Campsites around Williamsburg sit on Virginia's coastal plain, with elevations ranging between 10-50 feet above sea level. This area experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers frequently reaching 90°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds near Colonial Williamsburg provide concrete pads for RVs and tent sites on level ground, with varying degrees of tree coverage impacting shade availability during summer months.
What to Do
Bike the Capital Trail: Access this paved path directly from Chickahominy Riverfront Park. "Easy access to bike trail that runs from Richmond to Williamsburg, passing many plantations and farms, forest, etc. along the way," notes a visitor to Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Explore historic sites: The campgrounds near Williamsburg serve as strategic bases for visiting multiple historic attractions. "We stayed here during our historical tour of Jamestown and Yorktown. The location is fantastic and close to all things Williamsburg," reports a visitor to Anvil Campground.
Visit local waterways: Multiple campgrounds offer water activities. At Machicomoco State Park, campers can enjoy "a car-top boat launch, and tons of information on the Native American tribes of the area," according to one reviewer.
Hunt for fossils: "Hunt for sharks teeth on the beach" suggests a visitor to Chippokes State Park Campground, highlighting an unexpected activity for families.
What Campers Like
Pool facilities: Many campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. At Williamsburg KOA, visitors appreciate the "pool with a sprayground and a grassy area with ping pong and corn hole."
Military history: For service members, Kings Creek offers special appeal as "an amazing recreational campground for military families and retirees located right on the York River between Williamsburg and Yorktown," making it convenient for exploring the historic triangle.
Modern bathroom facilities: Newer campgrounds receive praise for clean facilities. At Machicomoco State Park, "all the facilities are new and very clean. I love that the campground bathrooms are all unisex/family bathrooms and there are plenty of them."
River access: Multiple campgrounds offer water views and fishing opportunities. Chippokes State Park Campground offers a beach area where the "water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son!"
What You Should Know
Train proximity: Several campgrounds have nearby train tracks. At Anvil Campground, "the train is so close that it shakes our RV," though some visitors note, "Not really a complaint from us since the kids thought it was awesome."
Summer crowds: Advance booking is essential, especially for holiday weekends. A visitor to Newport News Park observed, "We had the place pretty much to ourselves during the week, but the weekend did get busy."
Site levelness challenges: At Newport News Park, "many sites are deceptively unlevel, particularly on the outside of the loops," requiring leveling equipment for RVs.
Walk-in tent sites: Some parks require carrying gear from parking areas. At Machicomoco State Park, "Be prepared with a wagon to transport items from your car to your campsite if choosing the no water/electric sites."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Williamsburg KOA receives praise for their focus on children. "Lots to do with kids... planned activities like petting zoo, hayrides, and movie night, and campground amenities like a pool, bounce pillows, bikes, short hiking trails, and ice cream shop."
Playground access: American Heritage RV Park offers "an arcade for the kids near the entrance and some mini golf," though one visitor notes the mini golf "doesn't look the greatest."
Beach alternatives: During summer heat, families appreciate water access. At Chippokes State Park Campground, a camper notes "The pool fee included with campsite," making it a cost-effective option for families.
Educational opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide learning experiences. Anvil Campground offers seasonal decorations, though one visitor cautions it might be "a bit too much for very young children or any individual with a diagnosis of ASD or a social emotional history."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: While many campgrounds offer full hookups, availability varies. At Newport News Park, "There are no sewer hookups, but there is a dump station."
Site spacing: RV parks differ significantly in site size and privacy. At Williamsburg KOA, sites are "a little close and everything is wide open with little to no privacy or cover just a little too open for me."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. American Heritage RV Park is "close to I-64 (easy on/off) and easy to find, though the actual road INTO the campground is pretty narrow."
Reservation strategies: For military families, the military campgrounds offer unique value. One visitor noted that Military Park Cheatham Annex provides "paved lots and the lots were spacy" though "You're kind of far from any shopping grocery store and restaurants."
