Cabin accommodations in the Yorktown region range from rustic to full-service options with varied amenities. The area sits at the eastern edge of the Virginia Peninsula with typical coastal conditions including high humidity in summer months and mild winters. Most campgrounds stay open year-round with seasonal rate adjustments during peak tourist months from May through September.
What to do
Water recreation access: Cherrystone Family Camping Resort offers multiple options for water activities directly on the Chesapeake Bay. Campers can rent boats, paddle boats, and fishing gear on-site. "Tons of family fun! Cherrystone is located right on the Chesapeake Bay, and every site has a beautiful view. From camp fires, to crabbing and fishing, or organized games and entertainment... Cherrystone has it all," reports one visitor.
Historical exploration: The Yorktown region provides access to colonial-era sites within short driving distances. "Cheatham Annex doesn't have many amenities, but you are close enough to the town that it is not an inconvenience," notes a Kings Creek reviewer. "Location was great and we loved going into Colonial Williamsburg from here."
Bike trails: Cyclists can access paved routes near Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The Virginia Capital Trail runs adjacent to the park grounds. As one visitor notes, "Also a great paved biking path that goes for a number of miles." Bike rentals are available at many local campgrounds for those without their own equipment.
What campers like
Coastal beaches: The shoreline access at Kiptopeke State Park ranks high with visitors. "This park is a nice place to bring your family to camp, fish, crab and relax by the beach and collect seashells. It has 2 beautiful beaches, one that allows pets and the other does not." The park offers wooden boardwalk trails leading to different beach areas.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms and showers at campgrounds throughout the region. A visitor to Chippokes State Park Campground notes, "The bathrooms and showers are kept clean and the showers are huge! There's plenty to do on the grounds, hiking, biking, touring the plantation, geocaching, and yes, even Pokemon Go!"
Pool options: Swimming pools provide recreation when beach access isn't preferred. "The pool is very clean," notes a visitor about Cherrystone. Another camper at Thousand Trails Williamsburg states, "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 hot tub."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Camp areas vary significantly in tree coverage and shade. "First two rows of sites have almost ZERO tree cover. First row not very level sites," reports a Kiptopeke State Park visitor. Planning early arrival can help secure preferred spots at many campgrounds.
Train noise: Some campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby which affects noise levels. A visitor to Anvil Campground shares, "Train is so close that it shakes our RV." For light sleepers, requesting sites farther from tracks is recommended.
Weather readiness: Coastal locations experience sudden weather changes. "I was prepared for the passing thunderstorms. We picked up tarps and ropes and strung them up over our cooking area and the entrance to our tents," explains a Chickahominy Riverfront Park visitor. Rain gear and proper tarps are essential, particularly during summer months.
Limited supplies: Most camp stores carry only basic items. A Kings Creek visitor notes, "The MWR office rents kayaks and other equipment and has a coffee shop if you want hot breakfast." Campers should bring specialty items or plan trips to nearby towns for resupply.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When selecting cabin accommodations, check for play areas nearby. "Sites 11 through 18 are in a loop around a nice kids playground," recommends a Kings Creek camper. Several campgrounds offer dedicated activity areas for different age groups.
Planned activities: Many campgrounds provide scheduled programming for children. "The kids were able to ride around the park (it is small) and park is within sight," notes a Chickahominy visitor. Thousand Trails Williamsburg offers "Many activities scheduled on the weekends. Lots of families camping."
Educational opportunities: The region's historical significance provides learning experiences. "We took 6 teenagers camping and they had a blast," reports a visitor to Chippokes State Park. "About 5 miles away is the ferry to Williamsburg...its free and usually a highlight of the trip for the kids!" The ferry ride itself becomes part of the experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Concrete pads aren't universal at all campgrounds. "We stayed in one of the premium sites. Compacted gravel, wide, full hookups," reports one American Heritage RV Park visitor. "Most sites had trees for shade." RVers should bring leveling blocks for campgrounds with natural terrain.
Utility connections: Water and electric service reliability varies by location. "Concrete pads on all of the sites, you weren't camping on top of other campers, hiking trails, and full hookups including cable!" reports a Kings Creek visitor. Some parks offer 30-amp service only, while others provide 50-amp connections.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. A visitor to Thousand Trails Williamsburg warns, "Getting to the actual 'resort' is difficult, hard to find and small roads. The sites are close, many are not level, not very big rig friendly and satellite is near impossible due to trees." RVers with larger vehicles should call ahead to confirm access.
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