4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping in the Hopewell, Virginia area centers primarily around Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with the Chickahominy WMA and areas near the James River providing primitive camping opportunities. These sites require no reservations and typically feature minimal or no facilities. Both Eagle Nest Lookout and Chickahominy WMA offer waterfront primitive camping sites with access to fishing locations along the Chickahominy and James Rivers.
Access to these sites varies considerably, with most requiring at least partial travel on unpaved roads. Eagle Nest Lookout features a narrow path leading to a small knoll overlooking the James River, while Chickahominy WMA has multiple cleared areas suitable for camping. Virginia residents with a valid fishing or hunting license can camp free for up to 14 days, while others must purchase a $4 daily use permit. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available at these locations, and visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste.
The dispersed camping experience near Hopewell combines waterfront views with the challenges of truly primitive camping. The sites provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation, though campers should be prepared for occasional noise from nearby shooting ranges. Several sites are close enough to the water that car camping within feet of the shoreline is possible. "Pack it in, pack it out. LNT. There is a fire ring and a fire pit. The ground is well tamped down," notes one camper about Eagle Nest Lookout. Another visitor to Chickahominy WMA describes "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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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
Travel safe
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.
Dispersed camping near Hopewell, Virginia offers opportunities primarily on public lands surrounding the Chickahominy and James Rivers. The area features lowland coastal plain topography with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. During summer months, temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most sites become muddy after rainfall due to the clay-based soil composition common in this region.
Fishing access points: The boat ramp at Eagle Nest Lookout provides direct water access. "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," reports one camper who visited in winter.
Hiking trails: Several unmarked paths wind through the forest areas. A visitor at Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site mentioned, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities for spotting local species. "There is a raised area—about 20' above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two," notes a camper, describing an elevated vantage point for observing the surrounding habitat.
Waterfront proximity: Most sites feature direct water access. "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," explains a winter visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout.
Seclusion options: While some areas see regular use from anglers, quieter spots exist throughout the WMAs. "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," shares a camper at Chickahominy WMA.
Natural setting: The undeveloped character appeals to those seeking primitive camping. "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," describes a visitor highlighting the extensive natural area available.
Permit requirements: Virginia residents with hunting or fishing licenses camp free for 14 days; others pay $4 daily. "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," advises a Chickahominy WMA camper.
Noise considerations: Several camping areas experience noise from nearby shooting ranges. "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," warns an Eagle Nest Lookout visitor.
Trash management: Previous visitors sometimes leave debris behind. "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," reports a camper who experienced this issue at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Site selection: Choose elevated spots away from high-traffic fishing areas. "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," describes a camper detailing a more private location.
Weekend planning: Expect increased activity from hunters and anglers on weekends. "Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side," notes a visitor about activity patterns at the WMAs.
Water safety: River currents can be strong and banks may be unstable. "The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking," mentions a camper, highlighting that while water views are appealing, supervision is essential near shorelines.
Access limitations: Most sites accommodate only small trailers or RVs under 20 feet. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," reports one RVer who successfully navigated to a prime waterfront spot.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain with appropriate blocks. "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," notes a car camper at Ware Creek WMA, suggesting that even smaller vehicles face positioning challenges.
No hookups available: All sites are completely primitive with no water, electric, or dump facilities. "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," explains a camper summarizing the basic nature of these sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hopewell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hopewell, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hopewell, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Hopewell, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
