Dispersed camping near Poquoson, Virginia centers around several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) including Chickahominy and Ware Creek. These primitive camping areas provide access to waterfront locations along the Chickahominy and James Rivers. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries manages these lands where campers can set up at undeveloped sites. Chickahominy WMA spans over 5,200 acres of primarily forested coastal plains in Charles City County, offering multiple cleared areas for camping, some within feet of the water.
Access to these sites varies from drive-in locations with parking spaces to hike-in and boat-in opportunities. Virginia residents may camp for up to 14 days with a valid fishing or hunting license, while non-residents must purchase a $4 daily use permit. Most camping locations have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups of any kind. The Eagle Nest Lookout area features both shoreline car camping spots and elevated tent sites overlooking the river. Roads through these areas are typically unpaved and may require careful navigation, especially after rain.
The primitive campsites provide direct water access popular with anglers, particularly at Eagle Nest Lookout where fishing from shore is common. Visitors should expect to share space with hunters during hunting seasons, and shooting ranges operate nearby with noise continuing into evening hours. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in these coastal forest settings. Campers should prepare for complete self-sufficiency and practice strict Leave No Trace principles. "Pack it in, Pack it out" rules apply throughout these areas, with several reviews noting issues with trash left behind. One camper noted: "There are 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."
"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."
"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."
"Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet."
ScoutBasic 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!
LegendThis 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
TravelerCar 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.
TravelerMore of a small boating/fishing area locals usually party at than much of a campground. There's a couple more conventional pull outs before it and I stayed at one which was relatively peaceful besides someone going birdshooting with their incredibly panicked dog nearby and someone running their generator incredibly early in the morning. No amenities and lots of trash. Ended up picking up a great deal for some piece of mind.
LegendParked overnight in designated parking area. No motorized vehicles beyond signs. Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit. No amenities. Good t-mobile coverage. Fires allowed, but no cleared fire ring.
TravelerIt 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.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideWe found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there
TravelerI 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.
Dispersed camping options around Poquoson, Virginia concentrate in the coastal plains of tidewater Virginia where several Wildlife Management Areas provide primitive sites. Camping areas range from waterfront locations to elevated forested sites, with access roads that become challenging during wet weather. The permit system for these areas varies based on residency status and license type.
Fish from shore: At Eagle Nest Lookout, anglers regularly catch substantial fish. One visitor reported, "If you are fishing, they pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass."
Collect firewood nearby: Natural combustibles can be gathered from surrounding areas for campfires. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout noted, "I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed."
Explore hiking trails: The Wildlife Management Areas contain various paths for walking and wildlife observation. After camping at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, a visitor mentioned, "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning."
Proximity to water: Many sites allow camping within feet of rivers. A visitor to Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area stated, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water."
Multiple site options: These areas provide numerous cleared spaces suitable for camping. One camper noted, "This place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with."
Elevated camping platforms: Some locations feature raised areas for tents with enhanced views. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a large shoreline area to Car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river."
Trash management issues: Visitors often encounter litter from previous campers. One person reported, "It is a great shame that people would desecrate such a beautiful area with trash and a blatant disregard for others!"
Noise from shooting ranges: Nearby firearms practice areas create significant sound disturbance. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout warned, "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening."
Generator noise: Some visitors run power equipment late into night hours. One review cautioned, "One group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate."
Consider weekday visits: Weekend traffic increases with hunters and anglers. A visitor observed, "Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side."
Bring cleaning supplies: Preparing to tidy your site upon arrival ensures a better experience. One camper shared, "There was quite a bit of trash dispersed in this area in which we picked up."
Look for hidden paths: Some of the best sites require short walks from parking areas. A reviewer at Eagle Nest Lookout advised, "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."
Small trailers only: The access roads and parking areas accommodate modest-sized equipment. A visitor with a trailer noted, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water."
Purchase permits in advance: The online payment system can be challenging to navigate on-site. One camper mentioned, "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."
Consider vehicle camping alternatives: Standard vehicles can serve as adequate sleeping quarters in areas with limited RV access. A visitor to Ware Creek reported, "Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Poquoson, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Poquoson, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Poquoson, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Poquoson, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
