Pocahontas State Park Campground, located 30 miles from Dinwiddie, Virginia, offers campers access to over 7,900 acres of woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 175 to 325 feet. The park features multiple camping options within central Virginia's Piedmont region where average summer temperatures reach 87°F with high humidity. Winter temperatures typically drop to 46°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for equestrian camping near Dinwiddie.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: The park contains extensive trail systems beyond those designated for horses. Campers can access what one visitor described as "fantastic mountain bike trails" with "lots of history" throughout the park's extensive acreage. Biking trails range from beginner to advanced technical routes with clear markings.
Swimming and water activities: The park maintains aquatic facilities separate from its natural water features. As noted by one camper at Pocahontas State Park Campground, the park features "clean and huge campsites, great pool, great hiking and biking trails." Water access provides relief during summer months when central Virginia humidity is highest.
Geocaching and exploration: Multiple geocache locations exist throughout the park for visitors seeking interactive outdoor activities. At Powhatan State Park Campground, a camper mentioned "lots of geocaching on grounds, fishing, hiking, boat launch, canoe racks, playground, a store with a nature center, and a Junior Ranger program for the kids."
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention the spacious layout of camping areas. One visitor to Pocahontas described sites as "well spaced with adequate room" noting they're "super quiet at night" despite being "20 mins from every store you can imagine."
Bathroom facilities: Campers appreciate the maintenance level of shower and restroom facilities. At Chippokes State Park Campground, visitors noted "the bathrooms and showers are kept clean and the showers are huge!" This complements the existing description's mention of two bath houses at Pocahontas.
Historical elements: The region contains significant historical sites. One Chippokes visitor explained it "feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation" with many stating it feels "like you're a million miles away from it all" despite proximity to historical attractions.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Central Virginia experiences high humidity during summer months. Fall typically provides the most comfortable equestrian camping conditions near Dinwiddie with moderate temperatures and reduced insect activity.
Site selection importance: Not all sites provide equal experiences. At Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground, one camper advised that "Loops B and C have more sites that are very shady but closer together, and there is more vehicle and bicycle traffic going past campsites."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds offer remote options with minimal amenities. Powhatan State Park includes "a canoe-in site with 8 primitive sites: no water, electricity, or facilities (there's a pit toilet)" which "might be in the flood zone if the river is high."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple parks offer kid-friendly water activities. At Powhatan, one family noted it's "very bike friendly and lots of trails. Large playground and a good boat launch for tubes and kayaks."
Educational programs: Many parks run seasonal educational activities. One visitor to Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground mentioned "there are programs every weekend" including nature center activities and ranger-led events.
Safety considerations: Water access requires supervision. A Bear Creek camper noted that "the water does provide a hazard if you have small children as it is not roped off in any way. Our kids loved having the water right there and we loved watching them, it just requires extra vigilance."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Some parks limit vehicle length. A camper at Bear Creek Lake noted they "limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer."
Hookup variations: Electrical capacity varies between parks. At Pocahontas, campers should note there's "no full hookup (yes 30/50 amp)" as mentioned by a reviewer who appreciated the "level sites" despite this limitation.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain may require leveling equipment. One visitor at Powhatan State Park noted "we were on site seven which was very long but very unlevel" despite the park's generally "clean and quiet" environment and "spacious" sites.
