Camping in Richmond VA    

Richmond, Virginia, and its expansive metropolitan area, offer an abundance of camping and outdoor recreation options suitable for most interests. From historic riverside parks to urban nature retreats and upscale glamping, the region’s diverse landscapes and rich history provide an exceptional camping experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best camping and glamping spots throughout the Richmond metro area.

Pocahontas State Park (Chesterfield County, VA)      

Just 20 miles south of Richmond, Pocahontas State Park stands out as the largest and most renowned camping destination in the area. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Pocahontas still features CCC-era trails, shelters, and picnic structures that remain in use today. The park was also home to the Swift Creek CCC camp, one of the largest in the state.

With over 90 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, visitors can enjoy diverse recreational opportunities. The park includes tent and RV campsites equipped with electric and water hookups, bathhouses, picnic areas, and fire rings. Visitors can also opt for comfortable rustic cabins. The park’s Swift Creek Lake and Beaver Lake offer boating and fishing opportunities, with species like bass, crappie, and bluegill.

Powhatan State Park (Powhatan County, VA)      

Nestled along the scenic James River, Powhatan State Park offers a tranquil riverside camping experience. The park features 29 campsites with water and electric hookups, three distinctive yurts for a unique overnight stay, and canoe-in primitive sites. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and numerous trails ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. The park’s river access provides leisurely paddling and tubing experiences.

Richmond VA Glamping Experiences

While glamping options are still emerging within the Richmond VA metro area, the region does offer a handful of distinctive stays that blend comfort and outdoor charm. These include the Trailside Treehouse, a creative treehouse-style retreat near the James River in Richmond; the Luxe Romantic Glamping Tent in a secluded backyard that includes a queen bed, outdoor hot tub, and screened bath facilities; and the Exhibit 804 bus conversion, a colorfully restored school bus offering a unique indoor-outdoor lodging experience in Chesterfield. For additional options, platforms like Hipcamp list a growing number of glamping stays throughout the Richmond metro area. These include safari tents, cabins, and off-grid setups on private land in counties such as Hanover, Powhatan, and New Kent. Amenities vary by listing but often include fire pits, composting toilets, wooded settings & Wi-Fi.

Those willing to travel slightly farther will also find extensive glamping opportunities in the nearby Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, and foothills—making Richmond a convenient base for both local and regional outdoor getaways.

RV Sites, Private Campgrounds, and Trailside Camping

The Richmond metro area offers several RV and tent camping destinations beyond public parks. In New Kent County, Rockahock Campground & Resort provides full-hookup RV and tent camping along the Chickahominy River, with amenities like a marina, boat ramps, and seasonal live music. Americamps RV Resort in Ashland features 184 full-service sites, along with a heated pool, fitness center, laundry, dog park, and regular food-truck nights. North of the city, the Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA in Doswell combines traditional camping with easy access to the amusement park, offering RV sites, cabins, a swimming pool, and shuttle service to the gates.

For bikepackers and paddlers traveling through the region, Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park in Charles City County includes a primitive camping area reserved for non-motorized travelers using the Virginia Capital Trail or the James River. The site was developed through a partnership between Charles City County, the James River Association, and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

Insider Tips for Richmond VA Campers

• Plan your camping trip around the seasons—spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather in the Richmond region, with average highs in the 60s and 70s and lower humidity levels. Mosquito activity tends to be lower in these cooler months compared to summer. Many state parks, including Pocahontas and Powhatan, host seasonal interpretive programs, ranger-led activities, and special weekend events, particularly from April through October.
• Keep your campsite clean! Wildlife is commonly encountered throughout the region’s parks, particularly in less-trafficked areas early in the morning or around dusk. While specific sightings vary, visitors often report deer, songbirds, frogs, turtles, and even bears -  in parks like Pocahontas and Powhatan. For those interested in birdwatching, platforms like eBird track local species observed by park visitors.
• For campers who want a social or educational experience, several parks run ranger-led hikes, canoe programs, and seasonal festivals. Powhatan State Park posts events on its official calendar.
• Many parks allow pets, though leash laws and cabin restrictions apply—be sure to check each site’s guidelines in advance. Several parks also offer ADA-accessible cabins, paved trails, and accessible restrooms, especially at Pocahontas and Powhatan.
• Finally, don’t wait until the last minute—many popular sites, especially yurts and cabins, book up quickly. Reserve through the Virginia State Parks website or call ahead for smaller, private campgrounds to confirm availability and amenities.