Camping at Pocahontas State Park

Fall and camping go together like campfire and s’mores. With the arrival of cooler temperatures and colorful foliage comes the itch for a camping trip. If you’ve been bitten by the camping bug, but are unsure where to begin, here are a few ideas to help you get started.  

Whether you’re a camping beginner or just beginning to consider camping, Virginia State Parks offers safe and enjoyable atmospheres for novices and experts alike. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into an overnight adventure can provide health benefits, learning opportunities and fun memories as countless as the stars you sleep under. While many state park campgrounds warmly welcome campers of all skill levels, these seven from various regions have three advantages that can make a first-time camping trip less intimidating:

1. Near towns or cities
2. Provide helpful amenities
3. Offer expert-led programs

Tips for planning a pleasant first camping trip 

• Book an electric/water campsite: Consider pitching your tent on the tent pad of an electric/water campsite. These sites that provide electricity and water within reach make string lights possible and boiling water for meals easier.  

• Consider a camping cabin: If the thought of setting up a tent and sleeping on the ground is a bit daunting, consider reserving a camping cabin. These small one-room structures with two sets of bunk beds, electrical outlets and a lighted ceiling fan are perfect for an introduction to camping. Three parks on the list include this option in their campgrounds. Camping cabins share the rustic aspects of tent camping, like outdoor cooking, bathhouse trips and no AC or heat, in a more manageable setting. Forgo tent assembly or fretting about the weather and enjoy the fresh air from the porch or through the screened windows. 

• Pick a park near town: Opting for a state park within reasonable driving distance of a town can bring peace of mind to a first-time camper. Additionally, all parks provide firewood for purchase (please do not bring outside firewood with you, learn why here), and many have camp stores with other necessities. 

• Research and resources: When embarking on an overnight outdoor adventure, always do your research. When you arrive, getting to know the park rangers and camp hosts can make your visit more comfortable, enjoyable and informative. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center or contact station and check out the scheduled programs during your stay. 

1. Chippokes State Park

Sunrise at Chippokes State Park

 

This peaceful park on the James River may be one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country, but city conveniences are not far away. Located near Newport News and Williamsburg, Chippokes State Park offers a history-rich overnight stay. Choose from 50 shaded campsites with electricity and water and access to two bathhouses. Highlights of the park include the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum, fossil beach, 12 miles of trails, seasonal paddling tours on College Run Creek/James River, and the Jones-Stewart Mansion. Between a self-guided exploration of the more than 600 antiques that make up the seven-building museum, a docent-led tour of the antebellum plantation house, and outdoor recreation, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy during your camping trip.  

View photos of the campsites here. 

2. First Landing State Park

Campground at First Landing State Park

Just steps from the serene Chesapeake Bay shoreline and minutes from bustling Virginia Beach, camping at First Landing State Park means enjoying the sand and surf by day and stargazing by night. With hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and a variety of ranger-led programs to choose from, there is plenty to do before the sun goes down. The campground offers more than 100 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as multiple bathhouses, a laundry facility and a camp store. Start your camping adventures with a unique seaside overnight experience tucked away in a maritime forest at Virginia’s most-visited state park. 

View photos of the campsites here. 

3. Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother Lake at Hungry Mother State Park

One of the six original Virginia State Parks, and a long-time favorite, this picturesque spot is sure to grant a memorable camping trip - whether it’s the first or the fiftieth. Located just outside the town of Marion, Hungry Mother State Park offers 69 sites with electricity and water, including year-round camping in its Camp Burson campground. From boating and fishing on the 108-acre lake, hiking and biking the trails with vistas, seasonal swimming at the lake beach and a variety of interpretive programming, there is much to include on the camping trip agenda.  

View photos of the campsites here. 

4. Lake Anna State Park

Camping at Lake Anna State Park

With popular nature and gold panning programs and a beautiful lake setting, this park boasts rural charm just 20 minutes from the conveniences of the outskirts of Fredericksburg. In addition to 23 campsites with electric and water hookups, Lake Anna State Park is one of four parks that provide the unique camping cabin option. Whether you opt for a tent on a campsite or a bunk bed in one of the six simple camping cabins or the rustic bunkhouse, you can relax after a day of hiking, lake beach lounging, boating, fishing or fun park programs.  

View photos of the campsites here. 

5. Occoneechee State Park

Occoneechee State Park

If you are a boating enthusiast who would like to try camping, Occoneechee State Park is a great place to start. Providing access to the John H. Kerr Reservoir, better known as Buggs Island Lake, this park is located just across the bridge from Clarksville. The 38 shaded electric/water campsites (several with water views) and multiple bathhouses offer guests a comfortable, tranquil lakeside stay. Two of the three yurts and the bunkhouse provide electricity on site; water, restroom and shower facilities are available at the bathhouses. Play all day on the lake, trails or seasonal splash park, learn about Native American history at the visitor center and museum, and then unwind by the campfire at your cozy campsite.  

View photos of the campsites here. 

6. Pocahontas State Park

Camping at Pocahontas State Park

Just outside the capital city of Richmond, and a short 5-minute drive from anything you may need during your camping trip, is Virginia's largest state park. Pocahontas State Park is a convenient retreat for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Turn activities such as mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, seasonal aquatic center swimming, CCC Museum touring, concerts or ranger-led programs into a multi-day adventure with year-round overnight options. Choose from more than 100 electric/water campsites in two campgrounds with multiple bathhouses or opt for one of the six camping cabins.  

View photos of the campsites here. 

7. Shenandoah River State Park

Camping cabins at Shenandoah River State Park

A 15-minute drive from Front Royal, Shenandoah River State Park offers plenty of outdoor adventure with river access, 25 miles of trails and year-round camping. The electric/water campground offers more than 30 campsites, a bathhouse and four camping cabins. The stunning scenery, exciting recreation, cozy accommodations and interpretive programs, such as crafting, birding and Jr. Ranger programs, make this a great park for camping beginners. 

View photos of the campsites here. 

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Ready to plan your fall camping trip?

Reserve your stay at one of the 23 Virginia State Parks with electric/water campsites here.