Tent campsites near New Kent, Virginia are distributed across a range of natural environments including pine forests, wetlands, and lakeside settings. Most primitive camping locations require permits or reservations, with sites typically positioned within a quarter-mile walk from parking areas. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers kayak and paddle boat rentals by the hour for campers wanting to explore the 456-acre park's lake. "This park has plenty of camping spots and also has some yurts that are available to rent out. There are kayaks and paddle boats you can rent by the hour," notes Brandon W. about Sandy Bottom Nature Park.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitats. "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," shares Gracie B. about the nature viewing opportunities at Sandy Bottom.
Beach exploration: Wisteria Beach Hideaway offers proximity to multiple undeveloped beaches. "The beaches were surrounded by pine, wetlands, and tall grasses - it felt remote and not overdeveloped!" explains Kat H. about Wisteria Beach Hideaway.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Many tent sites in the New Kent area provide separation from other campers. At Lake Land'Or General Campground, "The sites are fairly level, although some do have a slight slope. There is plenty of shade, and many of the trees are close enough that I can stretch out my hammock for an afternoon siesta," reports Myron C.
Natural soundscape: Despite some highway noise at certain campgrounds, others offer peaceful natural environments. "We sat around the campfire just enjoying the occasional sounds of geese and the regular sounds of tree frogs and crickets," shares a camper about Lake Land'Or General Campground.
Camping amenities: Several campgrounds provide sand tent platforms and cooking facilities. "You have a sand bottom tent site, picnic table, fire ring/grill and trash. This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility," notes N I. about Sandy Bottom Nature Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking or have specific reservation processes. At Sandy Bottom, "Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6," advises liz J. about Sandy Bottom Nature Park.
Bathroom access: Toilet facilities vary significantly across campgrounds. "The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go," notes a Sandy Bottom camper.
Seasonal insects: Biting insects can be problematic, particularly near beach areas. "Biting black flies almost made the beaches unbearable but we didn't have that problem at the actual site," warns RL about Wisteria Beach Hideaway.
Alcohol policies: Alcohol restrictions vary by campground. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, staff are "very insistent about the 'no alcohol' rule," according to recent visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At Brewer's Point Hike-in or Boat-in Primitive Campground, children can access recreational areas when not at their primitive campsites.
Water play opportunities: Shallow areas provide safe spaces for supervised children. "For children, another fun thing to do is to play in the spillway, which is also part of the road. The embankment dam and spillway are only a few steps from the campground," mentions Myron C. about Lake Land'Or.
Walking distances: Consider the walking distance from parking to campsite when bringing children. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, "The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail," which requires planning when bringing children and their gear.
Noise considerations: Highway noise might disturb light-sleeping children at some locations. At Sandy Bottom Nature Park, "The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by."
Tips from RVers
Tent-focused campgrounds: Many camping options near New Kent primarily accommodate tent camping with limited RV facilities. At Big Woods WMA, camping is exclusively walk-in or hike-in tent camping with no vehicle access to sites.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near New Kent offering tent camping do not provide RV hookups. "More of a long term stay but there are a few spots for RV's," notes N I. about Carter's Cove Campground.
Alternative accommodations: Some campgrounds offer cabin or yurt alternatives for those seeking more amenities than tent camping provides. Sandy Bottom Nature Park features "4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake" according to N I., providing an option between tent camping and RV accommodations.
