Planning a dispersed camping trip near Cape Charles? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
To camp on Virginia Wildlife Management Area, you must register on the Go Outdoors Virginia Website: https://gooutdoorsvirginia.com/
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.
Traveler
It is a great shame that people would desecrate such a beautiful area with trash and a blatant disregard for others! We arrived and set up camp around 3pm. There was quite a bit of trash dispersed in this are in which we picked up. Apparently this is a well used fishing location seen by the debris that was left and the still smoldering prone laying barrel fire unfortunately. Around 9pm we were graced with some visitors. To my dismay the individuals deployed a large fishing drone. I was in disbelief at the blatant disregard and disrespect that this man showed knowing that we were camping the within 30ft of their fishing expedition! This man and woman did this for several hours in the rain with their vehicle lights on. In the morning we discovered that the two had the nerve to also left there chic felt and fishing trash on the ground. What a shame and disgrace! Of course we police the location and made right.
TravelerWe stayed down by the boat ramp. There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers. A large was camped out in the First section closest to the boat ramp area. There weren't very hospitable to say the least. One releaved him self at his truck on the side We were on and moved on the side with the larger group of cars ,truck and campers. To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate. Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening. In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping. There are other areas though. The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking.
TravelerCar camped here 5 feet from the water. There is a large shoreline area to Car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river. Used by fisherman shore fishing and unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up. Fire pit at shore pull in site and I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed. If your looking for complete privacy, I'd recommend trying one of the other sites sprinkled around the area. Definitely a busy little spot but we ended up having the place to ourselves once the all the people Fishing left. If you are fishing, the pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass. Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out. Helpful hint: This is the spot by the water. There was confusion because the other site on this app just takes you near the gun range and it is not by the water.
Scout
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!
ScoutI 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.
LegendThis is in the Chickahominy WMA on the far end and along the James River. There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp. This campsite is exceptional for those that like to primitive camp. You can't see it from the road but there is a beaten narrow path that leads from the end of the road up to a small knoll. At the top is an area about 20 feet wide covered in mature trees with a view of the James River. You are able to park down below and carry your gear the short distance. No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out. LNT. There is a fire ring and a fire pit. The ground is well tamped down. Please take care of the amazing spot. There is a boat ramp of sorts just below the campsite. 37.316858-76.881031
Pack it in, Pack it out
LNT
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cape Charles, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cape Charles, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
