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Best Dispersed Camping near Williamsburg, VA

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Williamsburg, Virginia include three main Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where primitive camping is permitted. The Chickahominy WMA, Eagle Nest Lookout, and Ware Creek WMA offer public land camping options with minimal amenities. These areas require permits and follow typical WMA regulations. Each site provides waterfront access, with Eagle Nest Lookout situated along the James River and Chickahominy WMA featuring cleared areas near water.

Access to these primitive camping locations varies by site. Eagle Nest Lookout requires a short hike from parking areas to reach campsites, while Chickahominy WMA provides drive-in access with approximately 15 cleared areas suitable for camping. All sites lack facilities such as drinking water, restrooms, showers, or trash service. Campers must bring all necessary supplies and follow pack-in, pack-out principles. Virginia residents may receive complementary 14-day camping privileges with a valid fishing or hunting license, while others must purchase a $4 daily use permit through phone, website, or app to access these Wildlife Management Areas.

The primitive camping experience in these areas features scenic waterfront views and natural surroundings. "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5' of the water," noted one visitor to Chickahominy WMA. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions and potentially shared spaces. Eagle Nest Lookout includes both shoreline car camping areas and elevated tent sites overlooking the river. Some campers report noise from nearby shooting ranges and occasional generator use by other visitors. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these areas, though several reviews mention concerns about trash left by previous visitors. These locations primarily serve anglers and hunters, with fishing being a popular activity, especially at Eagle Nest where drone fishing has been observed.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Williamsburg, Virginia (3)

    1. Eagle Nest Lookout

    4 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    10 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
    10 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
    13 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Williamsburg, VA

3 Photos of 3 Williamsburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Williamsburg, VA

6 Reviews of 3 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Williamsburg, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Williamsburg, Virginia

  • Many areas, like Eagle Nest Lookout, allow for free camping, but be prepared to pack in and pack out all your gear and trash to maintain the natural beauty of the site.

Scenic waterfront spots for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out Eagle Nest Lookout

  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, Eagle Nest Lookout features a hiking access point that leads to beautiful natural surroundings, ideal for those who appreciate a bit of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping sites in Williamsburg, VA?

The best dispersed camping sites near Williamsburg include Eagle Nest Lookout, which offers exceptional sites along the James River. This location features both shoreline car camping spots just 5 feet from the water and elevated tent sites on a hill overlooking the river. The area is particularly appealing for those wanting waterfront camping with scenic views. Another good option is Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, which provides dispersed camping opportunities suitable even for vehicle camping. Both locations offer the authentic primitive camping experience while still being accessible from Williamsburg.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Williamsburg?

Dispersed camping sites near Williamsburg are truly primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA), you'll find basic parking spots in quiet locations with approximately 15 cleared areas suitable for camping, but no facilities. The 5,217-acre property offers forested areas in the coastal plains with opportunities to camp within feet of the water. Some sites have informal fire pits created by previous campers, but you should plan to bring everything you need including water, toilet supplies, and trash bags. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply, as there are no trash services, restrooms, potable water, or electrical hookups available at these primitive sites.

Is dispersed camping free in Williamsburg, VA and are permits required?

Dispersed camping in Wildlife Management Areas near Williamsburg typically requires permits. At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, non-Virginia residents need to purchase a $4 daily pass, while Virginia residents can camp free for up to 14 days with appropriate state licensing. These areas fall under Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources management, which generally requires either a valid Virginia hunting/fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit for entry and camping. Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements may change seasonally, particularly during hunting seasons when additional restrictions might apply.

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