Dispersed camping opportunities near Carrollton, Virginia center around several Wildlife Management Areas spanning the coastal plains region. These primitive camping locations offer waterfront access without developed facilities at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 20 feet. Winter temperatures typically remain mild with lows rarely dropping below freezing, while summer months bring high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Fishing from shore: The James River and Chickahominy River provide excellent fishing opportunities for both casual and serious anglers. At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, one visitor noted, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," making it convenient to fish directly from your campsite.
Explore wooded trails: Mature forest areas offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and hiking. "Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink," reports a camper at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Wildlife observation: The early morning and evening hours provide the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. One camper at Chickahominy WMA mentioned, "Very quiet, and dark. Will take a look around in the morning," highlighting the undeveloped nature that supports wildlife viewing.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Multiple sites allow camping within feet of the water's edge. A visitor at Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA) shared, "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."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A Ware Creek WMA camper noted, "Very dark and quiet," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Budget-friendly options: Access to free camping near Carrollton, Virginia is available with proper permits. One camper explained, "Basic parking spot in quite location... 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."
What you should know
Required permits: Virginia residents need a valid fishing or hunting license for complementary 14-day camping access. Non-residents must purchase a daily use permit. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout advised, "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."
Shooting range proximity: Some camping areas are located near active shooting ranges. A visitor warned, "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."
Variable crowding conditions: Weekends and peak fishing seasons bring more visitors. "Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side," notes one camper, while another mentioned, "Definitely a busy little spot but we ended up having the place to ourselves once the all the people Fishing left."
Tips for camping with families
Trash awareness: Prepare children to practice Leave No Trace principles and consider bringing bags for cleanup. One visitor at Chickahominy WMA observed the basic conditions, noting "No amenities. Very quiet, and dark," which means families need to be self-sufficient.
Elevated camping spots: Some areas offer higher ground options above the water with better views. A camper mentioned, "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," which provides safer options for camping with children away from the water's edge.
Blaze orange safety: During hunting seasons, ensure all family members wear high visibility clothing. "We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink," advises a visitor, highlighting an important safety consideration for families.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Most dispersed camping near Carrollton accommodates smaller trailers and camper vans rather than large RVs. One RVer shared their experience: "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water."
Bridge weight restrictions: Some access roads have limited capacity bridges. A visitor to Ware Creek noted, "Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit," indicating smaller RVs can access the area but larger rigs may have difficulty.
No-hookup preparation: Come fully self-contained with water and power. "No amenities but nice camping experience," confirms one camper, emphasizing the need for RVers to be prepared for primitive conditions with no services available.
