Best Campgrounds near Petersburg, VA

Petersburg, Virginia and the surrounding region feature a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within an hour's drive. Pocahontas State Park, located about 20 miles north in Chesterfield, stands as Virginia's largest state park with nearly 8,000 acres of forested land and multiple camping options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Within Petersburg itself, Picture Lake Campground and South Forty RV Resort & Campground provide year-round accommodations with full hookup options. Camptown Campground offers additional RV and tent camping facilities. The area's camping landscape extends eastward toward Williamsburg and the James River, where historical sites and water recreation enhance the camping experience.

Summer heat significantly impacts camping comfort in this region, with temperatures regularly climbing into the 90s during peak season. As one camper noted, "Spent time touring the civil war sites around Petersburg. Lots of breweries in Richmond - a much needed place as a cold beer was very needed during the extreme heat occurring during my stay." Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though facilities like swimming pools typically close during winter months. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable near Petersburg and Richmond. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds fill quickly, particularly at state parks and sites with water access.

Shade availability emerges as a critical factor in camper reviews of the region. At Pocahontas State Park, visitors frequently mention that "the first campground you come to definitely has more shade than the second loop," making site selection important for summer comfort. River access points at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Chippokes State Park receive high ratings for their water recreation opportunities and historical significance. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Civil War historical sites around Petersburg and the Colonial historical triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Tick prevention is advisable when hiking, particularly during warmer months, as several reviewers mentioned encountering them on trails throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Petersburg, Virginia (42)

    1. Pocahontas State Park Campground

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

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Bathroom rooms are dated (compared to the ones at Twin Lakes State Park near Farmville, VA). The dump station is two-sided - helps on busy mornings when campers are leaving."

    "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."

    2. Picture Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Petersburg, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 861-0174

    "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."

    "Pool and laundry close to pool. Clean store. Kid friendly"

    3. South Forty RV Resort & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Petersburg, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 732-8345

    4. Camptown Campground

    1 Review
    Dinwiddie, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 469-4569

    "A little further from the highway than we wanted but this makes for a quiet and peaceful place to stop between Charlotte and Richmond."

    5. Richmond Family Recreation RV Camp

    1 Review
    Chester, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 279-1094

    $30 / night

    6. Chickahominy Riverfront Park

    19 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    29 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."

    7. Chippokes State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamestown, VA
    36 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."

    8. Williamsburg Campground

    27 Reviews
    Lightfoot, VA
    39 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."

    9. Riverside Camp & Marina

    1 Review
    Wakefield, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 966-5536

    10. Americamps RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Ashland, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 798-5298

    $67 / night

    "Just north of Richmond Virginia, off interstate 95, this park is located between the interstate and Ashland Industrial Airpark."

    "The office manager saw us come in and met me as I was walking up to the after hours arrival board."

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Showing results 1-10 of 42 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Petersburg, VA

370 Reviews of 42 Petersburg Campgrounds



Guide to Petersburg

Camping near Petersburg, Virginia, offers a mix of nature, history, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds that cater to different tastes and needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Pocahontas State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."
  • Water Activities: At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A camper shared, "What could be better than camping and kayaking on a beautiful river?"
  • Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical attractions like Colonial Williamsburg. One family noted, "It is only minutes away with other activities for young kids nearby including mini golf."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A review for Williamsburg Campground stated, "The amenities were all clean and in good working order."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground said, "The staff and camp hosts were very friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Powhatan State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "Nice, spacious sites. Clean and well-maintained bathrooms and showers."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on holiday weekends. A visitor at Bethpage Camp-Resort warned, "Be warned on a holiday weekend you’re packed in like sardines."
  • Train Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, like Anvil Campground, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, "The train that passes by is great for kids and you barely notice it."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A review for Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA noted, "This is your typical KOA campground. Tight sites and no frills."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A parent at Williamsburg Campground said, "They even have a 1 ft deep kiddie pool that was great for our toddler!"
  • Plan for Nearby Attractions: Make sure to check out local attractions. One family enjoyed their stay at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and mentioned, "Easy access to bike trail that runs from Richmond to Williamsburg."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and activities for downtime. A camper at Anvil Campground appreciated the "porch games like connect four and corn hole by the check-in cabin."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground noted, "The lakeside spots looked really nice and much more spacious."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Americamps RV Resort mentioned, "Each site had plenty of room. Ours was a pull-through and we didn't have to unhook to fit!"
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow roadways. A camper at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA said, "The roadways are pretty narrow but the sites are angled to allow easy entry and exit."

Camping around Petersburg, VA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Petersburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Petersburg, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 42 campgrounds and RV parks near Petersburg, VA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Petersburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Petersburg, VA is Pocahontas State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 78 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Petersburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Petersburg, VA.

What parks are near Petersburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Petersburg, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.