many campsites feature direct water access. "Great site. Very Clean bathhouse. Pool and water area for the kids with a life guard! Huge grass area to walk the dogs or hit golf balls," says Niles C.

Abundant wildlife viewing: Forested campsites provide nature observation opportunities. "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful," reports Gregg S. about Pocahontas State Park Campground.

Proximity to Colonial Williamsburg ferry: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to historical sites. "About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...its free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids!" shares Philip S. about Chippokes State Park.

What you should know

Train noise impacts: Several campgrounds have railroad proximity. "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it," says Bryan S. about Anvil Campground, though others note the trains can be disruptive.

Spring flooding concerns: Low-lying campgrounds may experience accessibility issues. "We arrived on opening day for the season. They had unfortunately been a victim of the rain and the main road to the campground had washed out," reports Brenda L. about Thousand Trails Williamsburg.

Permit requirements for dispersed camping: Free camping options require permits and lack facilities. "This is in the Chickahominy WMA on the far end and along the James River. No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out," notes N I. about Eagle Nest Lookout.

Campsite size variations: Many campgrounds feature significantly different site dimensions. "Sites are a little close and everything is wide open with little to no privacy or cover just a little too open for me," explains David S. about Williamsburg Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Several sites feature extensive recreational options. "This campground is not large at all and that's one of the many things to love about it. Kids loved the pool and play structures. Dog enjoyed the small fenced run with agility equipment," shares Matthew I. about Williamsburg Campground.

Consider weather impacts: Summer heat makes water access important. "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!" reports Susan P. about Chippokes State Park Campground.

Check for seasonal programming: Many campgrounds offer structured activities. "They always have activities for the kids. Love this place and can't wait to go back," notes Bridget H. about Williamsburg Campground.

Reserve water-adjacent sites early: Waterfront sites fill quickly during summer months. "Great campground right on the river. There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. There is a dock down by the boat ramp," advises Patrick R.

Tips from RVers

Site surface matters: Look for level, stable platforms. "70 acres of open space and timber. Sites: 138 full hookups with 80 of those pull thru. 30-50 amp service," explains N I. about American Heritage RV Park.

Premium sites offer more space: Upgraded sites provide better amenities. "We like the upgraded sites. But they lack shade. It was extremely hot that weekend," reports Christopher A. about American Heritage RV Park.

Book early for full hookup access: Limited full-service sites fill quickly. "Our site was level and gravel. A picnic table and fire ring was available. The roads are a bit narrow and there are lots of trees," says Brenda L.

Check site spacing before booking: Some RV parks have tight configurations. "Sites are a little tight. Lots of permanent sites," notes Ashley I. about Ed Allen's Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping options in Montpelier, Vermont?

While camping directly in Montpelier is limited, the surrounding area offers several options. Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area provides basic dispersed camping with parking spots by the water for a natural experience. Virginia residents can camp free for up to 14 days, while non-residents need to purchase a $4 daily pass. For a more developed experience, Machicomoco State Park Campground is a newer option with clean facilities, including family bathrooms, and both electric and non-electric sites on a beautiful location along the York River.

What are the best RV parks and campgrounds near Montpelier, Vermont?

For RVers near Montpelier, American Heritage RV Park stands out with its concrete, level sites and exceptionally friendly staff. It's strategically located for exploring the region with clean, air-conditioned bathrooms. Americamps RV Resort is another excellent option just north of Richmond off Interstate 95. Though near an industrial area, it's surprisingly surrounded by woods and features a seasonal pool and clean facilities. Both parks offer good connections to major attractions and comfortable amenities for RV travelers.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping near Montpelier?

The Montpelier area offers diverse outdoor activities for campers. At Pocahontas State Park Campground, you can explore nearly 8,000 acres with opportunities for paddling on Swift Creek Lake and hiking through Virginia's largest state park. The park features clean facilities and a camp store with supplies. Chickahominy Riverfront Park provides access to the Virginia Capital Bike Trail, an excellent riding path perfect for cycling enthusiasts. For water activities, Eagle Nest Lookout sits along the James River, offering exceptional primitive camping and water recreation in the 5,217-acre Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area.