Camping in Chesapeake, VA

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, look no further than the breathtaking campgrounds in Chesapeake, VA. With hundreds of sites for camping, you and your family will find yourselves telling ghost stories and making s’mores over the fire in no time.

Chesapeake Campground

Featuring over 100 campsites, Chesapeake Campground is an extensive camping site with a little bit of something for everyone.

For the kids, there’s a fun mini-golf course, hayrides, and pony rides. There’s also tennis and basketball courts if anyone is feeling up for a game, and a driving range for all the golfers. They even have canoe rentals if you want to get out on the water and bike rentals for those who prefer to stay on land. Finally, there’s an exercise room available, so even if you don’t feel like exercising outdoors, you don’t have to miss your workout while camping.

In addition to all of these activities, there’s a campground store that offers board games, CD, and book sharing for rainy days, along with a good stock of snacks, ice, and supplies. They also have souvenirs so you can always remember your time at Chesapeake Campground. And, if you have any shoppers in your group, they’ll be delighted to visit Markley’s Antiques, which is located right next door to the country store.

During your stay, be sure to check out the Garrett Plantation House, an elegant and unique venue for events. Offering a lovely outdoor space for weddings or family reunions, the historic plantation house can sleep up to 14 people and host up to 150 people for events.

Northwest River Park & Campground

Northwest River Park & Campground is situated on the banks of the Northwest River in Southeastern Chesapeake. With over 750 acres to explore, the park provides breathtaking natural beauty and lots of camping and recreational activities, like fishing and hiking. The campground offers 66 campsites and two rental cabins for those who want the joys of living in the great outdoors but simply can’t do with sleeping on the ground.

With a disc golf course, mini golf course, horseshoe pit, and volleyball nets, there’s plenty of fun to be had at this campground. There are even geocaching and boat rentals, so no one will be able to say they’re bored.

If stargazing is your thing, you’re in luck. Anyone is welcome to join the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers at their monthly SkyWatch at the Northwest River Park's Equestrian Area to discover and learn more about the night sky. Club members will be there to point out the planets, stars, galaxies, and more. This activity depends on the weather, of course, so be sure to call ahead.

Get Out and Explore

If you want to camp near Lake Drummond, within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll have to paddle to a rustic campsite via the feeder ditch. The campsite has firepits, grills, picnic tables, and screened-in sheds with tables, but you’ll have to bring your own drinking water and firewood. The primitive camping is well worth the seclusion you’ll enjoy here and the amazing view from the lake. To access the lake, use the spillway, it’s a short paddle to one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.