I had an amazing camping trip here. Amenities: They have restrooms, showers, laundry on site, playgrounds, etc. Campground: The campgrounds were spread out very nicely. You are a little close to your neighbors, but it still feels spacious. We stayed in a tent spot that came with a picnic table, an area for a fire pit, and plenty of trees to set up a hammock. Behind our spot, there was a nice wooded area with a trail. Pet friendly: We brought our dog with us and she enjoyed her time there. Kid friendly: This was paradise to the kids. They had a beautiful playground near the campgrounds. All of the trails were awesome and easy for them to navigate. They enjoyed fishing also. I will definitely return. This is a perfect place to come and unplug. Tips: **Bring your own toilet paper. The bathrooms there ran out a few times since it was a busy weekend.** read more

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Last time we were out to this park was 30 years ago. We went all the time with our church growing up for day outings. They have taken good care of the park over the years and have improved on the entire area. Plenty of parking to the left as soon as you enter the park. The Office is close to the entrance next to the lake. They have a nice area for fishing. You just need to bring n active fresh water fishing license. They also post when they have stocked the lake last. I love that for only $10 an hour you can rent a canoe. They have lots of life jackets of all sizes and plenty of different paddles. For us this was perfect. At a nice leisurely pace it took us an hour and a half to paddle the entire water way. We had a great time and will definitely go and do this again. The water way is peaceful with plenty of shade. My favorite part of the water trail is that you get to go under a couple of beautiful bridges. They also offer kayaks and paddles for those. The best part is that they have a boat launch area. You stay perfectly dry getting in and out. They have hiking trails. The one thing is that they could mark their trails better. We found that they did not mark the water way trail either. But it certainly makes it an adventure. We had someone tell us to look on our google map on our phone to find out our location. You can pick up a paper map but you can still get lost. It is helpful if you have google map or hiking map app. They have a nice small mini golf area. Very well kept and clean. We did not play but there were plenty of people playing the mini golf. Camping area is nice. They have a kids playground in the camping area. They have water and electrical hook ups for RV's. They have Cabin's with heat and AC. You can also take a tent and hammocks . Wide variety of camping in this area and it is very well kept. read more

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It's been a hot minute since I ventured to Northwest River Park - we're talking probably back in elementary school for a field trip to kayak and paddle boat! So to be able to return so many years later with my own daughter to enjoy mother nature in all her glory - priceless! The park is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth the drive from the main roads of south Chesapeake. There is ample parking for whatever section of the park you are looking to visit. Our first stop was, of course, the playground. On a sunny Sunday morning, there were no other kids so my little one had her choice of play equipment. Call me helicopter mom, but I always do a cursory check before I let my toddler run free. The playground is showing some age with rust and peeling paint, but nothing looked too dangerous and we were pretty sure we wouldn't be going for tetanus shots afterwards! Near the playground are plenty of covered picnic tables, grills and open grassy fields to let the kids and dogs run free, but please pick up after Fido. After play time, we ventured along part of one of the hiking trails and checked out Lake Lesa where you can rent kayaks or paddle boats. Every area we encountered was very clean, which was so nice to see! There was even a well-stocked little library by the lake. Based on the website, they stock the lake with trout for those who like to fish and we did encounter a few people looking for a catch. I hope to venture back to take in more of the trail and even try out the disc golf course. It was a beautiful place to spend quality family time! read more

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If you're looking for a campground to just relax and chill for a couple of days with friends and family, this is a good place. I'm still giving this camphround 5 stars, cause I'm a nature lover, and it's all green! The bathrooms are all clean. They have the cleanest shower rooms! I can't believe it. Well, I'm from California, and I've seen worse. However, there's just not enough activities you can do with kids. There's a few playgrounds, a putt putt golf course where you and your kids can use. Paddleboating was great, but you can't go beyond the bridge, which is fine. There were bicyles, kayaks and canoe that you can rent. For me, this is a good place on my list! And Park Rangers go on patrol once in a while, so it's safe. Just one thing, campers that brings their Fido, please be responsible enough to pick up their dodos, I had to pick up someone's dodo, (with double gloves, yes I have it my toiletries), cause it's right in front of our camp. I really don't want from my camp to accidentaly step on it. Great place! read more

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May take a little time to get here, but such a beautiful sight! We decided to take our talents here for a walk and it was great. There are multiple areas for parking that I assume put you at different places on the trails. We parked right near the front/shop, grabbed a map, and hoped for the best! We were trying to get a few miles in but it was a bit confusing on where to actually start off at so we just took off walking. Beautiful views & great change of scenery. They have wildlife signs of different animals found in the area or an alike area which was a bit scary (haha), but it was fine. Love that they have maps available, trail signs, and trail marks. Also heard their kayaks are available for rent for only $10! read more

Northwest River Park Campground - Boating Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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Tolls... Nature... Trails... Cabins... Beautiful view of the lake... Playgrounds... Don't forget your bug spray and sunblock... This park has it all... if it wasn't so far of a drive, I would visit at least twice a week. Granted I have only visited this park during, Family Fun Day, which is held once a year... and this past September was my third year attending... such a fun event! This year, well pretty much all the years that I have attended, the weather was perfect and the vendors... all the rage! This year I was able to canoe with friends... scary, but luckily one of the riders were experienced so I was at ease! But it was so much fun!! Oh and I must not forget... Family Fun Day is absolutely FREE!! However, if you travel the interstate route there is a toll... but do not fret, if you take the road way... beware of traffic, but there isn't a toll! A hidden gem in Chesapeake that you should definitely visit alone, with friends or with your family. Have fun and enjoy life :) read more

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I have actually been coming here for years. I've taken my kids here when they were little. We've have plenty of celebrations here using their shelters. I've also taken my schoolage kids here from my summer camp that I used to head many years ago. It's always very clean. They have many picnic tables and grills available; and many of them come with shelters in case of rain. They have hiking trails. They have cabin available for use to camp. They also have plenty of parking available as well. Their restrooms seems to always be clean. You can also rent kayaks and canoes to use on the water. I find this campground to be a hidden gem in our area. You almost forget you're in the middle of Chesapeake. read more

Great area to kayak and be with Mother Nature. It's 10$ a hour to kayak. Nice scenery and plenty of fish. Worth it ! read more

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Lovely wooded grounds. Plenty of parking so you aren't crowded Covered picnic areas Well groomed roads and trails Clean restrooms Plenty of privacy Great for family picnic or big groups Horseback riding arena next entrance Lots of trees and shade and big grassy areas for games read more

I remember staying at Northwest River park as a child and was excited to share a trip with my daughter - make new memories. Unfortunately, our experience was very different than I remember / had hoped it would be. We arrived late and were told that it was not a problem, just check in at the office in the morning. Early the next morning, we received a loud knock on the door of our RV. It scared me awake as I am unaccustomed to people knocking on the door. I went out to find a ranger reminding me to check in. Ok, understandable, it was late morning. When we got straight and headed out of the RV, we were 'greeted' by two very large and aggressive dogs in the campsite next to us. They were pulling on their leads hard enough to be standing only o. their back paws. The leads were attached to a not-so-secure looking clothesline which also had several pieces of clothes on it. We spoke to the office about the dogs and they told us there was nothing that could be done but to let them know if there were more incidents. Later, the one dog would break free from his collar and shoot straight to our toy poodle. From that point on, we took our dog to a nearby park to walk, every morning and every night. Our second day in the park, we were awakened to several police and rangers 5 feet from the front of our RV. An officer approached me and told me that the car in front of our spot had been stolen and asked if I had seen anything the night before. I had gone out around 1 to retrieve something from my car but didn't notice anything off. The people camping next to us (who were also one of only 3 campers in our loop) were being questioned and another person came up and stated that he had seen one of them in the car that was presumably stolen. The incident left me feeling uneasy in our RV and we did not venture out after dark. Fortunately, a couple of days later, the campers and their dogs left. The RV pulled out but there was a tent pitched on the site that stayed a day longer. The day that the police were there, I took a walk across from our site and saw a pile of odd items in the fire pit. There was a license plate cover, some clothes, a razor blade and other things that were very out of place. no one had camped at any of these sites the entire time we were there. Thinking it could helpful for the rangers and police (and realizing the potential danger for dogs and kids i. the campground) I went up to the office and let them know. The girl working the front thanked me but rolled her eyes abs appeared annoyed. Okie then, did my due diligence:). The stuff remained i. the fire pit for the next 3 days. We were fortunate to get good campers next to us after they left but we both realized the previous campers had abandoned two cats. I actually knew the name of one as I heard the campers call it on one occasion. Our new neighbors let the office know but the cats remained there till we left. It was sad. The stay was buggy (despite using spray, we have tons of mosquito bites) and anything but relaxing. I spoke to a couple of the rangers there and they said they had been struggling to keep vagrants out and even told me some other unpleasant stories of recent campers / incidents within the park. In short, our stay did not provide new happy memories. Instead, my daughter and I left saying we would take Northwest River off our list of campgrounds to visit again in the future. So bummed. read more

Nice park! Fishing, boating and camping. First time here and we will definitely be back. Didn't really look at all the park had to offer. We went to go fish and definitely got our fill. While we were there saw others enjoying the paddle boats and canoeing. Looked like a few RVs and campers were there as well. read more

Very enjoyable place to fish, boat, picnic, hike & camp!! They have maps of the park too. There's even handicap parking at the Ranger station when you enter where you can park and fish all day! Great local spot for activity!! read more

The park and campgrounds are gorgeous. We went for a stroll through the area the other day and loved how peaceful it was. We booked our campsite and will be sure to report on our experience. There is a beautiful little lake with paddle boats and canoes. You are allowed to fish and they have trails for hiking all through the park. There's a little camping store with a few items and some food. They have cabin rentals, camp sites, and rv hookup sites. They also have a bike rental and putt putt. I'm sure we are going to have a blast. More to come...... read more

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From trails, camping, to fishing, this place is great for a day trip or even a few over night stays. There were more tents set up during our stay at the campground than RV's. Great campground for both tents and RV's. The trails are well maintained and it doesn't stop there. Rent a canoe, paddle boat, of bring your own. Life jackets are required. They stock the waters with trout so bring a valid fishing license and fish away. Trails vary from uses for bikes, horses, or just plain walking. If you are into geocaches, there are a few hiding here as well! The have a very lightly stocked store, so pack all you need as far as food and bug spray. They have nice picnic pavilions if you just want to keep it simple. We went once when it was down pouring and ate our homemade wraps under the decent sized pavilion shared by other visitors. Don't let the drive to this place deter a visit. It's a great getaway from the city a residential areas. read more

On this beautiful, sunny day, my cousin Kim (fellow yelper), my daughter and I decided to start our day enjoying nature at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. When we arrived, we decided we'd go canoeing first. Kim is a pro and my daughter and I... well, let's just say that we could use a few lessons lol. The Ranger signed us in, gave us some directions, and off we went. When we arrived to the area to get our life jackets, we weren't sure exactly if we were suppose to wait for an attendant or just get our gear, canoe, and leave. We stood around for a second and watched the others who pretty much just got their stuff and did their own thing, so we looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, got our life jackets, paddles, and chose our canoe. We got off to a great start! We had a very peaceful experience canoeing and taking in the sounds and sights of nature. So grateful we sprayed ourselves down in deet! We had no problems with any bugs :-) I am also grateful I brought along Kim... someone who really knows how to canoe because if it had just been myself and my daughter, I'm sure we probably would have gotten stuck. We had a lot of fun. We certainly are planning on doing this again. We had such a great time, we decided that we'd have a snack and then go on a little hike. I've been to this park many times to help out with scouting events but I had not experienced all of the trails. My only experience was a night hike several years ago with the scouts. Our hike was very hilly and scenic. It was peaceful and quiet. There were other people out hiking, fishing, and taking photos. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are looking to return again soon. read more

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Really nice campground! Went Halloween weekend with my family and did the Ghost Train which was fun and well put together. The campsites are all large and the bathrooms aren't far. The showers and restrooms are clean and they also have laundry facilities. The campsites all have a picnic table and a fire pit and grate. The camp store has drinks and places to rent a canoe or paddle boat. There's also a mini golf course and a playground. Love this place! read more

Great Chesapeake city park with plenty of campgrounds. Of course, we picked the coldest day of an otherwise perfect fall weekend to spend a night on the grounds. Leaves galore and plenty of wood to burn. The nearby bath house was in good shape and has a couple of showers as well as an electrical outlet between the sinks. The rangers there were extremely helpful and the store has plenty of sundries to help with supplies. There are canoes to rent that you take out on the decent-sized water on the park. Glad we found it; we look forward to returning! read more

We were looking to get out on an outdoor adventure on a recent Sunday morning, so I googled hiking trails in Chesepeake. This park popped up so we headed that way. We drove into the area and to the right is the road to the campground. We parked in one of the lots and headed down a trail. We didn't get too far until we saw a really cool play area for the kids. So, off they went. In this area, there are some picnic shelters, a cool stage with seating and the playground. There were also four horseshoe pits, bring your own shoes. It was a nice area for some family fun and picnic, if that's your thing. The trail was a little too muddy so we turned around and ended up near the pond/lake area with canoes and paddleboats. There were quite a few folks fishing there, as well. There was another hiking trail that originated here that we followed for a bit. We didn't get to head down to the campgrounds since it was gated, which is a nice security feature for those wanting to camp. There was also a mini-golf course near the camping entrance. Overall, it's a nice, secluded park that is quiet and has a number of activities for kids of all ages. I am sure we will be back when it's a little warmer. read more

We really like this park. It's a drive to get here, but worth it. Tons of space to wander and spend the day. We parked and walked by the lake(kids really wanted to do paddle boats...another day), past the camping area entrance, onto a wide, level trail to the river. The trail was shady and flat, easy for walking. It wasn't too buggy either. We got to the end of the trail and it opens up into wide space up against the river. We spent time here watching the river, butterflies, and letting the kids run around. It was a beautiful spot. We saw another open space off the main gravel road. There is a camp store on site. There is a campground here. We really like this park and will be back. read more

Its the largest of the citys parks by size of land. Its very rustic, and very simplistic. If your looking for the basics, with out the "fluff" this is your place. An outdoor enthusiasts happy place. It is not modern, which is why it does not yeald 5 stars from me. However, it has nice knowlegable staff, awesome free programs, Kayacking, paddle boats, Camping, real restrooms (not just a perta-a-potty), places for eating in the shade, grills for cooking, fire pits, an outdoor stage area, 2 playgrounds, a fresh water lake with fishing and it backs up to the river. Yes, there are ticks & mosquitoes as there would be with any large outdoor/wooded area (spray yourselves accordingly) and yes, there are snakes and other wildlife. Be cautious and courtious of the critters. Stay on the trails and watch where you walk. You may see skinks, turtles, frogs, toads, lizzards and snakes here. read more

Beautiful grounds and good deal away from the busy city. There are miltiple covered picnic areas and both toddler and kid playgrounds. read more

Northwest River Park Campground - Toddler and kid playgrounds - Boating Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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Great park for light hiking...dog has to be on a leash which is a bummer, but great scenery. Really muddy after it rains so either have some good boots on or you'll sink trying to get through. Also, during the winter since all the leaves have fallen, it's much harder to keep to the trail, so be careful and make sure to look for the colored horseshoes on the trees that haven't fallen every which way. read more

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Nice trails and decent foliage for a city park and campground with lake. However, holy ticks batman!!! While hiking we pulled 7 ticks off our dog and a few off of us. Highly recommend lots of deet spray and make sure your 4 legged friend is on their meds. read more

Not a great campground. It's a rainy Sunday afternoon and they asked us to leave because they saw TWO beer bottles in our trash! The campground is empty and we have been quiet all weekend and wanted to stay another night. I understand it's a rule, but really??? Literally, empty. I guess Chesapeake doesn't need the money to help pay for "Ranger Ricks" paycheck. I'm stunned. read more

Drove here yesterday for some late season leaf peeping and to get some cool, fresh air before I birth my second child and am restricted to my house until next year. This park is way out there, but that's what makes it great. The drive up was lovely, especially during Autumn. Once you enter you immediately see the campgrounds, lake with canoes and paddle-boats and the bike rental station. We opted to take advantage of the leaf covered trails which were seemingly empty, which was nice. Our son had a blast running through the woods and throwing leaves around, our dog enjoyed marking his territory on all the things he decided were "his" and my husband and I enjoyed the peace and quiet the wilderness provided, which also offered beautiful backdrops for some photo ops. I love nature and roughing it and I would absolutely love to come here and camp when I am not 10 months pregnant, but until then.. Its just a really nice escape from the day to day hustle that is VA Beach. We will absolutely return! read more

Been coming here for years. Clean bathrooms every time, nice employees, overall great experience! The campsites are a little close together. Love it here. read more

There is nothing better than the great outdoors, and Northwest River Park allows you to enjoy and immerse yourself in nature. There are many trails, a lot of which are great for dogs and running. River accessible. Camping is an option. Fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, picnicking... Overall a wonderful, family friendly attraction. I find myself here every opportunity I can, and I'm glad there is something like this close to home. Park is very well maintained. read more

Wow this is an awesome place! Just a short 30 min drive from where I am and so worth it! Has a few running trails varying from .75-2 miles. Wish they had more :P canoeing.paddleboating (perfect for a cute little date for me and my man) showers. Water taps on your campsite! Tons of room between sites due to not many people. Beautiful. Quiet. Lots of tree cover :) definitely would go again and tell friends! read more

Beautiful park for camping picnics, paddle boats, canoes. They have trails, a playground for kids and even a disc golf course. Bring bug spray!! read more

My family and I love this park. It has a nice campground and great hiking trails. They have canoeing and fishing. If you go in the summer remember bug spray read more

Have lived here thirty years and didn't know this place existed. The event was fun and we will surely be back this summer.

Amazingly clean, modern restrooms and showers!!! Nice and large playground area for children. Camp grounds are not my style, as they are too close together for my tastes. I go outside for the solitude and serenity, not to be tent to tent with my neighbor. This park is great for families who do not want to stay in a hotel but not too far from modern amenities. read more

2017 Family Fun Day There are four parking areas. Number four is closest to where the kids area is located. We had a nice day out there with our four-year-old. We were borderline some of the first people there and we arrived about 15 minutes before everything opened. On this day there was still quite a bit of water on the grass, luckily I brought our little one a pair of back-up flip-flops. So there were about four bounce houses, one inflatable slide with double slides - kids could only go two at a time (good idea), a rock climbing wall (200 lb limit), a petting zoo: one donkey, two goats (one moody and not having it), two ducks, two geese, and one chatting hen, a craft area, and a play ground with slides that still had water on them (a quick wipe with a towel by the staff would have solved this) and blazing hot dark green slides on the other side. I heard more than one kid (including mine) say they were too hot. The activity that got backed up the fastest though in this area was the face painting. It was disappointing to see that although the painting was free and fast, I saw no one but us tip...don't be cheap, it's gross. I don't care what they get paid or what kind of "free" advertising they may get, it's a service and it makes your kid happy. We hopped on the hay ride, one part with hay and another without, and the driver zipped us down to the end of the park and back at a pretty good speed but it gave us a view of the waterway where people were using the paddle boats and canoes. By the time we left the kids area and headed to the water activities the lines were insane so we passed. We used the backed up mini-golf area, had some good funnel cake and lemonade, and went on to the pony rides. This went at break-neck speed. If your kid is under five you have to walk with them so I thought one of us would have to be next to our little one. Then the girl (yes, girl) said our child was fine and off they went, so I tried to hustle through the crowd of parents and to catch her at the other end to get just a few photos. By the time I got there she was already at a stand still waiting to dismount...That was disappointing considering it was her first time. They did have benched ponies for trade outs, but this area was also busy and a bit too fast. They should have a section/strip where the parents of the kids on the ponies can briefly stand to get photos, instead, everyone lined right up against the "fence." Something to consider for them and for you next year. The restrooms in this area were on lock down so port-a-potties it was. New untouched TP rolls with sheets so thin that you spend an additional 10 minutes making an unintentional hula skirt out of it just searching for the beginning of the roll...Also, no hooks in there....at an out-door event....where everyone with kids (or not) drags around...wait for it...backpacks. Some of the units were in the shade, others were in the sun cooking up jencum...There were foot pump sinks and paper towel holders packed so tightly you ultimately rip off a tiny sliver and curse innocent people. Right before we left, the little one bamboozled us into get a snow cone. This company allows you to put on your flavors, both a good and bad idea with kids crowded everywhere just shoving their way in. Main meh: There are so many golf carts from the city driving around and they just pour diesel fumes in the air. It's too much with that many pedestrians around. I imagine this is how the people of China feel on most days. Upon leaving we saw a back-up parking area where they were shuttling people in. read more

This is the best camping spot ever. My family has been going since I was a child, now I'm taking my children.

Used to be my favorite park but after my last 2 trips I doubt if I will ever go again Last Mem. weekend I reserved our site in Feb. and was told I would be assigned a site. I arrived early to get a good site I was told they changed the rules and you could reserve the site of your choice. Because they changed the rules after I reserved my site they assigned me the worst site in the park It was in front of the bathroom door. I was told I could take the site or leave. the next night the park was half empty. I was still not able to move. Why take email addresses and phone numbers if you can't let people of changes. i think our yearly Mem day trip will be elsewhere. Hopefully I won't be treated so rude read more

I went to the park yesterday and it was too late to rent a pedal boat for my 2 grandsons so we rushed back today and got there at 330 pm we could have been out for 30 min.before all boats were due back in, but the guy with the badge would not hear of it!! The sign said all boats due back by 4 pm!!! He was just lazy!! My babies were disappointed!!! read more