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Dispersed Camping

James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

James River Wildlife Management Area offers dispersed camping near the James River in Virginia. The terrain consists of forests and riverbanks, providing a natural setting for campers. Nearby attractions include the James River itself, which is popular for fishing and kayaking, and the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, which is less than an hour away.

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Location

James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Physical Address: Route 626/ Cabell Rd., Wingina, VA 24599 Access is from State Route 56, between Lovingston and Buckingham Court House, on Route 626 travel easterly following road signs. From the Previous Site on the James River Loop of VBWT: From James River State Park, return to Rt. 606 and follow it back to Rt. 604 and SR 56. Turn left onto SR 56 and continue back across the James River to Rt. 626/Howardsville Road. Turn right onto Rt. 626/Howardsville Road and follow it for approximately 1.0 miles to Rt. 743/Midway Mills Road. Turn right and go 0.3 miles then veer left and continue 0.8 miles into the James River WMA.

Coordinates

37.66925649 N
78.724785 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
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  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Feb. 22, 2022

Great, secluded location

The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping by Zach K., February 22, 2022
  • Review photo of James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping by Zach K., February 22, 2022
  • Review photo of James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping by Zach K., February 22, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping?

James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping is located at 424 feet.

Are fires allowed at James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.