Camping options within driving distance of Kilmarnock, Virginia primarily consist of dispersed sites on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), offering primitive experiences rather than developed facilities. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, Eagle Nest Lookout, and Ware Creek WMA provide opportunities for self-sufficient campers seeking waterfront locations and natural settings. These areas feature forested coastal plains along tidewater Virginia, with many sites positioned near rivers including the James and Chickahominy. Most locations require visitors to bring all necessary supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles, as amenities are virtually non-existent across these public lands.
Permits and regulations govern camping in the region's WMAs, with Virginia residents enjoying certain advantages. A $4 daily use fee applies to non-residents, while Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses may receive complementary 14-day camping access. According to visitor reports, "No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out" summarizes the experience at most sites. Road access varies, with some locations requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach prime camping spots. Weather considerations include typical coastal Virginia patterns, with humidity and insects during summer months and milder conditions in spring and fall. Cell service can be spotty throughout these rural areas.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to these WMAs, with several reviewers noting the appeal of shoreline sites. One camper described positioning their small trailer "within 5 feet of the water" at Chickahominy WMA, where approximately 15 cleared areas accommodate various camping setups. Visitors should be prepared for occasional noise disruptions, as several reviews mention nearby shooting ranges and other recreational users. Fishing is popular at many sites, particularly at Eagle Nest Lookout along the James River. Trash management remains an ongoing challenge, with multiple reviewers reporting they "picked up" litter left by previous visitors. Despite these concerns, the natural beauty and water access continue to attract campers seeking primitive experiences near Kilmarnock.
"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."
"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."
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 Kilmarnock, Virginia centers on several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) located within a 50-mile radius. These public lands feature tidal wetlands and mixed hardwood forests typical of Virginia's Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions. Elevations rarely exceed 100 feet above sea level, creating flat terrain suitable for primitive camping. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer brings 70-90°F temperatures with high humidity.
Fishing access points: The shoreline at Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA) offers direct water access for anglers. "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," notes camper GoGo.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at rustic camping areas near Kilmarnock provide opportunities to spot native species. "There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia," writes reviewer N I. about Eagle Nest Lookout.
Winter camping opportunities: Cold-weather camping offers solitude at many dispersed sites. One camper at Eagle Nest Lookout described "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."
Elevated camping spots: Several locations feature higher ground options away from waterfront areas. At Chickahominy WMA, Kurt S. notes "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."
Flexible site selection: The freedom to choose camping locations appeals to many visitors. "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," according to a Chickahominy WMA reviewer.
Cost-effective options: Virginia residents with appropriate licenses receive special benefits. According to GoGo, "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."
Trash management challenges: Campers should prepare to clean up after others. "The site had some trash unfortunately. But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find," reports a Chickahominy WMA visitor.
Noise considerations: Shooting ranges operate near several camping areas. As Greg S. notes about Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening."
Limited privacy on weekends: Popular fishing spots can become crowded, particularly waterfront locations. "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," advises Kevin F.
Arrival timing matters: Setting up before dark helps with site selection and safety. "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," reports Garrett G. at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Bring exploration activities: The undeveloped nature of rustic camping near Kilmarnock requires bringing your own entertainment. "Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out," mentions one Eagle Nest visitor, suggesting morning hikes work well for families.
Monitor weather forecasts: Tidal areas can experience rapid weather changes. "We arrived and set up camp around 3pm," noted one camper who later experienced unexpected rain during their stay.
Small trailers only: The limited access roads and clearing sizes restrict RV options. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout mentions, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water."
Parking considerations: Most sites have minimal developed parking. "There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers," notes Greg S., indicating limited space for larger vehicles.
Generator etiquette: If using power equipment, be mindful of other campers. One reviewer complained, "This group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kilmarnock, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kilmarnock, VA is Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kilmarnock, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Kilmarnock, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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