Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site in Virginia features flat terrain with forests and wetlands. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Chickahominy River and Colonial Williamsburg.

A new regulation (4VAC15-20-155) effective January 1, 2021 makes it unlawful to camp on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) without written authorization. Written authorization establishes a starting and ending date for each camping trip. In case of emergency, written authorizations also provide the Department with a list of campers who are expected to be occupying a WMA and who may need assistance. https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/wma-rules.pdf

Camping is primitive, temporary and dispersed. There are no established campsites and no amenities (electric, potable water, dump stations, restrooms, convenience stations).

The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area is the only DWR management area in the coastal plain that consists mainly of woodlands and is managed primarily for upland wildlife rather than wetland species. This type of management, coupled with the area’s location along a major tidal river and creek, gives this Charles City County area a variety of habitat types that is unique to the Department’s Wildlife Management Area system. A sighting-in range located at the WMA provides hunters a place to hone their skills. 

The management area gains its name from the Chickahominy River which forms the area’s eastern boundary. To the south, Morris Creek flows through the area and then along its southern boundary. Other smaller tidal creeks and marshy guts cut into the forests to provide additional wetland diversity. The upland, though mainly wooded with mixed hardwood and pine stands, also features cultivated, mowed and “old field” openings. The area’s 5,217 acres are contiguous although there are some interior, private properties. Nearly level, elevations range from about 25 to 50 feet.

Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Lightfoot, VA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Lightfoot campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Lightfoot, reviewed by campers like you.

Lightfoot

The Best Camping Near Lightfoot, Virginia

I arrived with a small (18’) trailer and put it within 5’ of the water. Since it’s a WMA you can set up anywhere but this place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with. As a bonus there is a raised area—about 20’ above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two. The site had some trash unfortunately. But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find. 
Camping here is free but there is a $4 daily use fee to be in the WMA that you can pay via phone, website or app tho the clunkiness of the website and app make it hard. 

Waterfront property

Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It’s 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving. No amenities but nice camping experience and you can purchase $4 daily pass or if Virginia residents free 14 days camping complementary as well with any fishing license or hunting license if you have. I will come back!

Photos of Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

Real photos from real campers