Dispersed camping near Hanover, Virginia centers around three Wildlife Management Areas that allow primitive camping with minimal amenities. Eagle Nest Lookout in Chickahominy WMA offers sites along the James River, accessible via hiking trails with no established facilities. Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area provides boat-in and hike-in options for remote camping experiences. Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area features multiple cleared areas where campers can set up close to water, with some sites elevated approximately 20 feet above drivable areas.
Access to these sites varies considerably, with most requiring walk-in or hike-in approaches. Eagle Nest Lookout includes a narrow path leading to a small knoll overlooking the James River. Vehicles must be parked below while gear is carried to the camping area. Virginia residents can camp for up to 14 days with a valid fishing or hunting license, while non-residents must purchase a $4 daily use permit. None of these areas provide drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire rings exist at some locations, but campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
The camping experience at these WMAs combines waterfront views with varying levels of privacy. At Eagle Nest Lookout, a large shoreline area allows camping just feet from the water, with tent sites overlooking the river. Several reviews mention issues with trash and noise. "There are basically two parking or camping spots closest to the boat ramp partitioned by some rail timbers," notes one camper at Eagle Nest. Chickahominy WMA provides more seclusion with "about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though campers should be aware that hunting activity and nearby shooting ranges can create noise, especially on weekends.
"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."
"Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet."
"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."
ScoutBasic 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!
LegendThis 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
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TravelerCar 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.
TravelerMore of a small boating/fishing area locals usually party at than much of a campground. There's a couple more conventional pull outs before it and I stayed at one which was relatively peaceful besides someone going birdshooting with their incredibly panicked dog nearby and someone running their generator incredibly early in the morning. No amenities and lots of trash. Ended up picking up a great deal for some piece of mind.
LegendParked overnight in designated parking area. No motorized vehicles beyond signs. Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit. No amenities. Good t-mobile coverage. Fires allowed, but no cleared fire ring.
TravelerIt 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.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideWe found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there
TravelerI 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.
Primitive camping near Hanover, Virginia primarily focuses on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that require permits and offer minimal facilities. These areas feature coastal plain topography with elevations typically below 100 feet, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities along tidal rivers. The camping sites generally require short hikes from parking areas, with most accessible paths being under half a mile.
Fishing opportunities: At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA), anglers can set up camp within feet of the water. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," notes one camper who appreciated the proximity to fishing spots.
Waterfront exploration: Several cleared areas near the water provide opportunities for swimming and wading during warmer months. As one visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout observed, "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."
Hiking trails: The WMAs contain unmarked paths through coastal forest. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout mentioned, "Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out," demonstrating the casual hiking options available to campers who want to explore beyond their sites.
Waterfront views: The direct access to water is frequently highlighted in reviews. At Chickahominy WMA, a camper appreciated that "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."
Free or low-cost camping: Virginia residents can camp at these WMAs with a valid hunting or fishing license. As noted for Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, "Take advantage of your local wildlife areas," with another camper at Chickahominy WMA adding, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The WMAs support diverse wildlife populations. While setting up at Ware Creek, one camper reported, "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," highlighting the potential for wildlife encounters during early morning hours.
Limited facilities: None of these sites provide toilets, water, or trash service. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout advises, "No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out. LNT. There is a fire ring and a fire pit."
Noise considerations: The proximity to shooting ranges affects the camping experience, particularly on weekends. One camper at Eagle Nest Lookout warns, "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."
Parking situations: Most camping areas require separating vehicles from tents. At Eagle Nest Lookout, "there is a beaten narrow path that leads from the end of the road up to a small knoll... You are able to park down below and carry your gear the short distance."
Safety precautions: These WMAs have no cell service in many areas, so bringing a first aid kit and emergency supplies is essential.
Trash management: Families should plan to pack out all waste. One camper at Eagle Nest Lookout observed, "Unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up," suggesting bringing extra bags for cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hanover, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hanover, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hanover, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Hanover, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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