Campgrounds near New Kent, Virginia provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings along the Chickahominy and James Rivers. The area features established campgrounds like Williamsburg KOA and Chickahominy Riverfront Park, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds in the region serve as convenient bases for exploring the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, with most facilities located within a 20-mile radius of New Kent. Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages in nearby Lanexa provides water access with boat-in camping options, while Thousand Trails Williamsburg offers year-round camping with a variety of accommodation types including glamping and yurts.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from March through November, though several remain open year-round. "The park is against the James river and there's easy access to the riverside. There's also a large pool during the season with a camp store, snacks," noted one visitor about Chippokes Plantation State Park. Road access to most developed campgrounds is straightforward with paved roads, though some primitive sites in wildlife management areas require more planning. Campground amenities vary significantly, with most offering electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote locations. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and on weekends when the proximity to major attractions increases demand.
Campers consistently mention the historical significance of the area as a major draw. The Virginia Capital Trail, a 51-mile bike path from Jamestown to Richmond, passes near several campgrounds including Chickahominy Riverfront Park, providing recreational opportunities beyond camping. According to one visitor, "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." Water access represents a significant attraction, with fishing, kayaking, and boating available at many locations. Campers should note that waterfront sites typically fill first and command premium rates. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with campers reporting sightings of turtles, birds, and other native species. The mixed-use nature of many campgrounds accommodates diverse camping styles, from tent camping to luxury RVs, making the New Kent area suitable for various outdoor preferences.
"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."
$30 - $45 / night
"They have a cute little park that was perfect for my 3 and 5 year old, a big pond for fishing, and it’s such a pretty area if you’d like to go for a nice walk as well, they were all super nice and all"
"There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restuarant nearby, the campground had a barbeque dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk. "
$79 - $160 / 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. "
"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."
"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!"
$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)"
$37 - $413 / 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."
"I will admit I was a little hesitant about coming to an RV park located within a Christian Retreat Center."
RangerVery well kept campground. Clean bathrooms Clean camp sites Cell Verizon and att worked well. Was able to zoom for work and watch Netflix at night. Excellent trails all through the park. Fast rolling gravel trails for gravel bikes and some more technical trails for mountain biking.
ScoutBeautiful state park,well run,kept very clean &tidy! New park on a beautiful acrerage on the York river
ScoutSpacious RV campsites. Lots of pull-through sites. They also have tent camping sites and cabins. Location is right next to Kings Dominion amusement park. Staff was very friendly!
GuideWe found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there
GuideNice private spot close to Richmond. No hookups
Scoutwe love this park they have a playground and stuff to do but we were on auto pay and they tried to charge us more than they were supposed to
ScoutThis place has tons of trees and also back up to a 1200 acres of MORE timbers. Close to Highway, yet feels far and remote!
ScoutPeople are very friendly and helpful. I do wish they would escort to site
LegendWe came in late after dark and wanted to get to Eagles Landing Lookout, but decided just to pull in here. Plenty of room for several vehicles. We saw one deer hunter. No amenities. Very quiet, and dark. Will take a look around in the morning
Campsites near New Kent, Virginia offer convenient access to multiple waterways including the Chickahominy, Mattaponi, and James Rivers. The region sits at relatively low elevations between 50-100 feet above sea level in the Coastal Plain physiographic province. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter camping typically sees milder conditions compared to areas further inland or at higher elevations.
Biking the Virginia Capital Trail: The 51-mile paved trail connects Richmond to Williamsburg, passing near several campgrounds. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one camper noted, "A great paved biking path that goes for a number of miles" makes it ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
Water recreation on multiple rivers: The region offers diverse fishing and paddling opportunities. A visitor at Rainbow Acres Campground commented, "It's right on the Mattaponi River. It's so relaxing and so much to do. Great place to fish or paddle board whatever you're into really."
Visit nearby historical attractions: The campgrounds provide access to Colonial-era sites. According to a camper at American Heritage RV Park, "This park was very convenient to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. We found it ideal as a base camp to explore the tidewater area of Virginia."
Riverfront camping access: Many sites offer direct water views or access. A visitor to Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages shared, "There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restaurant nearby, the campground had a barbecue dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk."
Swimming pools and water features: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer recreation. At Williamsburg KOA, a camper reported, "Kids loved the pool and play structures. Dog enjoyed the small fenced run with agility equipment. Overall it was a great place to come back to relax after going through the historic sites in the area."
Varied accommodation options: From tent sites to cabins and yurts. One reviewer at Thousand Trails Williamsburg noted, "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites."
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several campgrounds are located near active rail lines. A camper at Ed Allen's observed, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Weather impact on facilities: Heavy rain can affect access at certain campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, a visitor experienced, "The main road to the campground had washed out. Alternative routes were set up to enter and exit. I understand from reading other reviews that they can routinely have problems when it rains."
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Anvil Campground reported, "This is a small campground so close to the many attractions, restaurants and shopping area," while others noted the limited space between sites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. A visitor to Colonial Pines Campground shared, "There's plenty of activities here- there's a playground, a gaga ball pit, basketball court, frisbee golf course, pool, soccer field, baseball field, and some really nice walking trails in the woods."
Water activities for children: Pools and splash features are popular during summer months. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, a camper noted, "There's even a pool in the summer. Pool and water area for the kids with a life guard! Huge grass area to walk the dogs or hit golf balls."
Camping as a historical base camp: Use campgrounds as launch points for educational trips. As one visitor to American Heritage RV Park stated, "This was our first time staying where full hookups were standard, and we had a pull-through site on a level concrete pad... The campground is also close to Colonial Williamsburg, and a little over an hour away from Virginia Beach."
Concrete pad availability: Several campgrounds offer level, solid parking pads. A visitor to American Heritage RV Park mentioned, "Our site was very nice site#10, a leveled concrete site with room to park our towed vehicle while still attached to our Motor Home. We also had a level concrete patio with a picnic table."
Hookup quality considerations: Electrical infrastructure varies between campgrounds. At Rockahock Campgrounds, one RVer cautioned, "The electrical hook ups were all busted up, (I would not recommend using it without a surge guard), the water faucets leaked and the ground was soaked."
Turning radius and site access: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. According to a visitor at American Heritage RV Park, "It's close to I-64 (easy on/off) and easy to find, though the actual road INTO the campground is pretty narrow."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do New Kent camping sites offer?
Camping sites around New Kent offer diverse amenities. Chickahominy Riverfront Park provides sandy gravel sites with picnic tables, fire pits with cooking grates, and shady spots. The park offers wood and ice for sale, a pool, and access to the Virginia Capital Trail for biking. For RVers, American Heritage RV Park features concrete, level sites with full hookups, clean air-conditioned bathrooms, and serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the region. Other area campgrounds typically offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Some parks provide camp stores, playground facilities, and recreational activities like kayaking and fishing.
Are there affordable alternatives to hotels in New Kent, VA for overnight stays?
Yes, several affordable camping alternatives to hotels exist near New Kent. Machicomoco State Park Campground is one of Virginia's newest parks, located on the York River with clean facilities, unisex/family bathrooms, and both electric and non-electric sites. For budget-conscious travelers, Eagle Nest Lookout in the Chickahominy WMA offers primitive camping along the James River at minimal cost. This 5,217-acre area in Charles City County provides an exceptional experience for those seeking an economical nature retreat. For RVers, Americamps RV Resort north of Richmond offers seasonal pools and clean facilities at rates typically lower than area hotels. These camping options provide significant savings compared to hotel prices while offering unique outdoor experiences.
Where are the campgrounds near New Kent, VA?
Several campgrounds are located within easy reach of New Kent, VA. Pocahontas State Park Campground, Virginia's largest state park at nearly 8,000 acres, offers camping with clean bathhouses, a camp store, and access to Swift Creek Lake for paddling. For primitive camping options, Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area provides basic parking spots in a quiet location with sites by the water. While weekends may bring hunters and there's a shooting range nearby, Virginia residents can enjoy free 14-day camping with a permit. Other nearby options include Ed Allen's Campground, Rockahock Campgrounds & Resort, and several campgrounds in the Williamsburg area, all within a short drive of New Kent.
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