Best Campgrounds near Charles City, VA
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.
