Best Dispersed Camping near Colonial Heights, VA
Several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) around Colonial Heights, Virginia offer primitive dispersed camping experiences. Chickahominy WMA provides approximately 15 cleared areas suitable for camping, including waterfront sites where visitors can park within feet of the water. Eagle Nest Lookout, located within the Chickahominy WMA along the James River, features both shoreline car camping spots and an elevated tent site on a small knoll overlooking the river. Ware Creek WMA offers additional dispersed camping options accessible by foot, boat, or hiking.
Most of these areas require a $4 daily use fee or a valid Virginia fishing or hunting license. Amenities are non-existent—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Visitors should prepare to pack out all waste. A recent review mentioned, "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." Campers should be aware that some sites, particularly at Eagle Nest Lookout, experience heavy use from fishermen and occasional noise from nearby shooting ranges. Visitors frequently report trash issues, so practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential.