Great Places for RV Camping in NC and VA

Kate and I have a small travel trailer we bought used, and have stayed in many different campgrounds. Here is a very brief review of some of our favorites, along with a link to the homepage of each. All of these have at least a few sites with electrical hookups, and some have on-site water spigots (those that don't, of course, have a place to fill your water tank). Some of these have equestrian camping and trails. I recommend making a reservation in advance. There are many campgrounds we have not visited, especially in Virginia, mostly due to distance from our home. However, I will add to this list as we visit new sites.

STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Location: Roaring Gap, NC

Key features:

• Extensive trail network
• Spectacular views of Stone Mountain and the surrounding countryside
• Stunning waterfalls
• A restored farmstead
• One of the nicest campgrounds we have visited, with paved sites and beautiful surroundings

MEDOC MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Location: Hollister, NC

Key features:

• A nice trail network
• Abundant wildflowers in the spring
• A wide creek that runs through the park (canoeing and kayaking permitted)
• A large field perfect for stargazing, and where occasional astronomy programs are held

STAUNTON RIVER STATE PARK
Location: Scottsburg, VA

Key features:

• An extensive trail network
• A nice pool
• Great river views

HAGAN-STONE PARK
Location: Pleasant Garden, NC

Key features:

• A good trail network
• Several scenic ponds
• A very nice pool
• A fantastic playground
• Convenient access to activities in Greensboro, NC
• Note that the campground is a bit rustic

NEWPORT NEWS PARK
Location: Newport News, VA

Key features:

• A good trail network
• A large lake with trails and boardwalk, ideal for viewing birds, turtles, ducks, and other wildlife.
• Convenient access to Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Virginia Air & Space Center and many other attractions.

POCAHONTAS STATE PARK
Location: Chesterfield, VA (near Richmond)

Key features:

• Many miles of hiking trails
• Pretty lakes with rental boats and wildlife viewing
• A small but very nice nature center and museum
• Convenient to all the great attractions in the Richmond area

FIRST LANDING STATE PARK
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Key features:

• A beautiful undeveloped beach on the Chesapeake Bay with calm waters for swimming
• Convenient access to the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Zoo, downtown Norfolk, Cape Henry Lighthouse and other attractions.
• Nice trail network through cypress swamps, forests, open lands and more

MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Location: Albemarle, NC

Key features:

• A good trail network (Rocks Trail is our favorite, taking you down to a rock formation by the river)
• A scenic overlook at the top of the mountain, to which you can hike or drive
• Swimming pool!
• Canoes available for rent at the river
• Close to Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake and the Yadkin River
• One hour from the NC Zoo

KERR LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA

Location: Vance County, NC (near Henderson)

Key features:

• 7 different campgrounds around a vast lake
• Numerous conveniently located boat ramps
• Many lakefront campsites
• Some of the campgrounds have designated swim areas, but no lifeguards
• A couple of short hiking trails at some of the campgrounds
• Sunsets, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

Location: Carolina Beach, NC (near Wilmington)

Key features:

• RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
• Boat ramp and marina on-site
• Several miles of hiking trails through unique coastal habitat
• Conveniently located to all the sites and activities in Wilmington, NC
• Close to undeveloped beach at Fort Fisher State Historic Site
• Close to the Fort Fisher Aquarium
• Convenient to public beach access points (with parking) at Carolina Beach

JONES LAKE STATE PARK

Location: Bladen County, NC (near Elizabethtown)

Key features:

• A good network of flat, easy trails
• Lake for swimming, canoeing and boating
• Canoes for rent, in season
• Sand, pine trees, baldcypress and sunsets over the lake
• As of our last visit, the campground has only 1 site with electrical hookup. We were informed that additional electric sites will be added in 2017, which will result in temporary campground closures during construction.

FAIRYSTONE STATE PARK

Location: Stuart, VA

Key features:

• Several miles of trails through rolling countryside
• Lake for swimming, canoeing and boating
• Swim beach on the lake
• A short drive to Philpott Lake, with swimming, boating, fishing, etc.