WILLIAMSBURG — Anvil Campground in Williamsburg is celebrating 70 years as a family-operated campground this year.
The campground, currently owned by Chris Jump and his brother Ray, was started by his grandfather. The name of the campground comes from the family’s roots as master blacksmiths for Colonial Williamsburg.
“It really wasn’t a plan,” Jump explained, relating a story about how the four-acre campground had originally been a soybean field until someone offered money to park for the night. “A light bulb went off in my grandpa’s head, and my dad, too, but he was only twelve, and they started to try and build out what is now Anvil.”
Jump took over in 2005, with his brother joining him shortly after, following their father’s passing. Since then, the family has worked to renovate and upgrade the amenities and utilities.
The campground has been twice awarded Small Park of the Year by The National Park Association and Williamsburg Small Business of the Year from the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. Recently, the campground also won the 2024 Top RV Campground by Camp Spot.
“It’s an awesome profession,” Jump says about running the campground. “All of our efforts and financial investments and planning is just to figure out ways to help people coming into Williamsburg have a better time in Williamsburg.”
This summer, for the 70th anniversary, the owners are reaching out to guests to send memories and photos to continue to share those stories. There is currently no set date, but the campground plans to do a play on a traditional cookout together as a way for the camp family to celebrate.
Jump attributes the success of the campground over the years to its customer service and friendly staff.
“We have very seasoned staff but they really do care,” Jump explains. “So, the attention to detail from them to our guests is very special. It’s like your family, so that’s something that really sticks out to all our guests, is how well [they’re] treated and how organized and on top of everything all of our staff is.”
For more information about the campground and its amenities, visit its official website.
