Rustic camping near Greenwood, Virginia centers around designated Wildlife Management Areas that provide primitive sites with river access. The Chickahominy and Ware Creek WMAs comprise over 5,000 acres of coastal plain forest within 40 minutes of Greenwood. Winter camping offers quieter conditions with temperatures averaging 30-45°F, while summer months often exceed 85°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing along shorelines: Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area offers multiple waterfront sites where visitors can fish directly from their camping area. One camper reported, "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." (Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site)
Wildlife observation: The mature mixed forest provides habitat for deer and other wildlife. Visitors should bring binoculars and wear appropriate safety clothing during hunting seasons. A camper at Ware Creek noted, "Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink." (Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area)
Riverside hiking: Follow established trails along the James and Chickahominy Rivers. Paths range from narrow beaten trails to wider access routes. A visitor mentioned, "The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking."
What campers like
Elevated camping spots: Some sites offer both shoreline and higher elevation options for different views and experiences. A camper described, "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."
Waterfront proximity: Many sites allow vehicles to park extremely close to the water for convenient fishing and scenery. One reviewer noted, "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." (Eagle Nest Lookout)
Dark night skies: The remote nature of these primitive sites provides minimal light pollution. A visitor to one site reported, "Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit."
What you should know
Trash management concerns: Several sites suffer from previous visitors leaving garbage. A camper reported, "The site had some trash unfortunately. But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find."
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience noise from shooting ranges and other recreational activities. One camper 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." (Chickahominy WMA)
Permit requirements: Virginia WMAs require either a valid hunting/fishing license for residents or a $4 daily use permit for non-residents. A visitor explained, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring adequate water: No potable water exists at any of these primitive camping locations. Pack at least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra for cooking and cleaning needs.
Prepare for complete darkness: Without ambient light, these areas become extremely dark after sunset. A camper noted, "We came in late after dark and wanted to get to Eagles Landing Lookout, but decided just to pull in here. Very quiet, and dark."
Select sites away from boat ramps: For quieter family camping, choose locations separated from high-traffic fishing areas. One camper advised, "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."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access only: While some sites accommodate small trailers, large RVs cannot access most primitive camping areas. A visitor with a trailer shared, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water." (Eagle Nest Lookout)
Generator etiquette: If bringing a generator, observe quiet hours and position away from other campers. One frustrated camper reported, "To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up till 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate."
Bridge weight limits: Access roads may include bridges with weight restrictions. A reviewer noted, "Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit."
