Dispersed camping near New Kent, Virginia centers around wildlife management areas (WMAs) with direct river access. These primitive sites provide alternatives to developed campgrounds, offering waterfront opportunities along the Chickahominy and James Rivers. Winter camping is popular in these areas, with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F between December and February, while summer months can reach the 90s with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA), visitors can fish directly from their campsites. One camper mentioned being able to "put it within 5' of the water" with their small trailer, creating an ideal fishing setup without needing to relocate.
Explore hiking trails: Forested paths throughout the region provide opportunities to view wildlife and native vegetation. A visitor at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area noted they "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning."
Watch for wildlife: Early mornings present opportunities to spot native birds and animals in their natural habitat. The coastal plain forests provide habitat for various species typical of tidewater Virginia ecosystems.
What campers like
Direct water access: Many campers appreciate the ability to camp extremely close to the water. At Eagle Nest Lookout, one visitor described "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."
Multiple site options: Dispersed sites offer flexibility in choosing your camping location. One camper at Chickahominy WMA noted the area "has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with." This allows visitors to select spots based on privacy preferences and river views.
Elevated viewpoints: Several camping areas feature raised locations with views overlooking the rivers. A camper described Eagle Nest Lookout as having "a small knoll. At the top is an area about 20 feet wide covered in mature trees with a view of the James River."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Virginia residents can camp in WMAs with a valid fishing or hunting license for up to 14 days. Non-residents must purchase daily passes. A camper confirmed this, stating: "Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side... you can purchase $4 daily pass or if Virginia residents free 14 days camping complementary as well with any fishing license."
No facilities: Rustic camping near New Kent, Virginia means no toilets, water sources, or trash service. Pack everything out when leaving. One visitor noted the lack of amenities but still described it as a "nice camping experience."
Noise considerations: Several areas have active shooting ranges nearby. A camper warned that "you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening" and advised that "these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping."
Trash issues: Unfortunately, some sites suffer from litter problems. Multiple reviews mention needing to clean up after previous visitors. One camper reported: "Trash was present but we walked around and picked up."
Tips for camping with families
Choose weekdays when possible: Weekend use by hunters and fishermen can create crowded conditions and increased noise from the shooting ranges. Midweek visits typically offer quieter experiences.
Elevated sites for safety: For families with young children, consider using the higher elevation tent sites rather than waterfront locations. A visitor at Eagle Nest Lookout described an ideal setup with "a nice tent site as well overlooking the river" situated on a hill above the shore access.
Bring activities: With no developed facilities, families should pack games and activities. The boat ramp areas can serve as fishing access points for older children with proper supervision.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: The primitive nature of these sites restricts access to smaller RVs and trailers. A camper mentioned bringing "a small (18') trailer" to Chickahominy WMA, which suggests this is approximately the maximum practical size for these areas.
Level parking concerns: The cleared areas along the shoreline may not be perfectly level. Bring leveling blocks and be prepared to adjust your position to find stable ground for overnight parking.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be rough depending on recent weather. Standard clearance vehicles can generally reach most areas when conditions are dry, but heavy rain may make some locations temporarily inaccessible.
