66 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Charles City, Virginia span from established campgrounds to primitive sites along riverfront areas. Chickahominy Riverfront Park provides full hookup sites for RVs alongside tent camping opportunities on the convergence of Chickahominy River and Gordon Creek. Several wildlife management areas, including Chickahominy WMA with its 5,217 acres of forested land, offer primitive camping experiences without developed amenities. The region includes both commercial facilities like Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages with cabin rentals and public lands with minimalist camping at Eagle Nest Lookout overlooking the James River.
Many sites in the area require advance reservations, while others operate on a first-come basis with self-registration. Chickahominy WMA requires a $4 daily use permit or is free for Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses. Seasonal availability varies across the region, with some commercial campgrounds like Williamsburg Campground operating from March through December, while others like Chickahominy Riverfront Park remain open year-round. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, though fishing and boating traffic can create early morning noise issues at some locations. A visitor noted, "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5' of the water. Since it's a WMA you can set up anywhere but this place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with."
Riverfront and waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors, especially at primitive sites offering direct water access. The mixed-use nature of many campgrounds means sharing facilities with day users, particularly at boat launches and fishing areas. A recent review mentioned that "Weekends definitely get busy. Staff is helpful. Boat ramp access, FHU, pool and plenty of room to stretch your legs." Campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between sites, particularly at more developed campgrounds where spaces may be close together. Wildlife management areas provide more secluded experiences but lack amenities like showers, restrooms, or potable water. Train noise affects some campgrounds, with Ed Allen's Campground situated near active rail lines that can disturb light sleepers according to visitor reports.
"There is a nice bike/running path, (the Virginia Capital Trail-51 Miles from Jamestown to Shiplock Park) a playground, pool & splash pad, fishing pier, and group sites."
"The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites. They have a modern bathhouse and a pool."
"Largest State Park in Virginia - nearly 8,000 acres. We stayed two nights and paddled around Swift Creek Lake on Sunday. The staff was amazing."
"Playground was decent and pretty centrally located on the campground. Firewood for sale by QR code was convenient. The trails were nice and it was a nice walk to the aquatic recreation park."
from $37 - $459 / night
Check Availability"They have a cute little park that was perfect for my 3 and 5 year old, a big pond for fishing, and it’s such a pretty area if you’d like to go for a nice walk as well, they were all super nice and all"
"There is a huge lake to go fishing, great restuarant nearby, the campground had a barbeque dinner for everyone. Lots of trails to walk. "
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Our site was pull through, not sure how we would get through if there was a full campground, luckily we had room to move around. Your very close to Busch Gardens, Watercountry and Williamsburg."
"We chose one without a bathroom, and the bathhouse was a very short walk. They have plenty of recreational activities for the kids. The staff was friendly and helpful."
"This park was very convenient to Williamsburg, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. The bathrooms were clean, air conditioned, and well supplied."
"The campground is also close to Colonial Williamsburg, and a little over an hour away (depending on traffic) from Virginia Beach and First Landing State Park. "
from $69 - $160 / night
Check Availability"The campground is very close to all Williamsburg activities. A great walking trail was right down the road."
"The historic-city of Williamsburg is very nearby. Also the traintrack and big road are wright next to the campground. Spots are correct some have a bit to much sun for us (there are parasols provided)"
from $46 - $235 / night
Check Availability"There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp."
"We found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there"
"It is a serene campground with beautiful walking trails. All the amenities for our two toddlers too… big pool outside, plus an inside pool and hottub. Also, a park, put-put + arcade room!"
"We've stayed here pretty often as it's only a few hours from home and near everything in Williamsburg, Virginia. The park is against the James river and theres easy access to the riverside."
"Chippokes State Park is located on the grounds of an old historic plantation, actually one if the original plantations in the area dating back to the 1600’s."
from $37 - $345 / night
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TravelerOur stay is going to be the 21 days that are allowed. In that time, I have been on many nature walks with my dog. Very enjoyable, very well maintained. The only thing I did not like is the bathrooms. I have seen a cleaning lady come through, but I think it is primarily for the sinks and toilets. The shower curtains are moldy, lots of spiders. The shower pressure and temp are great. All in all, it is affordable and very peaceful.
TravelerWe enjoyed the dispersed campsite. Lots of hiking trails and birds and cricket making music. We enjoyed taking a stroll and photos of various plants and insects.
TravelerWe enjoyed our stay at American Heritage. We were offered a change of our assigned site if we would prefer to be closer to the bath house. We preferred staying where we were until we discovered that the electric hook-up was far enough away on the grass that we couldn't reach. (We have a little Scamp 13 and the plug was just a little too short.) We had a pull-through site(every other row was pull-through).
It had a full hook-up. The cover on the electric post was missing rivets, so we had to put it back in place ourselves, but there was no problem with the electric. We used 30 Amp for the RV and plugged in our backup battery to the 15 amp plug. The water pressure was good and consistent. We've had problems at other RV sites. We used the sewer connection with no problem at the end.
We did not have an umbrella at the picnic table and seriously considered buying a screen tent because we stayed for 4 days and it was HOT. Some sites had more shade. In fact, that's one thing we'd change next time. The pool was wonderful, the showers were clean and we used the laundry with no problems--they take quarters and washing and drying one load cost $5.00.
The staff was very friendly and responsive. Overall, we had a great stay and would stay again.
Travelerlove this place! Have a nice pull thru, great space, lots of trees, quiet.
TravelerPark stuff are very friendly, sweet, I live the quietness of night time.
ScoutFriendly staff. Good location. Lots of noice near the big road. Laundry room could use a clearing. Bathrooms en toilets are very clean. Not much room between the spots with lots of tall weeds.
TravelerOne of the nicer thousand trails. The D loop is wide and level and close to everything if you dont want to bring a gold cart or bike. Has a weekend resturant that serves breakfast lunch and dinner. A small shop, pool, park and access to the river. Full hookup back in. A loop is tight and E loop is for long term looks like a nice place to do an annual site. Its 20-30 mins away from everything so think of that when packing. No acolohl sold on site either.
TravelerI felt serenity and hospitality at this site.
GuideNice, quiet in March, shuttle to Kings Dominion every 30 minutes,
The Charles City region offers camping experiences along the tidal waterways of central Virginia, where the Chickahominy and James Rivers create a network of accessible water recreation areas. River depths vary throughout these waterways, with channels maintaining 6-12 feet while shoreline areas average 1-3 feet deep. Water levels fluctuate with tidal cycles, affecting shoreline access at primitive sites during certain times of day.
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: The river systems provide extensive paddling routes with protected inlets for beginners. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, "Nice campground right on the river. There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. There is a dock down by the boat ramp... Wait until dark and ignore the sign. There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere."
Historical exploration: The area connects directly to Colonial-era sites through roadways and bike paths. From Williamsburg Campground, "We stayed in one of the cabins for a 'camping light' experience with our young kids and enjoyed it. Bathrooms and showers clean." Many families use this location as a base for area attractions.
Cycling on the Virginia Capital Trail: This paved route extends through the region with access points near several campgrounds. A camper at Chickahominy Riverfront Park noted it's "about as close as you can get to the capital trail. Dogs are allowed but must be on leashes."
Waterfront site options: Direct river access ranks consistently high in camper satisfaction across multiple locations. At Chippokes State Park Campground, a reviewer appreciated that "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!" The park's riverside location allows for water activities with safer conditions for younger children.
Spacious sites: Larger campsites receive positive mentions, especially for families with multiple setups. According to one camper at Eagle Nest Lookout, "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5' of the water... this place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with."
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to river swimming. A visitor to Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages commented, "So much to do here...biking, hiking... places for kids to run. The sites are clean and the owners are wonderful."
Train noise impacts: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds in the region, creating potential sleep disruptions. One camper at Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages specifically mentioned, "Nice, clean campsite. Only issue is you are right next to the train tracks so if you are a light sleeper you will hear those trains throughout the night."
Wildlife management areas permit requirements: Primitive camping areas like Eagle Nest Lookout require permits for overnight stays. A camper described the site: "There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp. This campsite is exceptional for those that like to primitive camp. You can't see it from the road but there is a beaten narrow path that leads from the end of the road up to a small knoll."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Charles City, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Charles City, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 66 campgrounds and RV parks near Charles City, VA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Charles City, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Charles City, VA is Chickahominy Riverfront Park with a 4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Charles City, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Charles City, VA.
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