Dispersed camping near Lancaster, Virginia centers on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that permit primitive camping along coastal waterways. These rustic sites require minimal fees - Virginia residents with hunting or fishing licenses receive free 14-day camping privileges, while non-residents pay $4 daily. Most locations feature cleared areas suitable for tent camping with direct water access but no facilities, making self-sufficiency essential for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing access: Chickahominy WMA provides direct waterfront camping with excellent fishing opportunities. "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," notes a camper at Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA).
Shoreline exploration: The James River shoreline offers both camping and hiking options. "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 visitor at Eagle Nest Lookout.
Wildlife observation: WMA lands provide extensive habitat for local wildlife. "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," reports a visitor at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, highlighting the opportunity for dawn wildlife viewing.
What campers like
Elevated camping spots: Some sites offer unique terrain advantages. "There is a raised area—about 20' above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two," explains a Chickahominy WMA camper, describing the elevated options beyond the waterfront spaces.
Water proximity: Many dispersed camping areas allow vehicles extremely close to water. "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," shares one Eagle Nest visitor.
Varied site options: The multiple cleared areas throughout these properties accommodate different camping preferences. "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 a camper about site distribution at Chickahominy.
What you should know
Weekend noise considerations: Expect potential disturbances during peak times. "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," warns a visitor at Eagle Nest Lookout.
Trash management issues: Pack out all waste and consider collecting existing trash. "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."
Permit system navigation: The permit system requires advance planning. "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
Boat access sites: Some locations provide boat launch facilities near camping areas. "There is a boat ramp of sorts just below the campsite," notes a camper at Eagle Nest, making water activities accessible for families with children.
Campfire preparation: Gather firewood from nearby sources as none is provided. "I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed," shares a winter camper, indicating sufficient natural resources for maintaining fires.
Security considerations: Consider midweek visits for more privacy and security. "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."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: The roads and clearings can accommodate modest-sized trailers and RVs. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," reports a visitor, indicating suitable access for smaller recreational vehicles but potentially challenging for large rigs.
Level parking areas: Multiple cleared spaces provide options for parking RVs and trailers. "We stayed down by the boat ramp. There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers," describes one camper, showing the structured parking available at some water-adjacent sites.
