What are the must-see stops along the Colonial Parkway?

Begin at Historic Jamestowne to see the 1607 fort, glasshouse, and archaeological digs. Then drive the parkway, pausing at scenic pull-offs and marshes, to reach Yorktown Battlefield, where siege earthworks and the surrender ground tell the story of the war’s final major battle.

Colonial National Historical Park — RV Travel Guide

By PickRV·Cited primary sources·Updated June 26, 2026

Colonial National Historical Park preserves two of America’s most formative sites: Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement (1607), and Yorktown, where the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War unfolded (1781). A scenic parkway through tidewater woods links the two, offering a journey past marshes, historic farms, and water views. The park reveals the ambitions, struggles, and complex legacies of early colonization and the fight for independence, making it a compact yet profound encounter with the nation’s beginnings.

Best season — Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, blooming dogwoods or autumn color, and more comfortable conditions than humid summers. Winter provides quiet, uncrowded exploration.

At a glance

The facts worth checking before you roll out

Conservative, source-minded facts for planning your visit — always worth confirming against current conditions before you travel.

Managing agency

National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)

State

Virginia

Significance

Encompasses Historic Jamestowne (first permanent English settlement in North America, 1607) and Yorktown Battlefield (final major battle of the American Revolution, 1781)

On the ground

Colonial National Historical Park preserves significant locations from early American history. It encompasses Historic Jamestowne, established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement, and Yorktown Battlefield, site of the final major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. The park offers a look into colonization’s ambitions and struggles, alongside the fight for independence.

RV travelers can experience both Jamestown and Yorktown within a single day. Exploration includes archaeological sites revealing colonial footprints and preserved siege earthworks detailing the war's final campaign. The scenic Colonial Parkway connects these areas, offering views of tidewater landscapes while highlighting Powhatan, European, and African experiences.

Spring and fall present ideal conditions for visiting with mild temperatures and seasonal color. These periods offer a more comfortable experience than the humidity of summer months. Winter allows for quiet exploration with fewer visitors, providing a different perspective on these historic grounds.

Consider establishing a basecamp in a nearby area to explore the park at your own pace. From there, you can easily access Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield via the Colonial Parkway. This approach enables focused visits to both ends of the park while enjoying the surrounding Virginia countryside.

Official sources

National Park Service — Colonial National Historical Park National Park Service

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