A Loop Campground

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For Virginians seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and deep-rooted history, A Loop Campground within Chippokes State Park in Surry offers an unparalleled camping experience. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of America's oldest continuously farmed plantations, directly across the James River from historic Jamestown. A Loop Campground provides a peaceful and well-maintained base from which to explore centuries of Virginia's past, all while enjoying the tranquility of a state park setting.

Visitors consistently praise A Loop Campground for its quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and the exceptional helpfulness of its staff. It offers a refreshing alternative to more crowded destinations, allowing for a truly relaxing escape. Whether you're a history buff eager to walk the grounds of a 17th-century plantation, a family looking for educational and fun activities, or simply someone who appreciates clean facilities and a friendly face, A Loop Campground at Chippokes State Park promises a memorable and enriching outdoor adventure right here in Virginia.

A Loop Campground is nestled within the sprawling Chippokes State Park, located in Surry, VA 23883, USA. This strategic location places it on the south side of the James River, directly across from the historically significant Jamestown Island. Its position offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to some of Virginia's most iconic historical triangle attractions.

For Virginians, reaching Chippokes State Park, and by extension A Loop Campground, often involves a delightful and memorable journey. One of the most charming aspects of accessibility is the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which provides a scenic and relaxing ride across the James River, connecting Surry County to Jamestown and the Williamsburg area. This ferry ride adds a unique element to your trip and is frequently highlighted as a fun part of the experience by visitors. For those driving from Richmond, Virginia Beach, or other parts of the state, the drive to the ferry terminal or directly to Surry County is straightforward, leading to a serene and historic countryside. The park roads are well-maintained, leading directly to the campground loops. The proximity to both the historic attractions of the Colonial Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) and the natural beauty of the James River makes A Loop Campground an ideal central base for exploring a vast and significant region of Virginia.

A Loop Campground, as part of Chippokes State Park, provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its guests. The campground is well-regarded for its clean and functional amenities, catering primarily to tent and RV campers.

• Campsites: A Loop offers campsites that are generally described as level and spacious, particularly compared to some other state park options. Sites are typically equipped with water and electric hookups (30/20/15 Amp, with some 50 Amp available), picnic tables, and fire rings. While originally designed for tents, some sites have been adapted to accommodate campers/RVs, often retaining a level tent area as well. Loop A is known for being shadier, making it a good choice for tent campers, and also includes a group camping area for tents only (no electric hookup, one water spigot, maximum 24 people).
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and functionality of the bathhouses. A Loop has its own bathhouse with showers and restrooms, which are kept in excellent condition, a credit to the site as noted by reviewers. Loop B also has a bathhouse which is slightly newer and includes laundry facilities and an outdoor dishwashing sink.
• Water and Electric Hookups: All campsites in both Loop A and Loop B are equipped with water and electric hookups, providing essential conveniences for both RV and tent campers.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased on-site at the campground for a nominal fee per bundle, ensuring campers have access to fuel for their campfires.
• ADA Accessibility: The bathhouse in Loop B is noted as ADA-accessible, and there are likely accessible campsites available as well, though specific site details should be confirmed when booking.
• Camp Host: The presence of a friendly and helpful camp host is frequently highlighted by visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment and assistance when needed.
• Pet-Friendly: Like most Virginia State Parks, Chippokes State Park is generally pet-friendly. Pets are typically welcome on leashes in the campground, though specific rules and restrictions should always be reviewed on the Virginia State Parks website.

Chippokes State Park, and by extension A Loop Campground, is rich with unique features and highlights that set it apart as a premier Virginia camping destination.

• Historic Plantation Setting: One of the most compelling features is its location on Chippokes Plantation, one of America's oldest continuously farmed plantations, dating back to 1619. This offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into centuries of Virginia and American history.
• Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum: An open-air museum within the park showcases a vast collection of antique farming, forestry, and household machinery and tools, providing a fascinating glimpse into rural life through the ages. It's often highlighted as a must-visit attraction for families.
• Jones-Stewart Mansion and Gardens: Visitors can tour the antebellum mansion (built 1854) and stroll through formal gardens, offering insights into plantation life and architecture. The park also features the River House (1830) and the oldest structure, the Walnut Valley House (1770).
• James River Beach and Fossil Hunting: The park boasts a sandy beach along the James River, popular for swimming, relaxing, and notably, fossil and shark teeth hunting. Visitors often enjoy sifting through the sand for these ancient treasures.
• Free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry: The complimentary ferry ride across the James River to Jamestown Island and the Williamsburg area is a delightful and unique mode of transport, adding to the adventure of visiting the park and its surrounding historical sites.
• Quiet and Tranquil Environment: Despite being within a popular state park, A Loop Campground is often described as very quiet, providing a peaceful retreat. Reviewers specifically noted being "the only ones in the loop" even when the website indicated more availability, suggesting a truly serene experience.
• Access to Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features various trails for hiking and biking, including the Chippoax Trace Trail, which follows a historic 17th-century road, offering scenic views and a unique historical perspective.
• Park Pool: Chippokes State Park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is a great amenity for cooling off during warmer months (check seasonal operation).
• Diverse Wildlife: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, from various bird species to deer and other forest creatures.

As a Virginia State Park campground, A Loop Campground's pricing and availability are managed through the Virginia State Parks reservation system. While specific "promotions" for A Loop Campground itself aren't typically advertised as daily deals, Virginia State Parks often have general offers that campers can take advantage of:

• Virginia State Parks Loyalty Program: The DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) offers a loyalty program where visitors can earn points for stays and redeem them for future discounts or free nights. This is an excellent way for frequent Virginia State Park campers to save.
• Off-Peak Season Rates: Camping rates often vary by season, with lower prices available during the off-peak months (e.g., late fall, winter, early spring). A Loop Campground is open from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December, offering a long season for potential savings.
• Extended Stay Discounts: While not always explicitly advertised for individual campgrounds, some state park systems offer slight reductions for longer consecutive stays (e.g., weekly rates), though this should be confirmed during the booking process.
• Gift Certificates: Virginia State Parks offers gift certificates that can be purchased and used for accommodations, including camping, providing a flexible way to save or give the gift of camping.
• Military Discounts: Virginia State Parks often provide discounts for active duty military personnel and veterans. It's always worth inquiring about any available military or first responder discounts during booking.

For the most current information on rates, availability, and any specific park-wide promotions, it is highly recommended to visit the Virginia State Parks official reservation website (reservevaparks.com) or call their central reservation line. Campsites can typically be reserved up to 11 months in advance.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about A Loop Campground within Chippokes State Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: Chippokes State Park, Surry, VA 23883, USA (A Loop Campground is located within this park.)

Park Contact Phone: (757) 294-3728

Email: chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov (for general park inquiries)

For Reservations (highly recommended):

Virginia State Parks Reservation Center: 1-800-933-PARK (7275)

Online Reservations: Visit the Virginia State Parks official website (dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/reservations) to check availability and book your campsite. Reservations are advised, especially for weekends and during peak seasons.

For Virginians, A Loop Campground at Chippokes State Park is an exceptionally suitable and enriching destination for an outdoor getaway right in their backyard. Its unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities makes it a standout choice for residents across the Commonwealth. The opportunity to camp on a continually farmed plantation dating back to 1619 offers a direct, tangible connection to Virginia's storied past, providing an educational and fascinating experience that few other campgrounds can match. Exploring the Farm and Forestry Museum, touring the mansion, or even searching for shark teeth on the James River beach offers distinct activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Beyond the history, the campground itself provides a serene and comfortable escape. Reviews consistently highlight the spacious, level sites and the clean, well-maintained bathhouses, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free stay. The friendly and helpful park staff further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making visitors feel truly at home. Furthermore, the charming and free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry ride adds an element of adventure and nostalgia to the journey, making access from the more populous areas of Virginia both convenient and enjoyable. A Loop Campground at Chippokes State Park allows Virginians to truly appreciate the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of their own state, offering a tranquil, educational, and fun-filled camping experience without the need for extensive travel. It's a perfect local spot to create lasting family memories while immersing yourselves in the beauty and history that define Virginia.

A Loop Campground

Surry, VA 23883, USA