Park Rules and Reservation Information

Become a Camp Host
James City County Parks & Recreation is seeking after-hours caretakers for the Chickahominy Riverfront Park campground. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity.

Reservations

  • Reservation can be made up to 1 year in advance from the start of the reservation and must be paid for at the time of reservation.
  • Reservations can be made for a maximum of 90 days in a 120-day period.
  • Camping fees include pool use and boat ramp for registered guests only.
  • Reservations may be canceled with a minimum of 48-hours notice and will incur a 10% processing fee.
  • Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends require a 3-night minimum campsite rental (Friday-Sunday).
  • Check-in time is 1 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. Staying past the checkout time may result in additional fees.

Explanations of Sites According to Campground Map

Site Designation Type Unit Allowed Notes
Circles Basic Tents Only No Towable Trailers
Squares Electric Only Tents/Pop-Ups 20 AMP Outlet
Stars Water/Electric Tents/Pop-Ups/RV's 20, 30 AMP Outlet*
300 Stars Water/Electric Prime Tents/Pop-Ups 20, 30, 50 AMP Outlet
Triangles Full Hook-Up Tents/Pop-Ups/RV's 20, 30, 50 AMP Outlet
*50 AMP outlets available on a limited number of sites

Download the Campground Map (PDF)

Camping

  • Quiet time is 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Guests are allowed up to 2 vehicles (in addition to any camper/RV) per site if they fit on the site. A boat with a trailer counts as one vehicle.
  • Unregistered guest(s) must leave the camping area by 10 p.m.
  • The registered camper is responsible for the behavior of all persons occupying or visiting their site.
  • Public display of alcohol is prohibited.
  • Camping rates are per site per night and are for up to 6 people with a maximum of 4 adults.
  • Using unregistered sites for parking, camping or expansion of your registered site is not allowed and may incur additional rental fees.
  • Utility trailers cannot be used for sleeping accommodations.
  • No one 18 years of age or younger will be permitted to reserve, pay for or occupy a campsite.
  • The person who is registered must occupy the campsite.
  • All trash must be disposed of in a dumpster; site trash pickup is not provided.
  • Dumping raw sewage or gray water is prohibited.
  • Cutting, damaging or removing trees and/or vegetation is prohibited.
  • Open fires are permitted in designated areas, and must be completely extinguished when leaving the immediate area or prior to going to bed.
  • Only the current registered guest can make a campfire on their campsite.
  • Camping is permitted only on designated campsites and RV dry camping is not allowed.
  • Additional vehicles must be parked in the boat trailer parking field across from the boat ramp.
  • All registered users must display a vehicle pass on the front dashboard of their vehicle.
  • No more than 2 camping units per sites allowed. Acceptable combinations include: 2 tents, 1 tent & 1 trailer, 1 tent and 1 pop-up. Not all sites can accommodate 2 camping units.
  • Golf cart operators must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • All-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes are prohibited in the park.
  • Basic/primitive area for tents only, towable vehicles are not allowed on sites.

Equipment Rentals

  • All equipment, including boat rentals, must be back a half an hour before the store closes.
  • Canoe and kayak renters must be 18 years or older.
  • Children between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older, but may paddle their own boat.
  • Children ages 5-12 must be in the boat with a guardian.
  • Children ages 4 and under are not allowed in the paddle craft.
  • Life Vests are recommended for everyone, but are required for children 12 and under.
  • Rental boats are not permitted in the James River.
  • Renters are responsible for the replacement cost of any lost or damaged rental equipment.
  • Boat rentals may be canceled/delayed under the following circumstances:
    • Marine weather warnings.
    • 30 minutes after the sounds of thunder or seeing lightning.

Fishing

  • No fishing from the boat ramp pier.
  • Fishing licenses are not sold at the park store; please arrange to purchase your license before fishing at the park.
  • Must have a fresh water fishing license.
  • Boats may not tie up to the fishing pier or boat ramp docks for more than 15 minutes.

Pool

  • Pool operating hours and fees will be available in late March.

Rule(s) Violations

  • Any person violating any provision of the Public Facilities Rules and Regulations, or any park rule will be subject to fine(s) and /or immediate suspension from use of all James City County parks, facilities and programs.