Where to camp between Charlotte, NC and Gloucester, VA

Thanks to everyone for the replies! We'd like to break up the drive a bit because my youngest (almost 3) has a hard time doing more than about 3-4 hours in the car seat. We'd also like to make a little vacation out of the trip, so we'd like to take the opportunity to camp a couple places. I'll be busy checking out all of your suggestions! Thanks again!

Weather in Virginia in October is about as good as it gets, can be a little cool at night, but daytime should be right around 70º or so most days. Gloucester is only about 45 to 60 minutes away from where I live depending on traffic.

You only plan on driving a few hours each day? It's only a little over 5 hours. One thing you might want to consider is if you leave Charlotte before 10am, and get somewhere mid way by noon or 1, you might not be able to check in yet. I would say, leave at 9 am and be there and set up by 3pm. Save the money of an overnight stop and hooking/setting up if you plan to do that. If you pick a place midway, make sure you check on check in time. If they have the spot open, they may allow you to park, but some places may be full and or stickler for e rules. My luck would the the latter. Lol

might be a bit out of the way, but Carolina Crossroads is at Roanoke Rapids. Playground, pool, clubhouse.
It might be too close to home, but if you haven't been to Tanglewood County Park in Clemmons, NC, it's a great choice. Pool won't be open in October, but lots of walking and biking trails, horseback riding, paddle boats, playground. They may charge extra for some activities.

Northwest River State Park

Have been here a few times in September. Nice quiet park, about 2.5 hours from Gloucester.

The Jellystone park is nice, if it is crazy full, Newport News Park is nice as well and usually has plenty of room. Our camper has been to both.


Weather is usually nice that time of year. It can get cool in the evenings, but not to bad. We have camped many times in September and October.

If you enjoy State Park/C.O.E type camping, consider one of the parks around Kerr Lake along the NC/VA border. See US Campgrounds.info. Oct. is still on the tail-end of hurricane season which ends in Nov. But, short of that, camping in the S.E. is pretty nice in Oct. The rainy season has subsided and humidity is down. Enjoy your trip.