The best beach camping near Mechanicsville

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97% (112)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sharp's Island

1. Sharp's Island

97%
(72)
7.9mi from Mechanicsville · 1 site · Lodging · Richmond, VA
NEW IN 2025: There is a beautiful cabin for guests to use. Sleeps 5 easily. Also new is the outdoor kitchen and bar. Check out @sharpsislandrva on Insta to see pics! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. There is no bridge to Sharp's Island, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak. It's super easy. Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we would love to have you add your story to this island's long history! Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are oodles of great swimming holes along the banks; fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night
Circe The Airstream

2. Circe The Airstream

90%
(5)
48mi from Mechanicsville · 1 site · Lodging · Colonial Beach, VA
Welcome to "Circe," our charming retro Airstream trailer inspired by the enchanting character from Homer's Odyssey. Nestled at Monroe Bay's end, this wanderlust haven offers a unique glamping experience that combines vintage allure with modern comforts. Located within walking distance to James Monroe's Birthplace on the banks of Monroe Bay. The property features a Winery (limited hours) with acres of river and land to explore. The Trailer: Vintage Charm: Step back in time with our beautifully restored 1970s Airstream, meticulously designed to capture the essence of a bygone era. Comfortable Accommodation: Circe offers a cozy and well-appointed interior with a comfortable bed, seating area, and a compact kitchenette. Guests can check in on their own with an access key. You can park in front of the end of the airstream in our parking area. Colonial Beach is 1 mile away to walk or take your car and explore. There is a kayak on the property you can launch and take down the Monroe Bay or bring your own SUP or boat.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
97% (112)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sharp's Island

1. Sharp's Island

97%
(72)
7.9mi from Mechanicsville · 1 site · Lodging · Richmond, VA
NEW IN 2025: There is a beautiful cabin for guests to use. Sleeps 5 easily. Also new is the outdoor kitchen and bar. Check out @sharpsislandrva on Insta to see pics! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. There is no bridge to Sharp's Island, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak. It's super easy. Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we would love to have you add your story to this island's long history! Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are oodles of great swimming holes along the banks; fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night
Circe The Airstream

2. Circe The Airstream

90%
(5)
48mi from Mechanicsville · 1 site · Lodging · Colonial Beach, VA
Welcome to "Circe," our charming retro Airstream trailer inspired by the enchanting character from Homer's Odyssey. Nestled at Monroe Bay's end, this wanderlust haven offers a unique glamping experience that combines vintage allure with modern comforts. Located within walking distance to James Monroe's Birthplace on the banks of Monroe Bay. The property features a Winery (limited hours) with acres of river and land to explore. The Trailer: Vintage Charm: Step back in time with our beautifully restored 1970s Airstream, meticulously designed to capture the essence of a bygone era. Comfortable Accommodation: Circe offers a cozy and well-appointed interior with a comfortable bed, seating area, and a compact kitchenette. Guests can check in on their own with an access key. You can park in front of the end of the airstream in our parking area. Colonial Beach is 1 mile away to walk or take your car and explore. There is a kayak on the property you can launch and take down the Monroe Bay or bring your own SUP or boat.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night

Public campgrounds near Mechanicsville

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field