Glamping near Ruther Glen, Virginia features diverse accommodations within Virginia's Piedmont region at approximately 200 feet elevation, where humid subtropical climate creates warm summers and mild winters. Most luxury camping sites remain open year-round, with peak season running April through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Riverside activities: Access to the Rappahannock River provides excellent paddling and fishing opportunities at Rappahannock River Campground. One visitor shared, "Great spot right next to the Rappahannock River, plenty of place to set up camp. Had water on site with a fire pit and picnic table too! It was super easy to get down to the water and there was plenty of spots to explore."
Star gazing: The relatively rural setting creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Rappahannock River noted, "We did go back out to the field at night to do some star gazing and that was beautiful." Many glamping sites offer sufficient clearing for astronomy activities.
Historic exploration: The region's Civil War history can be explored while staying at luxury accommodations. At Wilderness Presidential Resort, campers can combine outdoor recreation with historical sites. One reviewer mentioned, "A lovely campground with great site selection options and loads of fun things to do. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a lakeside beach, a well stocked campground store and two fishing lakes and a fishing pond to choose from."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping accommodations provide adequate spacing between units. At Lake Anna State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to. Although we only tent camped, I noticed a lot of things about the campground that would welcome RVs as well. There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites."
Clean bathroom facilities: Most upscale accommodations maintain excellent sanitation standards. A camper at Powhatan State Park Campground shared, "What a beautiful park! Over 1500 acres with 40 sites, this trip was the start of the camping season for me- the opening weekend for camping in State Parks in VA(COVID-19). The park and grounds are extremely well-maintained. I was very happy to see such a clean bathhouse, especially during the current pandemic."
Quiet atmosphere: The rural setting provides peaceful surroundings for relaxation. A guest at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA remarked, "We have stayed at this campground several times and always enjoyed it. Quiet and secluded. Nice place to recharge your mental batteries."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facilities and activities available. A visitor to Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA noted, "We stayed as we traveled south on 95. Kings Dominion is still closed so the park is very quiet. They are following covid protocols with masks and temperature checks. The pool was perfect for a quick dip and the park was clean- lots of garbage cans and all the staff were friendly and helpful."
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs regarding shade, access, and amenities. One camper at Lake Anna State Park Campground explained, "The bath house was clean, and I especially liked the privacy of individual shower rooms. Since it is a state park, it lacks some amenities that privately owned campgrounds have, but camping in a state park is about enjoying the natural features of the park."
Primitive vs. luxury options: Accommodations range from basic to full-service. A visitor to Rappahannock River Campground stated, "Great off the grid experience. Showers were hot. Toilets are a porta potty type. Great for a weekend away from all the hustle and bustle. Very relaxing."
Tips for camping with families
Biking opportunities: Paved roads and trails provide safe cycling for children. At Powhatan State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "The park has lots of trails, miles of open meadows, and James River access. Great park for bicycling. The sites in the River Bend Campground(main campground) are private and wooded, especially this time of year when the trees are so full."
Swimming options: Multiple water features offer recreational swimming during warm months. At Westmoreland State Park Campground, a camper shared, "I LOVE this park. The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter."
Educational experiences: Nature centers and ranger programs provide learning opportunities. A visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground wrote, "There are opportunities for motor boating, kayaking, swimming, hiking, fishing, etc. The only downside I found was that the grass really needed mowing. Even though there had been a few rainy days, the grass at our campsite was knee high and higher."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several campgrounds require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Westmoreland State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by. We stayed on the B loop, the lot we reserved by only looking at a park map was nice a spacious for our popup."
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup options. A Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA visitor shared, "Due to Covid and the proximity to a temporarily closed King's Dominion this campground was very quiet. We enjoyed a larger pull through lot that faced the woods. Some of the sites look pretty tight, but that can be common with a lot of KOA's."
Spacing considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between locations. A camper at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA reported, "We only needed a place for a quick nights sleep enroute to our next destination. We were planning to arrive late after 12 hours of driving. The admin called us when they were closing to make sure we knew they had our reservation and the paperwork would be in the night drop."
