Dispersed camping near Dinwiddie, Virginia requires access permits through Virginia's Wildlife Management Area system. The James River and Chickahominy River create a 5,200+ acre coastal plain ecosystem with periodic flooding that shapes camping conditions. Fall and winter camping offers more solitude as fishing and hunting activity varies seasonally.
What to do
Water activities on the James River: Eagle Nest Lookout provides direct river access for fishing and paddling. "Car 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," notes a visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout.
Wildlife observation: The Chickahominy WMA hosts diverse coastal forest wildlife. Campers report seeing various bird species during morning hours. "The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place for hiking," according to one Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area visitor.
Shoreline fishing: Fishing remains popular at these dispersed sites. One camper reported, "If you are fishing, they pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass."
What campers like
Multiple cleared camping areas: The WMA provides various options for setting up camp. "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."
Waterfront proximity: Many campers appreciate how close they can position their setup to the water. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," states one visitor describing their experience at Chickahominy WMA.
Winter camping opportunities: Off-season camping offers increased solitude. "Car camped here 5 feet from the water...we ended up having the place to ourselves once all the people fishing left," explains a winter visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout.
What you should know
Trash management concerns: Multiple reviews mention litter issues requiring visitor attention. "There was quite a bit of trash dispersed in this area which we picked up. Apparently this is a well used fishing location seen by the debris that was left," reports one camper at Eagle Nest Lookout.
Permit requirements: Virginia residents can camp complementary for up to 14 days with fishing or hunting licenses. "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."
Noise factors: The adjacent shooting range creates significant sound until evening hours. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Choose camping spots away from popular fishing areas for more seclusion. "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."
Pack garbage bags: Due to no trash facilities and existing litter issues, bring extra bags for cleanup. "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 area in which we picked up."
Weekend planning: Visitor traffic increases significantly during weekends. "Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side," notes a visitor to Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area.
Tips for RVers
Smaller trailers only: The access roads and sites accommodate modest-sized RVs. "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."
Generator etiquette: Respect quiet hours when using generators. "One releaved himself 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."
Site access verification: Confirm the specific location coordinates before arrival. "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."
