Petersburg camping options offer convenient access to both Richmond's urban attractions and Colonial Williamsburg's historic sites. Most RV parks operate year-round with limited seasonal closures, even during Virginia's coldest months from December through February when temperatures can drop to the mid-30s. The region's camping areas typically feature wooded settings with moderate tree coverage, providing natural separation between many sites.
What to do
Water activities at Rockahock Campgrounds: Located about 60 miles east of Petersburg, this campground sits on the water with boat ramp access to enjoy fishing and boating. "We stayed in the 'long term' stay campsites waaaayyyy in the back. We were there 2-3 months... Boat ramp access, FHU, pool and plenty of room to stretch your legs," notes Ashley I. about Rockahock Campgrounds.
Historic area exploration: Camp near Colonial Williamsburg for day trips to historic sites. "This is an amazing recreational campground for military families and retirees that is located right on the York River between Williamsburg and Yorktown. It is immediately adjacent to the Colonial Parkway for easy access to historic Jamestown as well, making for a great base for exploring the historic sites and state and national parks of the area," writes Janet R. about Military Park Cheatham Annex.
Mountain biking and hiking: Take advantage of the extensive trail systems at state parks near Petersburg. "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp). Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff. 20 mins from every store you can imagine, but super quiet at night," shares Ashley I. about Pocahontas State Park.
What campers like
Quiet settings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Petersburg-area campgrounds. "We like the upgraded sites. But they lack shade. It was extremely hot that weekend. One small pool. Golf carts available," notes Christopher A. about Thousand Trails Williamsburg.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and grounds are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "Very well run campground. Well laid out sites, clean restrooms and showers," reports Glenn T. about Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Convenient location: RV sites near Petersburg, Virginia offer strategic positioning for regional exploration. "Perfect location right off of I-95. Spot we had was spacious and easy to get in and out of. I arrived after hours, but had my reservation hanging on the wall for me. Ground was pretty level and hookup was easy," shares Katie G. about South Forty RV Resort & Campground.
What you should know
Site selection varies: Not all sites are created equal, with varying levels of privacy and amenities. "Site A4 was pretty nice. Had enough space between my camper and the neighbors. The only downside was a utility hub somewhat in the middle of the site. The site itself was fairly level, had a brand new picnic table, and had a little gravel pad. Other sites closer to the pool were super close together," explains Matt from South Forty RV Resort.
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds have strict cancellation rules, especially during peak season. "Booked a lot on September 21, 2023 for November 1st. I received an email for the confirmation of the deposit. I called on October 25, 2023 to cancel the reservation as we were no longer going to be in the state at the time of the reservation. I spoke with the customer service lady who told me she would speak with the manager, Becky. They then called to tell me per the cancellation policy they sent me in the confirmation email that it was a forfeiture of the deposit," reports Tristan S. about Rockahock Campgrounds.
Facility maintenance: Quality of bathroom facilities can vary widely between Petersburg area campgrounds. "The bathrooms were clean and there was a friendly maintenance guy who offered to take our garbage to the dumpster for us. It was 'part of the treatment' he said. Gotta love that Southern Hospitality," notes Katie G. about South Forty RV Resort & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities: Choose locations with swimming pools and play areas for children. "Lots to do-pickleball, playground, volleyball mini golf, two nature trails and a nice-sized pool. Our Wi-Fi and cable were very adequate and easy to connect to the internet. Very convenient to Williamsburg, with plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby," shares Mary H. about American Heritage RV Park.
Consider scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for families. "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites," notes Mitchell B. about Thousand Trails Williamsburg.
Check swimming options: Pools provide recreation when river or lake swimming isn't available. "Every camper's dream spot. Seriously, this modern giant state park has it all: mostly private sites, a paved road for biking, plenty of tree cover (even in winter) a lifetime's worth of trails to explore, and clean, legit bathrooms and showers," writes N P. about Pocahontas State Park.
Tips from RVers
Consider site layout for big rigs: Maneuvering space varies significantly between campgrounds. "We picked Americamps because we were traveling through the Richmond area and it was very convenient to I-95. We usually pass up on RV parks because most are wide open fields with large trailers and/or motor homes parked close together and prefer more private camp spots in out teardrop. But upon our arrival we were happily surprised," states Steve V. about Americamps RV Resort.
Check hookup quality: Electrical connections can vary in reliability. "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," cautions TJ M. about Rockahock Campgrounds.
Evaluate site privacy: Tree coverage and spacing between sites differs across Petersburg area RV parks. "Sites are well spaced," explains Ashley I. about Pocahontas State Park, while another camper notes at Rockahock: "The sites are massive and very quiet. Ideal place for a family if you are fully contained."
