Suffolk, Virginia sits where the James River meets the Nansemond River, with campgrounds spread across flat coastal terrain at elevations under 30 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely below freezing. Most glamping sites stay open year-round due to the moderate temperatures, though hurricane season (June-November) occasionally affects camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Chippokes State Park offers several miles of trails through diverse coastal ecosystems. "Great place with a lot of fun & views," notes Kyle K., who enjoyed exploring the various trail systems that wind through the park's forested areas and along riverfront paths.
Paddling opportunities: Northwest River Park & Campground provides kayak rentals for exploring the blackwater river system. A reviewer mentioned, "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more," highlighting the variety of water-based activities available.
Historical exploration: Camping at Chippokes State Park Campground gives access to a working farm with historical exhibits. One visitor described it as a "hidden gem" that's "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."
Beach activities: Most glamping sites near Suffolk provide beach access within a short drive. A Kiptopeke State Park visitor notes, "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."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Glamping in Suffolk provides more room than traditional camping. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one camper appreciated their "spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities!"
Clean facilities: Northwest River Park receives praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night," observed Joseph H.
Swimming options: Most glamping sites offer swimming in either pools or natural bodies of water. "The swimming pool was incredibly large and CLEAN!!! It felt very refreshing and even had an adult swim time and attentive life guards," reported a happy camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings around Suffolk glamping sites provide opportunities to spot local fauna. One camper at Northwest River Park noted seeing "a fat raccoon, daring squirrels, a turtle, and vultures" during their stay.
What you should know
Booking windows: Most popular glamping sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. A Davis Lakes Resort visitor commented, "There are no amenities in the fall and winter but in the summer there is a lake with a swimming area and a snack bar. The fishing is year round."
Site selection matters: At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, site location affects your experience. "The only reason I am giving 4 stars is for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my spot being in a cul-de-sac. But driving back to my spot I noticed all the A and B spots for trailers are just on top of each other."
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging. One camper at First Landing State Park shared, "The campsites were ok, easy to get to. I wouldn't recommend tent camping in the middle of summer - my husband and i both got sick."
Pet restrictions: While most sites allow pets, rules vary. At Davis Lakes Resort, one camper noted, "Pretty site and well maintained. Bathrooms very clean. But really not dog friendly...no dogs allowed signs posted all over and nowhere to really walk or hike due to private camping areas/roads."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Holiday Trav-L-Park offers multiple swimming pools to prevent overcrowding. A visitor noted, "The pools are nice and clean but can get crowded as expected. Very good campground though imo and we are going back in july."
Kid-friendly activities: Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides diverse activities for children. "Lots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do."
Educational opportunities: Chippokes State Park offers learning experiences through its working farm. "The camp rangers do their job well, and many great amenities are available," mentions a camper who visited with family.
Quiet hours: Most glamping sites enforce quiet hours, but enforcement varies. One Holiday Trav-L-Park visitor warned, "Some people in the campground started BLARING music at 2am and just partying hard. Tried to contact ANYONE to make it stop, but no one ever answered phones or contacted us back."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: At Northwest River Park, an RVer noted, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are available at select sites. A camper at Chesapeake Campground mentioned, "They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RV's, it otherwise looks very clean. They do keep a few sites open for transient campers."
Off-season advantages: RVers find less crowded conditions during shoulder seasons. At Holiday Trav-L-Park, a visitor shared, "This is a HUGE complex with various 'levels' of sites. From basic to fancy, crowded to sparse. I think we would've felt a little claustrophobic if it were the summer, but this was great for us in the off season."
Proximity to attractions: Most glamping sites provide convenient access to regional attractions. "Great for inner city campground," noted one Chesapeake Campground visitor who appreciated the proximity to urban amenities while enjoying the outdoors.
