Best Dispersed Camping near Millwood, VA
Dispersed camping in the Millwood, Virginia region centers around several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that permit primitive camping. Three main areas include Ware Creek WMA, Eagle Nest Lookout within Chickahominy WMA, and other sections of Chickahominy WMA. These sites provide primitive camping experiences along waterways including the James River and Chickahominy River. All sites maintain minimal infrastructure with no established facilities, following true dispersed camping principles on public land.
Access to these areas varies considerably, with some sites requiring walk-in or hike-in approaches while others permit drive-in camping. Eagle Nest Lookout and parts of Chickahominy WMA allow vehicle access, though unpaved surfaces may present challenges during wet weather. Most sites require a Virginia WMA permit, which costs approximately $4 per day, though Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses may receive complementary 14-day camping privileges. None of these areas provide drinking water, restrooms, or waste disposal facilities. Fires are permitted in existing fire rings, but campers must bring their own firewood.
The camping experience focuses on waterfront locations with opportunities for fishing and hiking. These areas feature varying levels of privacy depending on location and timing. According to one visitor at Chickahominy WMA, "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5 feet of the water. There are about 15 cleared areas, any one of which I would have been happy with." Another camper noted some locations can become busy with fishing activity: "This is a well-used fishing location seen by the debris." Wildlife viewing is possible throughout these areas, which cover thousands of acres of coastal plain forests. Visitors should be prepared for variable conditions including potential noise from nearby shooting ranges on weekends and the necessity of properly disposing of all waste when departing.
