Montpelier, Virginia camping spots range from riverfront locations to woodland settings, with typical summer temperatures between 75-85°F. The James River runs through the region, creating multiple water-based recreation options for campers seeking premium outdoor accommodations or standard camping sites during the spring to fall camping season.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Pocahontas State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy extensive trail systems. "Lots of hiking, fantastic mountain bike trails, lots of history. LOVE the staff," notes Ashley I. The park offers both paved and natural surface trails suitable for all ability levels.
River recreation: The Chickahominy River provides excellent water access for fishing and paddling. One visitor at Chickahominy Riverfront Park mentioned, "Nice park along the river with activities for those with families. Kayaking, Virginia Capital Trail, and pool." The riverside location creates multiple recreation options within walking distance of campsites.
Historical exploration: The region offers significant historical attractions, with Chippokes State Park Campground providing access to plantation grounds. A visitor notes, "This hidden gem is just a short distance from Williamsburg but yet so remote! The still working farm and homes are a treasure of how life and farms ran back in the day."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed camping areas. At Pocahontas State Park Campground, Dustin F. appreciated the "Clean and huge campsites, great pool, great hiking and biking trails." The campground's layout provides adequate privacy between sites.
Water access: Direct river access stands out as a major benefit for many visitors. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one camper shared, "Spacious campsite with amazing views. Could take kayaks straight into the water from our site. Close to Jamestown and many other activities!" Water-based recreation remains accessible throughout the camping season.
Family-friendly amenities: Thousand Trails Williamsburg offers extensive facilities for families. According to one camper, "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping. Indoor and outdoor pools. Decent spacing between sites." These amenities supplement the natural attractions in the area.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some glamping locations in Montpelier have nearby train tracks. At Anvil Campground, a visitor warned, "It is NOT a campground. Owners for several generations have built out the space well but never should have started... With AC on, windows and shades closed, we can hear neighbor AC, TV, loud/long trains, cars on road and highway day and night."
Seasonal considerations: Most luxury camping options operate from spring through fall. At Rainbow Acres, the campground transforms during peak season as "People who rent a campsite and build porches and party sites up and come visit on the weekend or stay the summer."
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground bathhouse quality differs widely. According to one visitor at South Forty RV Resort, "The restrooms and showers were disgusting and in ill-repair. I've used truck stop showers and restrooms all over the country. These were some of the worst facilities I've ever seen."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming options for children. At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, one visitor noted, "The swimming pool was incredibly large and CLEAN!!! I was surprised! It felt very refreshing and even had adult swim time and attentive life guards."
Activity planning: Structured recreation programs benefit family campers. At Ed Allen's Campground, a visitor shared, "So much to do here...biking, hiking... places for kids to run. The sites are clean and the owners are wonderful." Angee T.'s review highlights the diverse options available on-site.
Transportation options: Some glamping sites in Montpelier offer shuttle services to attractions. At Richmond North KOA, a camper mentioned, "One convenient option that comes with staying is they have a shuttle service to the amusement park that runs by roughly every 25-30 mins. They even run until 12-1 in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider carefully which section of the campground best suits your needs. At Rockahock Campgrounds, one long-term RVer advised, "We didn't stay in the 'front' part of the campground (with all the weekenders), we stayed in the 'long term' stay campsites waaaayyyy in the back. We were there 2-3 months."
Hookup quality: Electrical connections vary between campgrounds. At Rockahock Campgrounds, one camper cautioned, "The electrical hook ups were all busted up, (I would not recommend using it without a surge guard), the water faucets leaked and the ground was soaked."
Seasonal crowds: Visitor volumes fluctuate dramatically through the year. According to a Richmond North KOA visitor, "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."
