The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Montpelier, VA

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Montpelier, Virginia area centers primarily around Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with three notable locations: Eagle Nest Lookout, Chickahominy WMA, and Ware Creek WMA. These primitive sites require no reservations and provide access to undeveloped natural areas along rivers and forested regions. All three locations function as dispersed camping zones rather than established campgrounds, offering camping opportunities in a natural setting. A permit is required for camping at Eagle Nest Lookout and Chickahominy WMA, while Ware Creek lists no permit requirement. Most sites are free, though Chickahominy WMA notes a $4 daily use fee.

Access points vary across these locations, with Eagle Nest Lookout accessible via hike-in or walk-in routes, Chickahominy WMA allowing drive-in access, and Ware Creek providing boat-in options in addition to hiking trails. None of these areas provide amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, toilets, or trash disposal. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste. While fires are permitted at all three locations, visitors need to bring their own firewood, as none is provided on site. Camping areas near water, particularly at Eagle Nest Lookout and Chickahominy WMA, are popular for their riverside locations.

The dispersed sites offer varying levels of privacy and natural experiences. Eagle Nest Lookout features elevated areas approximately 20 feet above drivable sections, providing views of the James River. Some sites allow camping within a few feet of the water. Chickahominy WMA contains about 15 cleared areas suitable for camping. One visitor noted, "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5' of the water. The privacy and singularity of camping so close to the water made it a nice find." Another camper cautioned about noise from nearby shooting ranges, noting, "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening." Unfortunately, several reviews mention trash problems, suggesting campers should be prepared to find and potentially clean up litter.

Map showing campgrounds near Montpelier, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Montpelier, Virginia (3)

    1. Eagle Nest Lookout

    4 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 367-1000

    "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."

    2. Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    2 Reviews
    Lightfoot, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Barhamsville, VA
    21 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Montpelier Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Montpelier, VA

3 Photos of 3 Montpelier Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Montpelier, VA

6 Reviews of 3 Montpelier Campgrounds

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    Not bad!

    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. 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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 13, 2021

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Huck Fin Delight

    This 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

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Winter Car Camping

    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. 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.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Drone fishing in the rain

    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. 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.

  • Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Eagle Nest Lookout

    Shooting range and generator blues

    We 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.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

    Waterfront property

    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. 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.

Guide to Montpelier

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Montpelier, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wild and enjoy the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Eagle Nest Lookout provides stunning views of the Chickahominy River, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Montpelier, Virginia

Fishing Adventures While Free Camping Near Montpelier

  • If you're into fishing, the Eagle Nest Lookout is a popular spot where anglers have reported catching impressive fish, adding excitement to your camping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Montpelier, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Montpelier, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Montpelier, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Montpelier, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring