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Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Monroe, VA

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Fort Monroe, Virginia include Eagle Nest Lookout and Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area (WMA), both offering primitive camping experiences along waterways. The Chickahominy WMA encompasses 5,217 acres of primarily forested coastal plains in Charles City County. These sites provide no established facilities or amenities, making them suitable for experienced campers comfortable with true primitive camping conditions.

Eagle Nest Lookout features a small knoll with mature trees overlooking the James River. A narrow path leads from the road to the camping area, which includes a fire ring and fire pit on well-tamped ground. According to reviews, "there is a large shoreline area to car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site overlooking the river." The site includes a small boat ramp below the campsite. Visitors should be aware that a shooting range operates nearby, with noise continuing into the evening hours.

Permits are required for both locations. Virginia residents with a valid fishing or hunting license receive 14 days of complementary camping. Non-residents must purchase a $4 daily pass, which can be obtained via phone, website, or app. Several campers noted the area is popular with fishermen, which can impact privacy during peak times. The WMA has approximately 15 cleared areas suitable for camping, with some spots allowing vehicles to park within feet of the water.

All dispersed camping in these areas follows strict Leave No Trace principles. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available. Pack out all waste and supplies. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Weekends bring increased activity from hunters and anglers. The sites experience occasional issues with litter, so carrying extra trash bags is recommended. Despite these challenges, the waterfront locations offer genuine primitive camping experiences close to Fort Monroe.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Fort Monroe, Virginia (3)

    1. Eagle Nest Lookout

    4 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 367-1000

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    2 Reviews
    Lightfoot, VA
    38 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find."

    3. Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Barhamsville, VA
    41 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fort Monroe, VA

3 Photos of 3 Fort Monroe Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fort Monroe, VA

6 Reviews of 3 Fort Monroe Campgrounds

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    Not bad!

    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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 13, 2021

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Huck Fin Delight

    This 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 

    Travel safe

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Winter Car Camping

    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. 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.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Drone fishing in the rain

    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.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Shooting range and generator blues

    We 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.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    Waterfront property

    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 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.

Guide to Fort Monroe

Dispersed camping near Fort Monroe, Virginia, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of setting up camp in less conventional spots. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these areas are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Eagle Nest Lookout provides stunning views of the Chickahominy River, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes while camping.

Fishing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Fort Monroe, Virginia

  • For a more secluded experience, consider the Eagle Nest Lookout, where you can find less crowded spots and enjoy the tranquility of nature, especially after the fishing crowds leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping available at Fort Monroe?

Dispersed camping is not available at Fort Monroe itself, but nearby in the region. Eagle Nest Lookout offers dispersed camping along the James River with shoreline areas for car camping and elevated tent sites overlooking the water. This site is located in the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, which spans over 5,000 acres in Charles City County. The area features multiple cleared spaces where you can set up camp, with some spots located just feet from the water.

Do I need permits or reservations for dispersed camping at Fort Monroe?

For dispersed camping in the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA), you need a permit. Non-Virginia residents must purchase a $4 daily pass, while Virginia residents can camp free for up to 14 days with the appropriate WMA permit. No reservations are required as these are dispersed sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Since this is a Wildlife Management Area, be aware that hunting activities occur here, particularly on weekends, and always verify current permit requirements before your trip.

What facilities or amenities are available for dispersed camping at Fort Monroe?

Dispersed camping at locations like Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area offers a primitive experience with minimal amenities. These sites typically have no facilities such as bathrooms, running water, or trash service. Some areas have basic fire pits created by previous campers, particularly at shoreline sites. At certain locations, you'll find cleared parking areas and occasionally boat ramps. Be prepared to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The experience is truly primitive, focusing on natural surroundings rather than conveniences.

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