There's a certain charm to the backroads of Virginia's Tidewater region. It’s a place where the pace slows down, where you can find farm stands selling fresh peaches by the side of the road, and where the air carries the faint, briny scent of the nearby Atlantic. As you travel this corridor, maybe weaving your way between the historic triangle of Williamsburg and the sandy shores of the Outer Banks, the need for a good, reliable place to handle your RV chores is always there. This is where a place like Chesapeake Campground comes in. Located on George Washington Highway just south of the main town, this isn't a flashy, corporate travel center. Instead, it offers a classic, family-run campground experience, with the incredibly valuable bonus of an RV dump station that’s open not just to their overnight guests, but to transient travelers like us who are just passing through.
Finding a spot like this feels like being let in on a local secret. It’s not about bright lights and automated kiosks; it’s about a quieter, more personal touch. Chesapeake itself is a fascinating area, straddling the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. From the campground, you get a front-row seat to the steady parade of maritime traffic, from sailboats to barges, all without the overwhelming crowds and traffic you’ll find just a short drive away in Virginia Beach. It gives you a chance to breathe and just enjoy the coastal atmosphere. And for the nature lovers among us, this location is an absolute dream. Just ten miles to the southwest lies the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Don't let the name fool you; this place is breathtakingly beautiful. We’re talking about 113,000 acres of protected wilderness, with dark, tannin-stained black-water canals, towering cypress trees with their unique "knees" poking out of the water, and an incredible amount of wildlife. It's a paradise for kayakers, cyclists, and photographers. You could spend days exploring its trails and waterways, and you might even be lucky enough to spot a black bear.
Having your RV base at Chesapeake Campground puts all of this within easy reach. You can spend a day paddling through the swamp, head east for some ocean waves, or just meander along the scenic backroads, enjoying the rural landscape. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The experience of using the dump station at a private campground like this is worlds away from a busy interstate stop. The dump lane is typically situated right inside the main campground loop, which means you’re in a private, unhurried environment. There’s no pressure, no rush. The staff at these smaller, independent parks are often the owners themselves, and they tend to be incredibly helpful. They’ll usually guide first-timers right to the sewer inlet and can also point you to the on-site propane station. This is a huge convenience. Being able to empty your tanks and refill your LP gas cylinders without having to relocate the rig is a massive time-saver. Another wonderful perk of these campground stops is the camp store. You won't just find sewer chemicals and RV toilet paper; you'll often find local honey, fresh eggs, or homemade ice cream. It's these little touches that make the stop feel less like a chore and more like a pleasant part of the journey.
Let's look at the amenities that matter to us on the road. The water and rinse hose setup is exactly what you need, with plenty of water pressure to do a thorough job of flushing out the "stinky slinky" before you have to pack it away. The on-site propane fill station is a major plus, especially if you’re heading to more remote areas like the Outer Banks where services can be sparse. It’s a great feeling to hit the road knowing your refrigerator and water heater will run for weeks. For those of us who spend a lot of time boondocking or staying at Harvest Hosts locations, the availability of showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities is a game-changer. It’s a chance to take a long, hot shower and get all your laundry done, completely resetting your hygiene and comfort levels.
The sites themselves offer full hookups, with shore power up to 50 amps. In the thick of a Virginia summer, with its legendary humidity, being able to run both of your air conditioning units without a second thought is not a luxury, it's a necessity. And for those of us who travel with our four-legged family members, this campground is a great option. They are pet-welcoming and even have a shaded dog-walk area near the office, giving your pup a safe and comfortable place to stretch their legs.
The cost for using the dump station as a pass-through visitor wasn't explicitly listed, which is common for smaller parks. Many reviewers and frequent visitors have reported that the privilege is often included if you stay overnight. For those just stopping for the dump, there is typically a modest fee. Your absolute best bet is to do what seasoned RVers always do: call ahead. A quick phone call will get you the latest rates, confirm they have time and space for you, and clarify what payment options they prefer. A lot of small, independent parks are old-school and might prefer cash for a quick dump-and-go transaction, so it’s always good to have some greenbacks on hand. Even with a small fee, the value here is outstanding. When you factor in the convenience of getting propane at the same stop, it’s a solid deal.
For a smooth visit, try to arrive before dusk. The Tidewater region is known for its fog, which can roll in and obscure the campground signage, making it tricky to navigate in the dark. As you drive through the campground, take it slow and be mindful of the beautiful, mature pine trees. Their low-hanging branches can be a hazard for roof-mounted air conditioners and antennas.
In conclusion, if you're an RVer exploring that beautiful stretch of coastal Virginia between the Outer Banks and the historic sites of Williamsburg, Chesapeake Campground is a fantastic find. It offers a relaxed, friendly, and tree-lined alternative to the noisy and impersonal travel centers. It’s the perfect place to take care of your RV’s needs while enjoying a moment of peace. It pairs full-service hookups with easy access to incredible natural wonders like the Great Dismal Swamp and the salty air of the Atlantic. It’s a true road-warrior-approved stop.
693 George Washington Hwy S, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 485-0149
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
chesapeakecampgroundva.com