Campgrounds near Charles City, Virginia provide a variety of accommodation options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups. The area sits along the historic James River with an average elevation of 80 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chickahominy Riverfront Park offers multiple fishing spots along the river. "Nice spot on the river. There's even a pool in the summer. Inside tip. There is a dock down by the boat ramp. It says no fishing. Wait until dark and ignore the sign. There's a light down there that draws the insects. The fish are everywhere," shares Patrick R.
Golf course access: Kings Creek campers enjoy proximity to on-site golfing. "You will think you are camping out in the country except for the golf course sitting right across the street," notes reviewer N I. The course is accessible to military personnel and their guests.
Historical tours: Campgrounds in this area serve as convenient bases for exploring Colonial Williamsburg and surrounding historical sites. "The campground is in a great location to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown and is a great home base for exploring those sites," explains Ashleigh M. from Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
What campers like
River access: Rainbow Acres Campground sits directly on the Mattaponi River. "Rainbow acres is a nice little campground that is the perfect get away. Its quiet and right on the Mattaponi River," notes Chris B. Water activities are popular among visitors.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the Charles City area frequently feature recreational facilities for all ages. "Great campground! We took 6 teenagers camping and they had a blast! Especially the pool!" mentions Virginia B. about Chippokes State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Many parks offer walking paths through diverse terrain. "Hike complete! Fire complete and set up done. Time for shower and bed," shares Kelly J. about Pocahontas State Park, which features numerous trails for various skill levels.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks that create noise issues. "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," explains Alexas H. about Ed Allen's Campground.
Weather considerations: The Charles City area experiences occasional severe weather that can impact camping facilities. "The good news- campground is right along the river and has a large pool. The bad news- the place is overrun with fishermen launching boats before dawn. And I mean 25-50 trucks/trailers/boats each morning," reports John from Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Yurt camping options: For campers seeking alternatives to tents, yurt camping near Charles City, Virginia is available at select parks. "We stayed in one of the premium sites with a private swing, fire ring and picnic table, plus privacy fences between patio areas," notes a visitor about the elevated camping options at several parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Anvil Campground features dedicated play areas. "We really loved the sandy playground. It is completely fenced in and has play equipment, hammocks and a zip line. The grandkids loved the zip line," shares Bridget H., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities for children. "Campground right on the river. There's even a pool in the summer," mentions Patrick R. about recreational water options at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Off-season visits: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. "The kids were able to ride around the park (it is small) and park is within sight. A few places to access the water and about as close as you can get to the capital trail," notes Samantha G. about the more relaxed atmosphere outside peak times.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: South Forty RV Resort & Campground offers functional sites with potential maintenance issues. "Late arrival and get situated only to find the breaker broken. Maintenance moved us spots rather quickly though. Just exhausting to come to a stop for the night and have to deal with issues," warns GrumpyKat K.
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary considerably in site size and privacy. "The sites are close, many are not level, not very big rig friendly and satellite is near impossible due to trees," explains Trina C. about Thousand Trails Williamsburg, noting the challenges for larger vehicles.
Concrete pads: Some locations offer improved parking surfaces for easier leveling. "Concrete pads on all of the sites, you weren't camping on top of other campers, hiking trails, and full hookups including cable! You can't beat it for the price!" reports Kevin M. about Kings Creek's amenities for RV campers.
