Most people think of New Kent County as a place you drive through on the way to somewhere else — Williamsburg, Richmond, the beach. But the county itself is surrounded by some of the best camping in eastern Virginia. The Chickahominy River and Chickahominy Lake form the western and southern boundaries, offering miles of waterfront campsites, fishing access, and quiet coves where the only sound is birdsong and lapping water.
Whether you're backing an RV into a full-hookup site, pitching a tent on the lake shore, or looking for primitive solitude in a 5,200-acre wildlife management area, New Kent County has a camping style for you. And the best part? Most of these campgrounds are within 20 minutes of grocery stores, wineries, and restaurants — so you don't have to rough it unless you want to.
Here is every campground and camping option near New Kent County worth knowing about, with honest details on amenities, access, and what makes each one special.
Ed Allen's Campground and Cottages
A family-owned 85-acre campground on Chickahominy Lake offering a full range of camping experiences. Choose from pull-through RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, sewer), shaded tent sites along the water, or cozy cottages with lake views. The campground features a swimming beach, boat ramp with direct lake access, fishing pier, playground, bathhouses, and a camp store. Pontoon boat rentals and live bait are available on-site through Ed Allen's Boats & Bait. Open daily from a half hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Peak season runs May through September, but the campground is open year-round with limited winter amenities.
- 85 acres on Chickahominy Lake
- Full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, and cottages
- Swimming beach and boat ramp
- Fishing pier and playground
- Pontoon rentals and live bait on site
- Year-round operation with seasonal amenities
Rockahock Campgrounds & RV Resort
A full-service RV resort on the Chickahominy River offering spacious pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups including 30/50 amp service. The resort features a swimming pool, clubhouse with game room, playground, volleyball court, planned activities on summer weekends, and a boat launch with river access. Rockahock is conveniently located just off I-64, making it a popular base camp for exploring the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) while enjoying the quiet of the Chickahominy River. Open March through November.
- Full-hookup RV sites with 30/50 amp service
- Swimming pool and clubhouse
- Summer weekend activities
- Boat launch on Chickahominy River
- Close to I-64 for Historic Triangle access
- March through November operation
Diascund Reservoir Park Camping
A peaceful county park near Lanexa built around the Diascund Reservoir. While primarily a day-use park with kayak launches, pier fishing, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, Diascund also offers primitive camping options for those seeking a quiet, rustic experience. The park is surrounded by mature trees and provides easy access to the reservoir for fishing and paddling. A great budget-friendly option for families who want to camp near water without the crowds of larger commercial campgrounds.
- Peaceful reservoir setting
- Kayak launches and pier fishing
- Playground and picnic shelters
- Primitive camping available
- Free access for day use
- Less crowded than commercial campgrounds
River's Rest Marina & Resort
Located on the James River just south of New Kent County, River's Rest offers RV sites with full hookups, cozy cabins, and a full-service marina. The resort is known for its peaceful riverfront setting, boat rentals, fishing charters, and a restaurant with riverside dining. It's a favorite among anglers and boaters who want to explore the James River while having comfortable accommodations. About a 20-minute drive from central New Kent County.
- James River waterfront setting
- RV sites and cabin rentals
- Full-service marina and boat rentals
- Fishing charters available
- Riverside restaurant on site
- 20 minutes from New Kent
Campgrounds Within 30 Minutes of New Kent
In addition to the campgrounds within New Kent County itself, several excellent options lie just across the county line in Charles City and James City County. These are close enough to make a weekend trip from any part of the county convenient — many are within a 20 to 30-minute drive.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Over 5,200 acres of woodlands and open areas along the Chickahominy River offering primitive camping for those who want a true back-to-nature experience. Permits are required for overnight camping, and the area operates on a pack-in/pack-out basis with no amenities. Campers can access the river for fishing and kayaking from soft launches along Morris Creek. The WMA is also open to hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Ideal for experienced campers who want solitude and raw Virginia wilderness.
- 5,200+ acres of wilderness
- Primitive camping by permit only
- Pack-in/pack-out — no amenities
- River access for fishing and kayaking
- Hiking and horseback riding trails
- Perfect for experienced campers seeking solitude
Williamsburg KOA
A full-service Kampground of America with tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals just 20 minutes east of New Kent County. Features include a swimming pool, bike rentals, a dog park, KampK9, mini-golf, and a jumping pillow. The campground offers free Wi-Fi, a camp store, and planned activities throughout the summer season. A great base camp for exploring both Williamsburg attractions and New Kent County wineries and outdoor activities.
- Tent sites, RV sites, and cabins
- Pool, mini-golf, and jumping pillow
- Dog park and bike rentals
- Planned summer activities
- 20 minutes from New Kent County
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
Anvil Campground
A 62-site campground in Williamsburg with a quiet, wooded atmosphere. Offers full-hookup RV sites and tent sites with clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a camp store. Conveniently located near Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and the Premium Outlets. About 25 minutes from New Kent County. Known for its friendly staff and well-maintained grounds.
- 62 sites in wooded setting
- Full-hookup RV and tent sites
- Clean bathhouses and laundry
- Near Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens
- 25 minutes from New Kent County
- Friendly, family-oriented atmosphere
Williamsburg RV and Camping Resort
A 145-site resort offering extensive amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, basketball and tennis courts, and a dog park. Pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups. The resort hosts seasonal events and activities for all ages. A premium camping experience less than 30 minutes from New Kent County.
- 145 sites with premium amenities
- Pool, hot tub, fitness center
- Basketball and tennis courts
- Dog park
- Seasonal events and activities
- Less than 30 minutes from New Kent
Camping Tips for New Kent County
Book Ahead for Summer Weekends
August is peak camping season around New Kent County. Ed Allen's Campground, Rockahock, and the Williamsburg KOA often fill up on summer weekends, especially when there's a major event at Colonial Downs or Busch Gardens. Book at least two weeks in advance for Friday and Saturday nights. Weekday camping is much easier to arrange and often comes with discounted rates.
Pack for Virginia Summer Weather
Virginia summers are hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular occurrence from June through August. Pack a rain fly, extra tarps, and plenty of drinking water. Morning temperatures near the water can be surprisingly cool — a light jacket or hoodie is worth bringing even in August. Bug spray is essential, especially near the Chickahominy River and lake areas where mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk.
Combine Camping with Local Attractions
One of the best things about camping near New Kent County is that you're never far from a winery, restaurant, or attraction. Many campgrounds are within 15 minutes of New Kent Winery, Jolene Family Winery, and Colonial Downs. You can spend the day wine tasting or at the horse races and return to your campsite for a campfire dinner. The Virginia Capital Trail is also easily accessible from several campgrounds for a morning bike ride before breaking camp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Near New Kent
What is the best campground on the water near New Kent?
Ed Allen's Campground on Chickahominy Lake is the top choice for waterfront camping. It offers tent sites right on the lake, full-hookup RV spots, and cottages with lake views. You can swim, fish, launch a boat, or rent a pontoon without ever leaving the property.
Are there RV parks with full hookups near New Kent?
Yes. Rockahock Campgrounds & RV Resort offers pull-through and back-in sites with 30/50 amp service, water, and sewer. River's Rest Marina & Resort on the James River also has full-hookup RV sites. Both are within a 20-minute drive of central New Kent County.
Can I go primitive camping near New Kent?
Yes. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area offers primitive camping by permit along the Chickahominy River. It is pack-in/pack-out with no amenities — suitable for experienced campers seeking solitude. Diascund Reservoir Park also offers primitive camping options in a quieter, family-friendly setting.
Is there glamping near New Kent County?
Ed Allen's Campground offers cozy cottages with lake views that provide a glamping-style experience — you get the waterfront location and camping atmosphere with a real bed and shelter. For more upscale options, Williamsburg KOA offers cabin rentals with amenities like air conditioning and kitchens, about 20 minutes from New Kent.
Which campgrounds are best for families with kids?
Williamsburg KOA stands out for families with its swimming pool, mini-golf, jumping pillow, and planned summer activities. Ed Allen's Campground is excellent for families who love water activities — the swimming beach, playground, and fishing pier keep kids entertained for hours. Rockahock offers a pool, clubhouse, and planned weekend activities.
Are there campgrounds open year-round near New Kent?
Ed Allen's Campground operates year-round with limited winter amenities. Williamsburg KOA and Anvil Campground have extended seasons but may have reduced services in winter. Rockahock is open March through November. Check individual campground websites for current off-season availability.
