Best Dispersed Camping near Midlothian, VA
Midlothian, Virginia provides access to several primitive camping options within an hour's drive, primarily focused on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that offer dispersed camping experiences. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area and Eagle Nest Lookout provide waterfront camping along the James River and Chickahominy River, offering both shoreline sites and elevated camping spots with river views. These areas feature minimal development but attract visitors seeking fishing access and natural settings. Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area rounds out the nearby options with similar primitive camping opportunities. Most sites are accessible via short walks or drives on unpaved roads, with some requiring hiking to reach more secluded locations.
Permits are required for camping in these Wildlife Management Areas, with Virginia residents enjoying complementary 14-day camping with a valid fishing or hunting license, while others can purchase a $4 daily pass. According to camper reviews, payment can be completed via phone, website, or app, though the digital systems can be somewhat challenging to navigate. These areas lack developed amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Campers should be aware that nearby shooting ranges can create noise during the day, as noted by several visitors who mentioned hearing shooting activities well into the evening hours.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for most visitors to these areas, with multiple cleared spots allowing camping within feet of the water. One camper described finding "about 15 cleared areas" suitable for camping at Chickahominy WMA, including spots that accommodate small trailers. The proximity to fishing opportunities attracts anglers, sometimes creating competition for prime camping locations. Several reviewers mentioned issues with trash left by previous visitors, suggesting campers should be prepared to encounter and potentially clean up litter. Weekend visitors should anticipate sharing space with fishermen during the day, though some report having sites to themselves after fishing activities conclude. The forested coastal plains setting provides scenic views, particularly along the Chickahominy River, which reviewers describe as "spectacular" for both camping and hiking.
