RV camping near Ruther Glen, Virginia provides access to multiple campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area features relatively flat terrain in Virginia's Piedmont region with elevations between 150-250 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions around 60-75°F. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails at Lake Anna State Park: The park offers several miles of wooded trails with varying difficulty levels. "Great hiking, biking, wildlife. A.P Hill is huge!" notes a visitor to Military Park Fort AP Hill Champs Camp RV Park. Lake Anna features paved accessible paths ideal for all mobility levels.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing spots exist throughout the region, particularly at Lake Anna State Park. "Lake Anna State Park has some of the nicest fishing piers with ample sitting area," reports a visitor to Lake Anna State Park Campground. The lake supports bass, crappie, and catfish populations.
Historic sites exploration: The Fredericksburg area contains significant Civil War battlefields and historic landmarks. "In fredericksburg be sure to do the trolley tour," recommends one camper staying at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA. Colonial Beach offers additional historical sites related to George Washington's birthplace, located "right down the road" according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness ranks high among camper priorities in the Ruther Glen area. "Showers and bathrooms are super clean; laundry facility is clean," notes one camper about Military Park Fort AP Hill. Another visitor at Fredericksburg-Washington DC KOA appreciates that "the camp store is fairly well equipped too!"
Family-friendly amenities: Swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities enhance family stays. "There is a seasonal pool, a playground, basketball court and dog park," mentions a visitor to Americamps. At Cozy Acres, "They have a lot of activities, such as pool, fishing pond and trails. The site was clean and everything worked great!"
Quiet environment: Many campers value peaceful surroundings despite proximity to major highways. "Quiet and secluded. Nice place to recharge your mental batteries," writes a visitor to Fredericksburg KOA. Another camper appreciated Harbor View as a "nice and quiet" location, despite some campsites being close together.
What you should know
Military base access requirements: Fort AP Hill camping requires proper identification. "Must have proper government ID to access post," explains a reviewer at Military Park Fort AP Hill. This requirement appears consistently in reviews and limits public access.
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Thousand Trails Harbor View remains open "April 7 to October 15" according to their seasonal information. One visitor warns spring campers: "If you have allergies, avoid spring. EVERYTHING outside was covered in a light haze of pollen."
Site spacing varies widely: Campground density differs significantly across the region. "The sites are plenty spacious," notes one visitor, while another at Harbor View comments that "the sites are extremely close. Tent campers are an absolute afterthought here, as the sites are in the back and the bathhouse is in the front."
Wi-Fi reliability challenges: Internet connectivity proves inconsistent at many locations. One visitor to Military Park Fort AP Hill mentions "limited cell service (StarLink or similar is your best option)" while another reviewer at Prince William Forest notes "Promised wi-fi does not even appear as an available signal."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds provide dedicated children's recreation areas. "Kid focused park. Lots of activities. Great setting," writes a visitor to Fredericksburg KOA. Another camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground notes that "Playground is nice" and the campground is "Close to Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest."
Swimming options: Pools offer summer relief from Virginia humidity. Lake Anna State Park provides natural swimming alternatives: "The swimming area is clean and very family oriented," mentions one visitor. Consider weekday visits as "Beach very crowded on weekends" according to another camper.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes a camper at Prince William Forest, highlighting proximity to educational destinations within day-trip distance.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Some sites require extended connections. "The sites are plenty spacious however the hookups were near the entrance so it was very near the maximum distance for making connections," reports one RVer. At Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort, visitors appreciate the "Level sites with brick paver pads, full hookups" that accommodate various RV sizes.
Noise considerations: Traffic noise affects some locations more than others. Americamps experiences a "constant drone of traffic" due to interstate proximity. In contrast, a visitor to Harbor View noted it was "nice and quiet" despite having sites that are "CLOSE."
Specialized amenities: Several campgrounds offer RV-specific services. "They have a valet trash service at the park which applies to each site," notes a visitor to Americamps. Another camper appreciated that "They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained."
