Anvil Campground

In addition to historic villages, museums, and fun activities, a major draw to the area is a bounty of outdoor parks. Freedom Park is a small 600-acre park with over 20 miles of world-class mountain biking trails. They are maintained by Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association, an organization known for creating responsible yet fun trails for bikers to explore. There are a few miles of hiking trails, and one mile is paved, allowing for wheelchair access. Walkthrough centuries-old forests where the original settlers of the United States once lived and hunted.

York River State Park, encompassing over 2,500 acres of woods and wetlands, is a fragile estuary environment where salt water merges with freshwater, making for a unique, tiny habitat that a few animals dwell in. If the delicate balance changes, these animals would be prohibitively affected. Ethical hikers and outdoor lovers are encouraged to explore the park, provided that they follow the Seven Leave No Trace principles. There are over 30 miles of hiking, equestrian, and biking trails. A boat ramp allows for easy access to the waterway (swimming is not permitted). Hop into a kayak, canoe, or rowboat. Note that no outside boats are allowed, though there is a rental stand in the park. There is also a fishing pier, and fishing on the pier does not require a license. However, anglers who opt to fish from a boat or shore must have a Virginia saltwater fishing license.

Fossil hunters will enjoy exploring this park, too. Several types of marine fossils are often found on the Fossil Beach, particularly after a storm has passed. Finds here typically include clams, snails, corals, and barnacles. Shark teeth fossils are occasionally found on the beach but are not common.

Though Williamsburg has many attractions, don’t overlook the other neighboring towns, all of which have their own quirks, charms, or novelties for visitors to discover. Hop into a motorhome rental and explore the coast of Virginia. Newport News, VA, is home to the Virginia Living Museum, at which over 250 species of animals live. There is a vibrant otter community, and watching these charismatic creatures interact with one another is sure to make everyone smile. A shortlist of other animals includes the American alligator, pelican, mudpuppy, eastern screech owl, and fox. The museum also has a planetarium and observatory that guests are welcome to use to safely observe the sun. The observatory is open to visitors at the monthly star parties, and various celestial wonders can be seen.

Civil war reenactors are so 1990. Reenactors dress the part at Yorktown’s American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. The living-history museum illustrates the life of an American soldier during the late 1700s. The museum also has an interactive exhibition, several displays with genuine weapons, uniforms, documents, and other artifacts. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors, though they will very rarely break character.

At the end of a long day, retreat from the humidity and mosquitoes into a motorhome rental. Between history and picturesque woods, there’s plenty of fun to be had in by renting a camper in Williamsburg.