Next summer I'm planning a rather ambitious RV trip from Western Canada to eastern USA. I'm a history nut and have planned to spend a few days in Gettysburg touring the site there and head down to Washington. I had originally planned to then head to Richmond for a few days after this, possibly take in Williamsburg while I'm there and then make my way to the Boston area. I'm just not sure if that little detour Richmond is worth the time. It adds about 500km and a few days to my trip. Is Richmond a place people would recommend going slightly out of their way to see? What about Williamsburg? Or, would people recommend just making my way to Boston directly from the Gettysburg area. Obviosuly there is a lot of person opinion that goes into a question like this, but I"m just looking for some thoughts. Thanks!!

Well if your a History Buff (As am I) Gettysburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg are the places to go. There are several C/G's in Gettysburg, and a few in Williamsburg. Richmond, is kind of limited. Matter of fact we are going to Gettysburg in 2 weeks, and Williamsburg in August. As far as Boston, keep in mind that Parking can be a problem as well as traffic. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!

Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown are definitely worthwhile to a history buff. Richmond is not as compact as far as all sites being right together, There are battlefield parks in Petersburg, and Appomattox that would likely be of more interest. Also after Gettysburg I would suggest visiting Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah valley.

If you are a history nut then what about Washington, DC?This CG has bus service to Washingtonhttp://www.cherryhillpark.com/index.cfmThen you are only about 3 hours from Richmond/Williamsburg and you do not have to tow your trailer.Kind of expensive but nice and well positioned for tourists to D.C. area

Williamsburg and Jamestown are great places if you love history. We stayed at Chippokes Plantation State Park which is across the river from Jamestown. There is a free ferry that takes you across the river. The campground is nice with water and electric hookups.

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield is just south of the loop around Richmond. We found it a very nice place to stay with easy access to the Richmond area.Rob

Richmond VA | Good Sam Community

Shot-N-Az
Explorer
Jul 02, 2017
Richmond is a city that has some historical sites. Williamsburg is a historical site that is incorporated. I'd focus on Williamsburg/Yorktown/Jamestown.
vjstangelo
Explorer
Jul 01, 2017
There is plenty to do in Richmond, it was the capital of the Confederacy after all. Must see are the Confederate White House, Confederacy Museum, Tredigar Iron Works National Park, and Monument Avenue. A short drive away is Cold Harbor National Park where Grant's frontal charge resulted in thousands of casualties in only 1 hour.

Also in town is St. John's Church where Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" is reenacted.

Little known is the fact that Edgar Allen Poe lived much of his life in Richmond, and these is a small but sensational museum in Richmond (Poe Museum).

I recommend stopping in Richmond as there is much to see.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2017
There is much to see in the area. Maybe not so much Richmond but Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Norfolk & Newport News have more than enough to keep you busy.

We have done Chippokes Plantation SP. Very nice. The Plantation is worth a look see also. We have also done Newport News Park multiple times. A real gem for the money. Also Anvil Campground, Williamsburg, AKA camp cram them in, with regular train noise right behind it & highway in front.

Nauticas in Norkolk, along with the Iowa class battleship as part of it is an easy day for any nautically minded person. There is another excellent but little known marine museum in Newport News with a full sized recreation of a Civil War Monitor.
Lantley
Nomad
Jun 30, 2017
sam22 wrote:
kerrlakeroo wrote:
Sam,,, Do look into Harpers Ferry, it,s a worthwhile stop and is between Gettysburg and the Virginia locations.

Any suggestions on a nice campground in that area?

THere is a KOA in Harpers Ferry.
Just OK as a CG but very convenient and fine for a 1 or 2 night base camp
padredw
Nomad
Jun 30, 2017
On our last visit to this area we stayed in the Newport News Regional Park. Very large campground, heavily wooded, convenient to Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. That is where I would go back. Williamsburg needs a full day. Maybe Yorktown and Jamestown in one day.
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jun 30, 2017
Its been years since I camped up there and it was in a tent. But the KOA at the battlefield seems to have good ratings and if needed Luray caverns are not that far and there are several down there.

If you continue south on I-81 to I-64 East you could also stop in Chalottesville Va at Monticello, the plantation home of Thomas Jefferson, and then its a 3 hour straight shot east to Williamsburg.
sam22
Explorer III
Jun 30, 2017
kerrlakeroo wrote:
Sam,,, Do look into Harpers Ferry, it,s a worthwhile stop and is between Gettysburg and the Virginia locations.

Any suggestions on a nice campground in that area?
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jun 30, 2017
Sam,,, Do look into Harpers Ferry, it,s a worthwhile stop and is between Gettysburg and the Virginia locations.
bucky
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2017
If you go to Williamsburg make sure that you get a site at Chippokes in the new section. The old section is VERY unlevel. It is a very popular park so make reservations early.
They do have a nice pool, and private shower/toilet/sink rooms in the bath house.
Rather than Richmond I would suggest Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg Va.
naturist
Nomad
Jun 30, 2017
Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown are musts. Richmond maybe not so much but if you do go there, I can recommend Hollywood Cemetery and Maymont Park. Pocohantas State Park to camp just south of Richmond.