The Poquoson area of Virginia's coastal plain sits at an average elevation of just 7 feet above sea level, making it vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. Most campgrounds near Poquoson are within 50 miles of the city, offering access to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Seasonal considerations include hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and relatively mild winters.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Kiptopeke State Park Campground, campers can enjoy fishing from the pier where you might catch unusual species. As one visitor noted, "I did enjoy the fishing pier and got to catch fish I have never seen before. One being a searobin."
Kayaking through marshland: The rivers and waterways near Chippokes State Park Campground offer excellent paddling opportunities. A camper recommends "following the river inland and kayaking through the marshland."
Hunting for fossils: The shorelines in the area contain prehistoric treasures. According to one camper at Chippokes, you can "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach" making for an educational activity that appeals to all ages.
What campers like
Accessibility for wildlife viewing: Northwest River Park & Campground offers multiple hiking trails leading to wildlife viewing areas. One camper shared, "There are a few hikes leading back to the river. Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water."
Pet-friendly beaches: Kiptopeke State Park has dedicated pet areas that other parks lack. A camper explained, "Very pet friendly and they also made a beach side for pets to swim at. Wild animals usually pass by often later in the evening, horses, deer, rabbits etc."
Historical experiences: The working plantation at Chippokes offers a glimpse into agricultural history. As one visitor described, "The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day and how they can survive into the future."
What you should know
Campsite positioning varies significantly: At Kiptopeke, site selection affects your experience. One camper advised, "1st two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. 1st row not very level sites. Not quite as spacious/spread out sites as other state parks, but it's on the bay!"
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying areas can flood after heavy rains. A Chesapeake Campground visitor reported, "A storm hit right after I got here and now I'm sitting in about 8 inches of water!"
Insects can be problematic: The coastal environment supports large insect populations. One camper warned, "If you can't handle huge large bugs that eat you alive stay away."
Horse camping limitations: While equestrian trails exist at Northwest River Park, none of the campgrounds near Poquoson provide dedicated horse corrals or overnight equestrian facilities. Riders seeking horse campgrounds near Poquoson, Virginia need to travel further inland for proper equestrian camping accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety considerations: The shallow water at certain beaches makes swimming safer for children. A Chippokes visitor noted, "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son!"
Recreational variety for children: Northwest River Park & Campground offers numerous activities beyond hiking. A visitor mentioned, "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more."
Clean facilities matter: When camping with kids, bathroom cleanliness becomes essential. A camper at Northwest River Park observed, "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. At Northwest River Park, one RVer reported, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
Waste disposal location: Some parks have inconvenient trash disposal. An RVer noted at Northwest River Park, "The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground!"
Loop selection for amenities: At Kiptopeke, different camping loops offer different hookup options. A camper advised, "C loop has full hookup where A and B do not. Try and get C loop spots 15 - 21. They're shaded and at the back of the loop."
