Camping near Richmond, Virginia offers various options with most sites within 20-30 miles of the city. The Richmond area sits at elevations ranging from 100-250 feet above sea level, creating gentle terrain that's accessible for campers of all experience levels. Fall camping from late September through early November provides comfortable temperatures in the 60s-70s during the day, while summer humidity often reaches 80-90% from June through August.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Pocahontas State Park has extensive trail systems designed for cyclists of various skill levels. "Lots of trails, nature center, pool, and creek for kayaking and fishing. You can also rent water equipment while you're there. Very good for beginners," notes one camper about the Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing ponds where catches vary by season. At Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort, visitors can enjoy both catch-and-release and catfish ponds. "We've fished at the little catch and release pond successfully but didn't try out the catch and keep catfish pond," reports one reviewer.
Paddling the James River: Access points along the river allow for kayaking and canoeing. Powhatan State Park provides river access points and boat launches. "The park has lots of trails, miles of open meadows, and James River access. Great park for bicycling," writes a visitor who enjoyed the multiple outdoor activities available.
Historical exploration: Many campgrounds sit near Civil War sites and historical landmarks. Richmond's position in Virginia history makes it rich with educational opportunities within short drives of most camping areas.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Privacy between campsites varies significantly between campgrounds. "Some of the campsites are surrounded with forest. Very quiet and peaceful," mentions one visitor about their experience at Pocahontas State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses rank highly among camper priorities. At Powhatan State Park Campground, a camper reports: "I was very happy to see such a clean bathhouse, especially during the current pandemic. Each staff member I encountered was extremely helpful and polite."
Convenient locations: Proximity to stores and amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "20 mins from every store you can imagine, but super quiet at night. Sites are well spaced," says one camper about Pocahontas State Park.
Range of accommodation options: From primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and glamping options. Multiple campgrounds offer cabins, yurts, and other alternative camping structures beyond traditional tent and RV sites.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate limited schedules. Cozy Acres Campground runs from April through mid-November, with peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA, a visitor noted, "There was a train somewhere nearby which will wake up a light sleeper."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak times. At state parks, weekend reservations should be made 3-6 months ahead for summer stays.
Varying site privacy: Site layout and spacing differs significantly. "The sites in the River Bend Campground (main campground) are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full," reports a Powhatan State Park visitor.
Urban proximity: Most campgrounds remain within 20-30 miles of Richmond's amenities and services. This provides convenience while still offering natural settings.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Amelia Family Campground, families can enjoy "a small playground along with a small pool" that are "easily accessible," making it "a good 1st time camp site" according to one reviewer.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief during hot summer months. Cozy Acres Campground offers a swimming pool that's popular with families, though one visitor notes that "not much for kids to do once the pool closes."
Festival timing: Some campgrounds host seasonal events throughout the year. Amelia Family Campground hosts "bluegrass festivals" that can provide entertainment for the whole family.
Amusement park shuttles: Kings Dominion KOA offers transportation to the nearby theme park. "Nice and peaceful campground from what I could tell... One convenient option that comes with staying is they have a shuttle service to the amusement park that runs by roughly every 25-30 mins," mentions a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections are standard, but sewer hookups vary. At Americamps RV Resort, "all style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Hook ups also included cable with about 70 channels."
Site levelness: Ground preparation differs between campgrounds. "The sites were level, gravel, and had good shade," notes an Americamps visitor, while another mentions that at Powhatan State Park "some sites were very level. We were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel."
Accessibility assistance: Staff support for parking and setup varies. At Americamps, "a host guides you to your site and assist you in positioning if needed," and they're particularly helpful for first-timers: "We let them know we were newbies and they were most accommodating! A staff member lead us to our site and stayed to help us set up."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easy-access sites. "Great State Park campground! No sewer hookups (they do have 30/50amp)," explains a visitor to Pocahontas State Park, while Americamps offers "about 2/3 pull through sites and a 1/3 back in."
