Local Area Attractions Near Emporia I-95 KOA

Welcome to Emporia / I-95 KOA Holiday, your gateway to a rich blend of Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and local attractions! Located conveniently off I-95 in southern Virginia, our campground is the perfect home base to explore some of the best things to do in the Emporia area. Whether you’re looking for historic sites, family fun, great shopping, or scenic beauty, you’ll find something to delight every member of your travel crew.
Historic & Cultural Experiences
Emporia and the surrounding region are steeped in history. Take a stroll through downtown Emporia’s charming streets, where you can admire preserved historic buildings, browse unique local shops, and even catch a show or event at the historic Emporia-Greensville Performing Arts Center. The area is dotted with historical landmarks and museums, offering visitors a window into Southern Virginia’s storied past. Don’t miss the Village View Mansion House, an early 19th-century site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Outdoor Adventures
If fresh air and natural beauty top your list, you’re in the right place. The nearby Meherrin River invites anglers and paddlers to enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in a tranquil setting. Local parks, including Meherrin River Park, feature scenic trails for walking, jogging, and wildlife watching, as well as picnic areas perfect for a family outing. For golfers, the Emporia Country Club provides a welcoming course for all skill levels just a short drive from KOA.
Family Fun & Entertainment
Traveling with kids? Area attractions offer fun for all ages! Lori’s Golf Shoppe is the go-to spot for miniature golf and family-friendly competition, while the Family YMCA offers recreational opportunities for both fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a bit of fun. In the summer, splash pads and seasonal events provide endless ways to keep the little ones entertained. And of course, right here at the campground, we host planned activities and feature amenities designed to bring families together.
Shopping & Local Flavor
Enjoy a dose of small-town hospitality at local boutiques, antique stores, and farmers markets. Foodies can sample favorite dishes at Emporia’s area restaurants serving everything from classic American fare to Southern BBQ and home-cooked comfort food.
Easy Day Trips
Emporia’s prime location on the Virginia-North Carolina border means you’re within easy reach of additional destinations. The city of Petersburg, VA—rich in Civil War history—is less than an hour away, as is the renowned Pocahontas State Park, perfect for day-long hiking, biking, and exploring. Heading south, you’ll find Lake Gaston, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking just over the state line.Annual Events & Festivals
Don’t miss Emporia’s seasonal festivals and community celebrations, from farmers markets and music concerts to the annual Virginia Peanut Festival held downtown each September. These events are a great way to experience local traditions and meet the community.
Plan Your Adventure
With so many things to do near Emporia / I-95 KOA Holiday, you can enjoy both the comforts of a well-equipped campground and the best the region has to offer. Whether you’re passing through or making us your destination, create lasting memories with a mix of outdoor activities, local culture, and family fun. Check with our front desk for maps, event calendars, and local recommendations—we’re here to help you make the most of your stay!

Southern Gateway

Southern Gateway

Emporia is the southern gateway to Virginia. Just 8 miles from the North Carolina line, Emporia is an hour's drive from the Capital City of Richmond, three hours' drive from the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C., and strategically mid-way between the Big Apple and Disney world.  Travelers from across the country have taken advantage of the restaurants and shopping at this key point in their travels.  Enjoy both sit-down meals or dining on the go at places like Cracker Barrel, Five Guys, Homeplate Grill & Cafe, Fosho Italian Sports Grille and local's favorite Hermie and Elliott Sadler Restaurant.  Get those last minutes items at one of the many retail shops, travel plazas or supermarkets on your way back north or south.

Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston

Straddling the North Carolina and Virginia border between I-85 and I-95, Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre lake bounded by the Kerr Dam and Gaston Dam and borders the counties of Mecklenburg and Brunswick in Virginia and the counties of Warren, Halifax and Northampton in North Carolina.

There is public access at the Lake Gaston Day Use Area, located on 2369 Jack Brown Road, along with a fishing pier, boat ramp and public swimming area. To reserve the picnic area call (252) 410-6318. Lake Gaston is well-stocked with game fish, which include striped bass or rock fish, large mouth bass, crappie, sunfish and several varieties of catfish. Other species of fish sometimes caught are walleye, yellow perch and chain pickerel. A valid license for either Virginia or North Carolina permits fishing from a boat in either state. No license is required for those under 15.

2369 Jack Brown Road

Littleton, NC 27850

252-410-6318

Website

Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier

Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier

Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a 424-acre historical campus that features world-class museums, antebellum homes, a National Historic Landmark Civil War battlefield, a slave life exhibit, educational programs, and special events. It has been called “the new crown jewel of Civil War sites in America” by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James M. McPherson of Princeton University.

6125 Boydton Plank Road

Petersburg, VA 23803

Website

Historic Petersburg

Historic Petersburg

A historical preservation foundation dedicated to the historical preservation and renovation of the historic homes and buildings of Petersburg, VA.

318 E Washington St

Petersburg, VA 23803

Website

Roanoke Rapids Theatre

Roanoke Rapids Theatre

Roanoke Rapids Theatre offers live music and events, concessions, a cocktail bar, and of course its renowned 1500 seat performance space.

500 Carolina Crossroads Pkwy

Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

844-778-5483

Website

Village View Mansion House

Village View Mansion House

The house was built in the 1790s for James Wall, and has been home to the Wall, Land and Briggs families. During the Civil War, the front parlor of the house served as the site of a council of war for Generals W.H.F. Lee, Wade Hampton and Matthew Butler. In the late 19th century, rooms in the house, as well as dependencies, served as a doctor's office, a dentist's office, an apothecary and a boys academy. Today the restored house, with its collection of historic furnishings, reflects the rural family life of Southside Virginia in the 1830s. The numerous original features -- including the distinctive fanlight over the front entrance, the handcarved mantels, decorative molding, hardwood floors and massive hand-hewn beams -- offer a glimpse of the elegance and durable vitality of the plantation.

221 Briggs Street Emporia, VA 23847

Emporia, VA 23847

Website

Annual Virginia Peanut Festival

Annual Virginia Peanut Festival

The annual tradition celebrates everything peanuts, surrounded by the farmers and fields that produce America's favorite pantry staple!  Activities include car shows, 5k's, contests, vendors, rides, and so much more!

400 Halifax Street

Emporia, VA 23847

Website

Rosie's Gaming Emporium

Rosie's Gaming Emporium

Rosie's Gaming Emporium®, along with Colonial Downs Racing is bringing action all across Virginia. Experience your favorite games, jackpots and more.

700 West Atlantic Street

Emporia, VA 23847

Website

Weldon Mills Distillery

Weldon Mills Distillery

Weldon Mills Distillery is an award-winning micro-distillery located in Weldon, North Carolina. They produce a variety of fine spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and other flavored liquors. Here are some key details about Weldon Mills Distillery:

  • Awards and Recognition:
  • [list]
  • 2022 Distillery of the Year
  • 2022 Best Bourbon
  • 2022 Spirit of the Year
  • 2021 Best Cask Strength Bourbon
  • 2021 Best Micro Distillery

[/list]

200 Rockfish Dr

Weldon, NC 27890

252-220-4235

Website

Richmond International Speedway

Richmond International Speedway

Located 60miles from Emporia Va., Richmond Raceway is home to one NASCAR race in both the Cup Series and Truck Series. Richmond Raceway (RR) is a 0.750 mi (1.207 km), D-shaped, asphalt race track located just outside Richmond, Virginia in unincorporated Henrico County. It currently hosts one NASCAR Cup Series race weekend and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.[2] It formerly hosted events such as the NASCAR Xfinity SeriesInternational Race of Champions, Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, and the USAC sprint car series. Richmond Raceway's "D" shape allows drivers to reach high speeds. (Richmond Raceway - Wikipedia)

600 E. Laburnum Ave

Richmond, VA 23222

866-455-7223

Website

Maymont Park  of Richmond

Maymont Park of Richmond

Located 64 miles from Emporia Va. Maymont Park is a 100-acre American estate, an extraordinary gift given to the community by James and Sallie Dooley who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion, watching a river otter at play, or petting a goat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

1700 Hampton st

Richmond, VA 23220

804-525-9000

Website

Good Earth Peanut Company

Good Earth Peanut Company

Virginia grows the largest variety of peanuts in the world. The Good Earth Peanut Company ships Virginia peanuts fresh in a variety of forms. We have raw and cooked, in and out of the shell, no salt, salted, Cajun, chocolate covered and many other delicious peanut products. We also have cashews, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts and many gift assortments. Don't forget about our yummy, all natural, peanut butter. We've included information about the history of peanuts, also known as goobers and groundnuts, and how peanuts are grown.

5334 Skippers Rd

Skipper, VA 23879

800-643-1695

Website

Medoc Mountain State Park

Medoc Mountain State Park

  • Medoc Mountain State Park offers peaceful outdoor recreation with hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing access, and wildlife viewing.
  • A relaxing option for campers wanting “nature trails near I-95” 
  • Ideal for a low-key day outdoors away from traffic and crowds.
  • Bring bug spray and check trail conditions if visiting after heavy rain.

Website

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

  • Sylvan Heights Bird Park is a top-rated attraction featuring hundreds of birds from around the world, plus aviaries and scenic walking paths.
  • Great for families, photographers, and nature lovers seeking “kid-friendly attractions near Emporia VA” 
  • Interactive exhibits and close-up viewing make it a memorable half-day trip.
  • Plan for comfortable walking and bring water in warm months.

Website

Carolina Crossroads Music & Entertainment District (Roanoke Rapids, NC)

Carolina Crossroads Music & Entertainment District (Roanoke Rapids, NC)

  • The Carolina Crossroads district is a growing hub for live music, festivals, dining, and nightlife near Roanoke Rapids.
  • It's a solid pick for KOA guests looking for evening entertainment close to I-95 without driving to a big city.
  • Check event calendars for seasonal concerts and community celebrations.

395 Wallace Fork Road

Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Website

Historic Downtown Emporia

Historic Downtown Emporia

The Hicksford-Emporia and Belfield-Emporia Historic Districts showcase Emporia's transformation from two 19th-century crossroads—Hicksford and Belfield—to a thriving city united in 1887. Separated by the Meherrin River, these districts developed around the county courthouse and grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroads. Many historic buildings along South Main Street reflect Emporia's growth from a rural community to a commercial hub. While some original structures were lost to Hurricane Hazel in 1954, much of the area's unique heritage can still be seen today.

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