Motorhome Parks In Surry, Virginia -- Historic River Camping
37.1379° N, 76.8352° W
Quick Overview
Surry sits along the James River in southeastern Virginia, where colonial history meets modern motorhome convenience. This quiet riverside community offers direct access to Jamestown Island and the Historic Triangle, putting you at the heart of America's founding story. The ferry crossing from Scotland Wharf to Jamestown creates a unique camping experience – you can literally watch ships pass your campsite while planning tomorrow's historical adventures.
Surry's camping scene includes several motorhome parks, with some offering free access to budget-conscious travelers. Both parks cater to full-hookup camping, making this an ideal base for extended stays while exploring the region. The area specializes in family-friendly parks with modern amenities, though you won't find primitive or wild camping options within the town limits.
From your campsite here, you're positioned perfectly for day trips to Colonial Williamsburg (45 minutes), Busch Gardens (50 minutes), and the Jamestown Settlement. The James River provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities right from town, while the nearby Chippokes Plantation State Park offers hiking trails and beach access. Many RVers use Surry as their home base for exploring the entire Historic Triangle without dealing with Williamsburg's tourist traffic and higher camping costs.
This area works best for RVers who want full amenities and easy access to major attractions. The parks here focus on comfort over wilderness experience – think swimming pools, WiFi, and clean bathhouses rather than secluded forest sites. Families particularly appreciate the safe, quiet atmosphere and proximity to educational attractions.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and manageable crowds at nearby attractions. Summer brings heat and humidity typical of Tidewater Virginia, while winter stays mild enough for year-round camping. The shoulder seasons provide the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable accommodation rates throughout the region.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Surry
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All Dump Stations Near Surry
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Lions - Site 10 | 4.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pipsico Waterfront | 5.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| A Loop Campground | 5.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Poole's Mobile Home Park | 7.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Skyanchor Campground | 8.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Idlewild | 8.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Chickahominy Riverfront Park | 9.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Campground | 9.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thornton Farm | 10.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Carter's Cove Campground | 13.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Camp Lions - Site 10
4.9 miPipsico Waterfront
5.1 miA Loop Campground
5.2 miPoole's Mobile Home Park
7.9 miSkyanchor Campground
8.5 miCamp Idlewild
8.5 miChickahominy Riverfront Park
9.0 miCampground
9.2 miThornton Farm
10.4 miCarter's Cove Campground
13.1 miTraveling to Surry by RV
Getting to Surry involves scenic country roads that make the drive part of the experience. From I-64, take Exit 211 toward Route 10 East, then follow Route 31 South directly into town. This route takes you through rolling farmland and past several historic plantations, giving you a preview of the area's colonial heritage.
The Scotland-Jamestown Ferry provides a unique approach if you're coming from the Williamsburg area. This free ferry runs every 30 minutes during daylight hours and accommodates RVs up to 65 feet. The 15-minute crossing offers great photo opportunities and eliminates the need to navigate through heavy tourist traffic in Williamsburg.
Route 31 through Surry handles large RVs without issues, though the roads are typical two-lane Virginia highways with occasional tight turns near historic sites. Plan fuel stops in either Williamsburg or Hopewell, as Surry's gas stations are limited. The Food Lion in town provides basic groceries, but serious provisioning works better in nearby Smithfield or Williamsburg.
Watch for slow-moving farm equipment during harvest season (late summer through fall). The area's rural nature means cell service can be spotty between towns, so download offline maps before heading out to explore the back roads around Chippokes Plantation State Park.
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Dump Station Costs in Surry
Nightly rates in Surry typically run $35-55 for full hookup sites, positioning this area as a mid-range camping destination. Premium waterfront sites command the higher end of this range, while standard sites with full service pitch start around $35-40 per night. Currently, a portion% of the area's several parks offer free camping, with a portion% charging fees for their services.
Seasonal pricing variations are minimal compared to nearby tourist areas like Williamsburg. Summer rates might increase $5-10 per night, but you'll avoid the dramatic price swings seen at parks closer to major attractions. Extended stay discounts become available for weekly or monthly bookings, making this an affordable base for exploring the entire Historic Triangle.
Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide modest discounts at participating parks. Harvest Hosts doesn't have locations directly in Surry, but several options exist within 30 minutes for those seeking unique overnight experiences.
Grocery costs run slightly higher than urban areas due to limited competition, but fuel prices stay competitive with state averages. The biggest savings come from using Surry as your base instead of staying in Williamsburg, where camping costs can double during peak season while offering similar access to the same attractions.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Surry
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Best Time to Visit Surry by RV
Winter
December-February
35-55°F
Crowds: Low
Mild winter weather allows comfortable camping, though some attractions reduce hours. Ferry runs on limited schedule.
Spring
March-May
55-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Perfect weather for outdoor activities. Book ahead for weekends as families start planning Historic Triangle visits.
Summer
June-August
70-85°F
Crowds: High
Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Peak tourist season means higher rates and advance reservations essential.
Fall
September-November
50-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Ideal camping weather with beautiful foliage. School groups visit frequently, but evenings remain peaceful.
Explore the Surry Area
Both Motorhome parks in Surry offer solid amenities, but the choice often comes down to your priorities – waterfront views versus proximity to town services. The James River location provides better fishing access and sunset views, while the inland option typically offers more shade and easier access to grocery shopping.
Boondockers should look toward Chippokes Plantation State Park, about 15 minutes east, which offers more primitive camping options in a beautiful riverside setting. This state park provides a completely different experience from Surry's commercial parks, with hiking trails and historical interpretation programs.
Surrey House Restaurant serves excellent Southern comfort food and welcomes motorhome travelers – their parking lot can accommodate most rigs for lunch stops. For supplies, the Food Lion covers basics, but serious grocery shopping works better at the Harris Teeter in Smithfield (20 minutes west).
Don't miss the sunset views from the James River waterfront, particularly near the ferry landing. The area offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during golden hour when the light hits the water. Dogs are welcome at most outdoor attractions, and the ferry ride provides a fun experience for pets who enjoy car rides.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Surry
What are the best motorhome campgrounds in Surry?
Surry offers two quality motorhome parks, both providing full service pitch and modern amenities. The choice typically depends on whether you prefer waterfront views with James River access or a more wooded setting with easier town access. Both parks maintain good ratings for cleanliness and customer service.
Is there free motorhome camping near Surry?
Currently no free motorhome camping exists within Surry itself, but Chippokes Plantation State Park about 15 minutes away offers more affordable primitive camping options. For true wild camping, you'll need to travel further to national forest lands or look into Harvest Hosts locations in the broader region.
Can I take the Jamestown Ferry with my motorhome?
Yes, the Scotland-Jamestown Ferry accommodates RVs up to 65 feet and runs free of charge every 30 minutes during daylight hours. This provides a scenic alternative route to Jamestown and eliminates the need to drive through Williamsburg traffic. The 15-minute crossing offers excellent photo opportunities.
What attractions can I reach from Surry Motorhome parks?
From Surry, you're within an hour of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battlefield, and Busch Gardens. The James River provides immediate fishing and boating opportunities, while Chippokes Plantation State Park offers hiking trails and historical programs. Many visitors use Surry as a quieter base for exploring the entire Historic Triangle.
What is the best time of year to camp in Surry?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and manageable crowds at nearby attractions. April through May and September through October provide ideal temperatures for outdoor activities without summer's heat and humidity. Winter camping remains viable due to mild Tidewater Virginia temperatures.
What are the best motorhome campgrounds in Surry?
Surry offers two quality motorhome parks, both providing full service pitch and modern amenities. The choice typically depends on whether you prefer waterfront views with James River access or a more wooded setting with easier town access. Both parks maintain good ratings for cleanliness and customer service.
Is there free motorhome camping near Surry?
Currently no free motorhome camping exists within Surry itself, but Chippokes Plantation State Park about 15 minutes away offers more affordable primitive camping options. For true wild camping, you'll need to travel further to national forest lands or look into Harvest Hosts locations in the broader region.
Can I take the Jamestown Ferry with my motorhome?
Yes, the Scotland-Jamestown Ferry accommodates RVs up to 65 feet and runs free of charge every 30 minutes during daylight hours. This provides a scenic alternative route to Jamestown and eliminates the need to drive through Williamsburg traffic. The 15-minute crossing offers excellent photo opportunities.
What attractions can I reach from Surry Motorhome parks?
From Surry, you're within an hour of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battlefield, and Busch Gardens. The James River provides immediate fishing and boating opportunities, while Chippokes Plantation State Park offers hiking trails and historical programs. Many visitors use Surry as a quieter base for exploring the entire Historic Triangle.
What is the best time of year to camp in Surry?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and manageable crowds at nearby attractions. April through May and September through October provide ideal temperatures for outdoor activities without summer's heat and humidity. Winter camping remains viable due to mild Tidewater Virginia temperatures.
Are there free dump stations in Surry?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Surry.
All Dump Stations Near Surry (106)
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