RV camping options near Suffolk, Virginia range from military campgrounds requiring ID access to public resorts throughout the Tidewater region. Suffolk's location places it within 30 miles of diverse camping environments, including beachfront sites along the Chesapeake Bay and wooded settings near historic colonial attractions. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though coastal storms can impact travel conditions between November and March.
What to do
Beach access options: At Military Park Fort Story Cape Henry RV Park, campers enjoy proximity to dog-friendly beaches. "Close to beach (dog friendly beach!) and lots of sightseeing and restaurants nearby," notes one reviewer. The beach area is typically less crowded than nearby First Landing State Park.
Historic exploration: The Cheatham Annex Naval Weapons Station RV Campground provides excellent access to colonial landmarks. "This is an amazing recreational campground for military families and retirees that is located right on the York River between Williamsburg and Yorktown. It is immediately adjacent to the Colonial Parkway for easy access to historic Jamestown," writes a camper.
Outdoor recreation: Multiple rv campgrounds near Suffolk, Virginia offer recreational amenities beyond just camping. "There are more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing on two lakes and the York River along with an 18 hole golf course," reports a visitor to Cheatham Annex. Military campgrounds frequently include equipment rentals for fishing and water activities.
What campers like
Private beach access: The Sea Mist RV Campground offers direct ocean access for military ID holders. "Both loops have direct access to an incredible extensive strand of premier beach right on the ocean, with the protection of a natural sand dune barrier," explains one camper, highlighting the unique beach camping opportunity unavailable at many Virginia rv parks.
Peninsula water views: At The Colonies RV and Travel Park, campers appreciate the waterfront location. "It's located on a peninsula with beautiful bay and creek views. You can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. There is a little beach down from our site and our dogs enjoyed their first dip in the bay," writes one reviewer.
Pool facilities: When beach access isn't available, campgrounds offer alternatives. "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Williamsburg, reflecting the organized recreational options at larger rv campgrounds in Suffolk area.
What you should know
Military ID requirements: Several campgrounds near Suffolk restrict access to military personnel. "This campground is a recreational opportunity for active and retired military and their families. This campground is located at the Fort Story Navy Base," explains a visitor to Cape Henry RV Park. Always verify eligibility requirements before booking.
Site conditions: Reviews frequently mention uneven sites and connection challenges at Suffolk area campgrounds. At Little Creek MWR RV Park, one camper noted: "Roads are decrepit with major potholes and need of repair. The roads and some sites flood when raining." Similar conditions exist at other facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Winter options exist but with limitations. "They have a monthly winter rate $756 (not proratable) from October 1 thru April 30," notes a reviewer at The Colonies RV Park. Off-season camping means fewer crowds but potentially reduced amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: When traveling with children to rv parks near Suffolk, prioritize campgrounds with dedicated activities. "Extenuating circumstances but the next day they came over and found it for us and leveled out some gravel piles that had been dumped on the site. The site was level and gravel. A picnic table and fire ring was available," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Williamsburg.
Beach camping logistics: For families wanting beach access, timing matters. "The south loop is older with many trees and shade and more space between sites, the northern loop is new and treeless and open with sites close together," explains a Sea Mist RV Campground visitor, highlighting the trade-off between shade and beach proximity.
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options for families. "For more privacy (tent campers) ask for site 6 or 7," suggests a visitor to The Colonies. Request specific site numbers when making reservations based on your family's privacy needs.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Many Suffolk area rv campgrounds have connection placement issues. At Little Creek MWR RV Park, "the connection boxes are set back pretty far on the sites, so you need longer hoses/cords. We had a long electric cord that reached and had to add a second water hose and second section of sewer hose to connect."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies significantly at rv campgrounds near Suffolk. "Free wifi if you sign up for MWR's, but we used our T-Mobile home internet with good connection (4 bars). AT&T on our phones was 1 bar at best," reports a Little Creek visitor. Consider bringing mobile hotspots or signal boosters.
Overnight convenience: When using Suffolk as a transit point, consider accessibility. At South Forty RV Resort, one camper noted, "Perfect location right off of I-95. Spot we had was spacious and easy to get in and out of. I arrived after hours, but had my reservation hanging on the wall for me. Ground was pretty level and hookup was easy."
