Best Dispersed Camping near New Point, VA
Dispersed camping opportunities in the New Point, Virginia area are concentrated within several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), including Chickahominy, Ware Creek, and the Eagle Nest Lookout area. These public lands permit primitive camping with minimal infrastructure and no designated sites. Visitors to these areas can establish camps in cleared areas, some offering waterfront access along the Chickahominy and James Rivers. Virginia WMAs require either a $4 daily use permit or proof of a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license, which includes a 14-day camping privilege for state residents.
Access varies considerably between sites, with some areas requiring hiking or walking in while others allow direct vehicle access. Most dispersed sites in these WMAs have no amenities - no drinking water, toilets, trash collection, or designated picnic areas. Fire rings may exist at established primitive sites, particularly at Eagle Nest Lookout where both shoreline car camping and hillside tent sites overlook the water. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply throughout these areas. Chickahominy WMA features approximately 15 cleared areas suitable for camping, with some spots within feet of the water.
The waterfront locations distinguish these camping areas from typical forest sites. According to one visitor, Eagle Nest Lookout offers "an exceptional spot for those that like to primitive camp" with "a view of the James River." These areas see regular use by anglers, which affects the camping experience. One camper noted, "This is a well-used fishing location," while another mentioned hearing "the shooting range up till the evening." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the 5,217-acre Chickahominy WMA's coastal forest habitat. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions and potentially busy weekends when hunters and recreational shooters frequent the area. Proper preparation is essential as a reviewer emphasized the importance to "pack it in, pack it out" following Leave No Trace principles.