- Williamsburg
Popular camping styles for Williamsburg
Yurts near Williamsburg guide
Overview
Famous for its historical importance, Williamsburg sits high on the Virginia Peninsula between James River and York River. Campers spend days experiencing stories of daily life of the early English colonists, Revolutionary War military and militia practices, and can see where America’s founders lived, wrote, worked, and legislated. Being a coastal area, Williamsburg’s natural estuaries, marshes, woodlands, and coastline host a breadth of campsites like RV sites in state parks, primitive campsites where soldiers once camped, or cabins that once housed barracks. Enjoy opportunities to fish, swim, boat, and hike in lush parks like York River State Park or Chippokes State Park, and become immersed in the past at Colonial National Historical Park.
Where to go
York River State Park
York River State Park is a day-use park situated around the York River estuary, where salty seawater and fresh river water meet to create unique landscapes of mashes and woodlands. Though there’s no camping in the park, nearby options range from tent camping and RV campsites with potable water, electrical hookups, and composting facilities, to cabin rentals with fire rings and grills. Some sites offer wifi if needed. Back in the park, campers can hike and mountain bike trails or bring horses to ride on designated trails. With the proper license, campers can fish on the shore, from docks, or from canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats rented nearby. Of special interest are the moonlight canoe tours in the park, where campers are led through the marshes during clear nights when the moon shines.
Chippokes State Park
Chippokes State Park has opportunities for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating along pristine waters, and equestrian trails with designated water-equipped horse-trailer parking—campers will want to bring along each horse’s negative Coggins report. Campers staying inside the park have access to tent and RV campsites, both primitive and sites with water and electrical hookups. Some RVers will be able to reserve longer paved pads and pull-through sites. Each site comes with a fire ring with firewood for sale in the park. One-, two-, and three-bedroom cabin rentals equipped with heating and AC, a stocked kitchen, ADA-accessible entrances and bathrooms, and a variety of bed sizes are also available. If visiting between March and December, stay at a modern yurt tucked into shaded woods with a deck and patio table, plus fire rings with cooking grates.
Colonial National Historical Park
Pet- and family-friendly RV, tent, and cabin campsites nearby make it easy to explore Colonial Williamsburg, a popular tourist site, to learn about the beginnings of the United States. Campsites with electrical hookups, potable water, and fire rings and grills serve as home base for a day of touring the royal governor's palace, gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s foundations, and exploring art museums full of colonial art. Recreationists preserve and interpret the significant history of sites like the original Jamestown colony or revolution-era Yorktown. Bring your own tent or RV, or stay at campsites with family-sized tents suspended from the trees.
When to go
With parks and attractions open year-round, Williamsburg’s popularity remains consistent. Summer temps in the 80s are perfect for spending time in and on the water, but campers might consider a fall trip, where leaves changing colors add to the mystery and beauty of colonial recreations. Mild temperatures and low humidity result in days getting no hotter than 70°F in September and October, with 50°F nights allowing for comfortable camping outdoors in tents or on sleeping pads out under the stars.
