Best Dispersed Camping near Dinwiddie, VA
Dispersed camping near Dinwiddie, Virginia centers on two Wildlife Management Area (WMA) sites - Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area and Eagle Nest Lookout. Both locations provide primitive camping opportunities along the James River and Chickahominy River, requiring minimal permits and offering no developed amenities. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries manages these properties primarily for hunting and fishing, with camping as a secondary use. A daily WMA access permit or valid Virginia hunting or fishing license is required for legal camping.
Both camping areas feature a mix of drive-in and walk-in access points with several cleared areas for camping. Eagle Nest Lookout includes a small knoll accessible by a narrow path that leads to a 20-foot wide area with mature trees overlooking the James River. The site requires carrying gear a short distance from parking. Chickahominy WMA offers approximately 15 cleared areas where visitors can set up camp, including spots within feet of the water. The terrain is primarily forested coastal plains typical of tidewater Virginia, spanning over 5,200 acres.
These primitive sites experience varying levels of use, particularly from fishermen. "Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by," noted one visitor to Chickahominy WMA. For Virginia residents, camping is complementary for up to 14 days with any fishing or hunting license, while non-residents can purchase a $4 daily pass. The areas follow strict "pack it in, pack it out" principles with no trash services. Several reviews mention issues with litter, indicating the need for responsible use. Eagle Nest Lookout visitors should be prepared for potential noise from a nearby shooting range that operates until evening hours, and some sites may lack privacy during peak fishing periods.
