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.
