Williamsburg's coastal location along the Chesapeake watershed features year-round humidity with summer temperatures averaging 87°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The area sits on generally flat terrain with many waterways, creating excellent opportunities for water-based recreation. Most campgrounds near Williamsburg operate from March through November with a few offering year-round access.
What to do
Kayaking on local waterways: Chippokes State Park Campground offers access to the James River with excellent kayaking opportunities. According to Christina, you should "definitely recommend following the river inland and kayaking through the marshland."
Fishing at multiple locations: Chickahominy Riverfront Park provides fishing piers with unique opportunities after dark. One camper notes, "There is a dock down by the boat ramp. It says no fishing. Wait until dark and ignore the sign. There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere."
Historical sites exploration: Kings Creek campground provides military families convenient access to Colonial-era attractions. As one reviewer explains, "The location along the Colonial Parkway, just over a mile from downtown Williamsburg, is hard to beat. Cheatham Annex doesn't have many amenities, but you are close enough to the town that it is not an inconvenience."
Virginia Capital Trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to this paved biking trail. A visitor to Chickahominy Riverfront Park mentioned it's "about as close as you can get to the capital trail" making it ideal for cyclists wanting car-free touring options.
Crabbing opportunities: Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay offers dedicated crabbing piers for visitors wanting to try this local activity. One reviewer shared their experience: "We had never been crabbing and this beautiful rv park has its own crabbing pier. There is boating, hiking, watching wild life and so many pretty birds."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Chickahominy Riverfront Park features sites with direct water views and kayak launch areas. A camper enthused, "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities!"
Short ferry rides: Chippokes State Park offers proximity to a free ferry that crosses to Williamsburg. Philip S. mentions, "About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg... it's free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids!"
Fenced playgrounds: Many campgrounds near Williamsburg have dedicated children's areas. At Kings Creek, one camper noted, "Sites 11 through 18 are in a loop around a nice kids playground, with trees surrounding the sites and glimmers of Kings Creek in the background."
Modern bathhouse facilities: Several campgrounds feature recently renovated facilities. According to a visitor at Machicomoco State Park, "I love that the campground bathrooms are all unisex/family bathrooms and there are plenty of them, at least eight I believe. The non-electric sites are in little loops off the main road."
Quiet rural settings: Despite proximity to attractions, many campgrounds feel secluded. One visitor described Chippokes State Park as "just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active train lines. A camper at Anvil Campground reported, "The cabin we stayed in was about 15 feet from the tracks. Not really a complaint from us since the kids thought it was awesome. So, just a heads up on the trains. They are loud and they are often."
Weather impacts: Heavy rains can affect access at some locations. A visitor to Thousand Trails Williamsburg noted, "They had unfortunately been a victim of the rain and the main road to the campground had washed out. Alternative routes were set up to enter and exit."
Limited shade: Many glamping sites in Williamsburg, Virginia lack tree cover. At Machicomoco State Park, one camper observed, "The non-electric sites back up to trees but are not particularly shaded or private."
Site selection timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially premium waterfront spots. At Chippokes State Park, one camper mentioned, "Got last available site & never felt crowded. Pool fee included with campsite."
Military installation proximity: Some campgrounds border active military bases. At First Landing State Park, a camper warned, "You may hear occasional machine guns and artillery. You will also hear reveille in the morning. It was not terribly bad."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash pad options: Multiple campgrounds offer water features for children. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, a visitor mentioned, "There is a pool and splash pad as well as boating ramp and fishing docks. We were surprised to be the only ones up and out at 11pm."
Look for jumping pillows: Some glamping resorts in Williamsburg area feature unique play equipment. A visitor to Rockahock Campgrounds shared, "They did have a jumping pillow that she could play on and she did enjoy."
Consider cabin options: For families new to outdoor stays, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. At Kings Creek, one visitor explained, "There are plenty of cabins and house rentals along with RV and tent camping sights. It is located on a military base so access is limited to those with base access."
Book early for pool season: Many campgrounds have seasonal pool schedules. At First Landing State Park, a camper advised, "Would definitely recommend to any family that wants to start camping or anyone who wants an easy camping experience."
Beach activities for children: Shallow water beaches work well for younger kids. At Chippokes State Park, one parent shared, "The water at the beaches is so shallow, great for my son! It's a beautiful place!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling expectations: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained pads. At Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, a camper noted, "Level sites and they all have full hookups. T-mobile gateway internet sucks here, but Starlink works well from the site we are in."
Power surge protection: Bring protection for electrical systems at older campgrounds. One RVer at Rockahock Campgrounds warned, "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."
Full hookup availability: Confirm utilities before booking, as hookup types vary. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park explained the options: "sites are Basic: tent; Electric only: tent/pop up; Water/Electric: 20,30 amp; Water/Electric: 20-50 amp; very limited 50 amp full hookups."
Navigating narrow access roads: Some glamping destinations in Williamsburg have challenging approaches. At Thousand Trails Williamsburg, one visitor observed, "Getting to the actual 'resort' is difficult, hard to find and small roads. The sites are close, many are not level, not very big rig friendly."
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer on-site sanitation facilities. A visitor to Kings Creek mentioned, "The only complaint I can think of is the water hose at the dump station was cut off, so I couldn't run my in take sprinkler to clean the tank out often using the dump station."
