Best Dispersed Camping near New Kent, VA

The New Kent, Virginia area features primarily dispersed camping options concentrated in wildlife management areas along waterways. Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area spans over 5,200 acres of coastal plain forest in Charles City County, offering primitive camping with waterfront access along the James River. Eagle Nest Lookout provides a notable camping spot with elevated views of the James River, accessible via a short trail from parking areas. Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area rounds out the local options with similar primitive camping opportunities. These sites lack developed facilities but appeal to those seeking natural settings with water access for fishing and paddling activities.

Permits and regulations govern camping in these wildlife management areas. Virginia residents can camp for up to 14 days with a valid fishing or hunting license, while non-residents must purchase a $4 daily pass through phone, website, or app. As one camper noted, "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." The sites feature no amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles. Nearby shooting ranges can create noise during daytime hours, particularly on weekends. Road access varies but generally accommodates standard vehicles, with some sites allowing car camping directly along shorelines.

Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to these areas. Campers report being able to set up "within 5 feet of the water" with "a large shoreline area to car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river." Fishing is popular, with some visitors using the sites primarily as fishing access points. Several reviews mention issues with trash and occasional noise from other visitors, including generators running late into the night. The dual-use nature of these areas means campers may share space with day-use visitors, particularly fishermen. Despite these challenges, the scenic water views and natural setting continue to attract campers seeking primitive experiences close to water.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Kent, Virginia (3)

    1. Eagle Nest Lookout

    4 Reviews
    Norge, VA
    15 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."

    3. 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Kent, VA

3 Photos of 3 New Kent Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Kent, VA

6 Reviews of 3 New Kent 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 New Kent

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Kent, VA?

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

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

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