Campsite

For outdoor enthusiasts and families across Virginia, the campground at Pocahontas State Park is a renowned destination that offers far more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV. As the largest state park in Virginia, Pocahontas spans nearly 8,000 acres of protected woodland, lakes, and wetlands, providing a comprehensive outdoor experience just a short drive from Richmond. The campground itself is perfectly situated to serve as a basecamp for exploring the park’s immense offerings, particularly its famous network of trails.

This highly-rated campground is celebrated by campers for its spacious and well-maintained sites. Reviews consistently highlight the generous room between campsites, the level nature of the parking pads, and the abundance of natural shade, ensuring a comfortable and private stay regardless of whether you choose a wooded tent spot or a concrete RV pad. The grounds are often described as “immaculate,” reflecting the high standards of maintenance expected from a Virginia State Park facility. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed into a friendly, well-organized environment focused on safe and memorable family recreation.

The primary draw for many is the direct and easy access to the park’s legendary trail system, which features over 90 miles of multi-use paths. For mountain bikers in particular, the campground is a huge bonus—it sits adjacent to trailheads for the Morgan, Swift Creek, and Lakeview mountain biking trail systems, recognized as some of the best flow and single-track riding in the Commonwealth. Combining this extensive trail network with a huge Aquatic Center, serene lake access, and modern camping amenities makes the Pocahontas State Park Campground a cornerstone of Virginia's outdoor life.

It is important to heed the advice from experienced campers: while the sites are generally immaculate, being prepared for the natural environment is key. Campers note the presence of poison ivy, especially in the summer and fall months, so proper trail awareness is advised. The friendly staff work hard to keep the site clean, with centrally located bathhouses that are generally well-maintained.

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The campground is located within the vast expanse of Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County, Virginia, a location that is both deeply forested and highly accessible. The specific campground loop is near the park’s main activity hubs.

The official address for the park is 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832. However, the campsite loop is located near the End Loop of the campground area itself. This location is strategically excellent, situated just 20 miles south of Richmond, making it an extremely convenient retreat for residents of the state capital and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Access is simple via major highways, typically involving an exit from I-95 onto VA-288 or Route 10, and then following local roads into the park entrance. Once inside, the campground is equipped for all visitors:

• The facilities, including the bathhouses, are designed to be Wheelchair Accessible.
• Designated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lots are available at various points within the park, ensuring ease of access to the main park features.
• The RV and tent sites themselves are generally flat and level, making setup easier for everyone.
• On-site Parking is provided directly at each campsite, accommodating the required two vehicles plus the camping unit.

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The Pocahontas State Park Campground provides a variety of amenities and utilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay, focusing on a balance between nature and necessary comfort.

• Campsite Utilities: All 132 single-family campsites are equipped for both RV and Tent campers, featuring individual RV Electric Hookup (offering 20, 30, and 50-amp current) and RV Water Hookup (potable/drinkable running water) directly at the site. Note that the park has a central dump station, as there are no sewer hookups at the individual sites.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each individual site includes a Picnic Table and a fire ring with a cooking grill, enabling outdoor dining and campfires. Designated tent spots are often leveled and cleared.
• Restroom and Laundry Facilities: Campers benefit from centrally located, clean Public Restroom and Public Shower facilities (bathhouses) with hot water. However, the campground only has one laundry facility, which is a minor inconvenience noted by some long-term visitors.
• Supplies: Guests can purchase essentials and souvenirs at the Gift Store located at the park front office and a Small Camp Store within the campground area. Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store or at honor system wood huts placed around the park for a nominal fee.
• Payments: A standard Camping Fee is required for overnight stays.
• Pet Policy: The campground is Dogs Allowed, welcoming pets provided they adhere to park rules, such as being on a leash no longer than six feet when not in an enclosed area.

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Pocahontas State Park Campground distinguishes itself with its world-class trail system and extensive recreational facilities.

• Premier Mountain Biking: The park boasts over 90 miles of trails, including more than 44 miles of single-track mountain biking trails across three major systems (Morgan, Swift Creek, and Lakeview). These trails are designed for every level of rider, from beginners on smooth flow trails to experts tackling technical singletrack, and are a major draw for the region's mountain biking community.
• Aquatic Center: A huge, modern Aquatic Center (open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day) features an Olympic-size swimming pool, a children’s splash pad, a toddler pool, and tubular water slides, providing an exceptional option for water recreation besides the lake. Overnight campers often receive complimentary or discounted access.
• Lake Activities: Campers have access to Swift Creek Lake and Beaver Lake for activities like canoeing, kayaking, paddle boats, and fishing. Boat rentals are available seasonally. Note that gas-powered motors are prohibited, though electric motors are allowed.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The site is rated as Good for Kids, offering the extensive trail network, the aquatic center, and designated play areas (though the playground was noted as closed by one reviewer, the facilities are generally present).
• Diverse Lodging Options: Beyond the 132 spacious RV and Tent Sites, the park also offers other unique accommodations, including yurts, camping cabins, three-bedroom cabins, and a large lodge, catering to groups of all sizes and preferences.
• Hiking and Equestrian Trails: In addition to mountain biking, the trail system supports miles of dedicated Hiking Trails and horseback riding trails, ensuring diverse recreational opportunities in the beautiful forest landscape.

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For more information, reservations, or to check on the current status of the mountain bike trails and Aquatic Center, Virginia locals can use the following details:

Campground Name: Pocahontas State Park Campground

Address: 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832, USA

Phone: (804) 796-4255

Email: Pocahontas@dcr.virginia.gov

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Pocahontas State Park Campground is the ideal choice for Virginia residents seeking a highly active, amenity-rich camping experience near the Richmond metropolitan area.

• MTB Mecca: The single greatest reason to choose this campground is its unrivaled access to the best and most extensive mountain biking trail system in Central Virginia. Being able to step directly out of your campsite onto a diverse network of world-class flow and technical trails is a feature few other campgrounds in the region can match.
• Ultimate Family Fun: The presence of the huge seasonal Aquatic Center and the various activities available on Swift Creek Lake (boating, canoeing, fishing) ensures that every member of the family, from toddlers to teens, will have engaging recreational options throughout their stay.
• Superior Site Quality: Campers consistently praise the flat, spacious, and well-shaded campsites. The inclusion of water, electricity, a fire ring with a grill, and a picnic table at every site means minimal hassle and maximum comfort upon arrival.
• Clean and Secure State Park Environment: As a Virginia State Park, it guarantees professional management, high cleanliness standards for bathhouses and grounds, and a secure environment, providing peace of mind for all visitors.

For campers who value space, convenience, and direct access to both land and water-based recreational activities—especially mountain biking—Pocahontas State Park Campground is simply the best basecamp option near Richmond.

Campsite

End Loop, Chesterfield, VA 23832, USA