Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area provides rustic camping near Linden, Virginia with multiple primitive sites near the shoreline. The camping area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with deciduous forest surroundings that offer seasonal color variations. The road to the camping area includes a steep four-mile section that requires caution during wet conditions or winter months.
What to do
**Fishing access: Hidden Valley WMA offers lake fishing opportunities where visitors find calm waters suitable for casual angling. "Lake is calm and clean for water recreation," notes one camper who frequented the area.
**Wildlife observation: The management area contains diverse forest habitat supporting local wildlife. Visitors should maintain appropriate distance from wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
**Hiking options: Several unmarked but visible trails extend from the camping area into surrounding forests. The terrain features moderate elevation changes with fern-covered forest floor mentioned by campers as distinctive. One visitor described the area as a "pretty cool fern filled Forrest and lake."
What campers like
Natural setting: The isolation and natural surroundings rank highly among visitor experiences. "This spot is very nice, close to the water's edge (although no camping allowed lakeside)," reports one camper who appreciated the proximity to water.
Quieter weekdays: Visitation patterns show weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends. A recent visitor mentioned, "We had the place to ourselves which was really great," highlighting the potential for privacy during off-peak times.
Available facilities: Despite being primitive camping, the area provides basic necessities. Campers appreciate that there are "quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo," which enhances the experience while maintaining the rustic character.
What you should know
Permit requirements: All visitors need Virginia Wildlife Department authorization. "Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account)," explains one camper clarifying the administrative process.
Stay limitations: Camping duration is restricted to specific timeframes. As noted by a regular visitor, camping is permitted "up to 14 days" which allows for extended stays while preventing permanent occupancy.
Safety considerations: The parking area occasionally experiences after-hours traffic. Some visitors mentioned "peculiar characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night," suggesting campers should maintain standard security precautions with valuables.
Tips for camping with families
Restroom planning: The single portable toilet facility may require planning for families with small children. The portable restroom is available "at campground and boat dock" according to visitor reports.
Campfire preparation: While fires are permitted in established rings, families should plan accordingly. Campers report "plenty of dead wood for fires" in the surrounding area, reducing the need to transport firewood.
Waste management: The area provides limited waste disposal options. Several visitors mentioned the availability of "trash cans" at designated areas, though families should consider bringing bags to transport waste to these receptacles.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access limitations: The steep road grade presents challenges for larger vehicles. One RVer explained, "The road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it," indicating particular difficulty for longer or heavier rigs.
Site selection: Pull-in areas vary in size and levelness. There are "4 ish areas to pull up to" according to recent visitors, suggesting early arrival increases options for finding suitable parking for larger vehicles.
Self-sufficient setup: The campground lacks hookups or amenities for RVs. Campers must arrive with full water tanks, charged batteries, and empty waste tanks as no services are available on site.
