In the days leading up to our trip to the Outer Banks we were carefully watching the weather forecast. Our plan was to drive the 10+ hour trip in one fail swoop. But then a nor’easter decided to move in, which forced us to leave a day earlier to get ahead of the storm. So on Saturday, March 19, we pulled out of our driveway at 5:30 a.m., and it was our first time hauling the camper that we did not know where we were going to stay that night. We were winging it–something two Type-A planners just don’t do! But our last minute plans netted us a BIG BONUS in finding the Colonial Pines Campground at Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center.
Although we only spent one night here, we were so impressed that when we return to the Williamsburg region, this campground will be our base-camp to explore the area’s rich history.
The Campground: Colonial Pines is a small campground with only 22 RV sites, all of which are in a very nice wooded area. (There are also nine primitive tent sites, but we did not have time to check them out.) Most sites were large enough for the average travel trailer. Larger motorhomes or fifth-wheels would have more limited options, but there are still some sites that would accommodate larger rigs.
The campground is situated within a larger retreat center that has numerous cabins, cottages, and even a small lodge (with hotel style rooms). The office staff shared that during the off-season, the campground is not heavily used and rarely fills up. However, they said in the summer there will be times when groups will book the entire campground, so it is wise to call ahead regarding availability. (As an aside, this would make a great location for a small RV rally or reunion!)
We were amazed by the very affordable nightly rate of only $29.97 (with a $3 Good Sam discount). And this was for full hook-up! From Memorial Day to Labor Day the nightly rate is $35.
Getting to the campground was very easy but it is worth noting that the local road that leads to the camp is somewhat narrow and would be difficult for two campers to pass. Our site, No. 14, was nice and level, but as you can see in the picture below, the fire ring was very close to the camper. With a different camper, and thus a slightly different position due to slide outs and full hook-up connections, this might not be an issue, but it wasn’t the ideal site for our camper.
Site 14
Bathrooms: There is one shower house in the middle of the campground loop. It was clean and would be sufficient for the whole campground since all of the sites are also full hook-up.
Shower house
Amenities: Since the campground is located at the Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, it offers many amenities, including:
- Wi-Fi (It worked great for us; we were in a site next to the shower house, which is where the router was located)
- Tennis courts
- Pool
- Recreation fields
- Volleyball court
- Softball field
- Basketball court
- GaGa pit
- Frisbee golf
- Multiple playgrounds
- Conference center
- Multiple pavilions
- Multiple outdoor worship areas
After hours check-in station
Touring: Just a short drive to the south of the campground is historic Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown. We did not have the opportunity to tour this area on this short stopover–although it was soooo tempting!–but we plan to return to the area to explore hopefully in a year or two. In the meantime here are some of the things that we have toured on previous visits:
How did your camper hold up after the cold spell? Hopefully you faired well. We have been out twice already once in March in Canton and last weekend in Jamestown. Still have not de winterized ours but is about that time here in Conneaut Lake.
Hi Lonnie! Thanks for stopping by and reading! We haven’t been able to check the water lines yet, but we are hoping that keeping the heater on did the trick. We’ll know soon when Jarrett checks everything for our next trip. 🙂 That’s great that you’ve already been out twice! Happy camping!