Primitive camping near Aylett, Virginia centers around three wildlife management areas spanning the coastal plains of tidewater Virginia. Most dispersed sites throughout the area lack facilities and see moderate to heavy use from fishermen, with noise from shooting ranges often present on weekends. Camping permits can be obtained on-site through a state website or app system, though some visitors report technical difficulties with the online payment process.
What to do
Shoreline fishing access: Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area features multiple cleared areas near water where anglers can camp directly beside their fishing spots. One visitor noted, "There is a large shoreline area to car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river" at Eagle Nest Lookout.
Hiking opportunities: The Chickahominy WMA contains numerous unmarked trails through its 5,217 acres of forested coastal plain. A camper mentioned, "The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place for hiking."
Watercraft activities: Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area offers boat-in access, making it suitable for kayakers and canoeists. As one visitor suggested, "Take advantage of your local wildlife areas" for water-based recreation.
What campers like
Water proximity: The ability to camp directly beside water is frequently highlighted in reviews of the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site. One camper reported, "This place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with."
Elevated camping spots: Several sites offer both shoreline camping and higher elevation options. A visitor described, "There is a raised area—about 20' above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two."
Privacy between sites: Despite periodic crowding, the camping areas are generally well-spaced. Reviews indicate, "Basic parking spot in quite location" with multiple separate sites available throughout each wildlife management area.
What you should know
Trash management concerns: Multiple reviews mention finding garbage left by previous campers. One camper reported, "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 area in which we picked up."
Shooting range noise: The nearby shooting range creates significant noise during operating hours. A camper warned, "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening."
Site confusion: GPS coordinates can be misleading for some locations. One review clarifies, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Weekday visits recommended: Weekends bring increased traffic from hunters and recreational shooters. A review notes, "Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side" creating noise and activity that might disturb children.
Evening fishing activity: Families should be prepared for fishing activity that may continue into night hours near popular spots. One camper described, "Around 9pm we were graced with some visitors. To my dismay the individuals deployed a large fishing drone... This man and woman did this for several hours in the rain with their vehicle lights on."
Limited privacy at peak times: During busy fishing periods, expect other visitors nearby. A camper at Eagle Nest Lookout advised, "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 all the people Fishing left."
Tips from RVers
Small trailers only: The access roads and cleared areas can accommodate modest trailers but not larger RVs. A visitor at Chickahominy WMA shared, "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water."
Payment system challenges: The required WMA permit system can be difficult to navigate. As one camper noted, "The clunkiness of the website and app make it hard" when referring to paying the daily use fee.
Vehicle camping options: For those without trailers, car camping is viable at several sites. One visitor reported, "Car camped here 5 feet from the water" and another mentioned, "Camped in the RAV4" at these primitive camping areas near Aylett.
