Driving I-95 through Virginia? Here's where to stop, stay, and actually enjoy yourself — including one private campground that road trippers keep discovering by accident.
Virginia's stretch of I-95 runs 178 miles from the North Carolina border to the Potomac River — and for most drivers, it's just something to get through. But if you know where to look, the corridor between Richmond and Washington D.C. hides some of the best camping in the Mid-Atlantic.
Here's a practical guide to the best camping options along I-95 in Virginia, from state park pull-offs to a private members-only community that road trippers keep stumbling into.
1. Pocahontas State Park (Exit 61, Chesterfield)
Just south of Richmond off Exit 61, Pocahontas State Park offers over 150 campsites in a 7,950-acre forest. It's well-maintained, family-friendly, and surprisingly uncrowded on weekdays. Sites run $24–$35/night. The park has swimming, fishing, and a network of mountain bike trails — a solid overnight stop if you're heading north or south.
2. Aquia Landing Park (Exit 143, Stafford County)
Stafford County's Aquia Landing Park sits on the Potomac River and offers tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups. It's a quiet, underrated stop about 40 miles south of D.C. Sites book up fast on summer weekends, so plan ahead.
3. Prince William Forest Park (Exit 150, Triangle)
The only national park in the Northern Virginia suburbs, Prince William Forest Park has 100 campsites spread across 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest. No reservations required for some sites. It's a rare find this close to D.C.
4. Indian Acres Club of Thornburg (Exit 118 — Members Only)
At Exit 118 off I-95, Indian Acres Club of Thornburg is a private, members-only campground that most road trippers don't know exists. It's not on Hipcamp. It's not on KOA. You can't just drive in and book a site.
What it is: 802 acres of private recreation with five lakes, three swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, an on-site restaurant, and live music on weekends. Members own deeded lots — real property they can sell, pass to family, or finance.
Annual dues are $1,656 (electric included), and members can use the property up to 210 nights per year at their choosing. The campground is open all year.
If you've been driving I-95 for years and looking for a permanent base camp somewhere between Richmond and D.C., Indian Acres is worth a personal tour. Chris Schelling offers free tours with no prerequisites — no application fee, no self-guided tour required. Just pick a time and show up.
Tips for Camping Along I-95 Virginia
- Book state park sites 2–4 weeks in advance for summer weekends
- Most sites between Richmond and Fredericksburg have full hookups for RVs
- Fredericksburg is the best mid-corridor stop — good food, Civil War history, and easy highway access
- If you camp regularly, the math on owning vs. renting shifts quickly after 2–3 seasons