Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area offers free camping near Scottsburg, Virginia in a primitive setting with specific seasonal availability. The area requires hunters or fishers to obtain proper licensing, with tickets issued to non-compliant campers. As one visitor discovered, "All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30."
What to do
Explore nearby lakes: The Butner Lake area provides access to multiple fishing spots within short driving distance. The Butner lake WMA location places campers within reach of two lakes. According to a camper, "There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way."
Wildlife observation: The wooded setting offers opportunities for wildlife watching, particularly for those willing to remain quiet and patient. Various animals frequent the area, though they typically avoid human campsites. One camper reports, "I heard many coyotes elks and an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox."
Hunting access: The seasonal availability aligns with hunting seasons, making this a functional base camp for hunters. The primitive camping area typically attracts those pursuing game in the wildlife management area, as noted by a visitor: "Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day."
What campers like
Cell service reliability: Despite the rustic setting, connectivity remains surprisingly strong, making this suitable for remote workers or those needing to stay connected. A reviewer states, "Very easy to get too, right off interstate. Very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done."
Quick access to amenities: The proximity to town provides convenience for supplies while maintaining a wilderness camping experience. One camper appreciates that the location is "Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything." Another notes, "The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away."
Ease of access: Hibernia State Rec Area and other dispersed camping in the region offer straightforward navigation from main roads. Campers find the location "Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent."
What you should know
Strict seasonal regulations: Free camping near Scottsburg, Virginia operates under limited seasonal windows. A camper cautions, "Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14," which corresponds to hunting seasons in the region.
Space limitations: Sites accommodate small camping setups but present challenges for larger vehicles. According to a reviewer, "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around. Very few places. Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp."
License requirements: Butner Lake WMA enforces regulations requiring appropriate licensing for all campers, not just active hunters or anglers. Rangers patrol the area and issue citations for non-compliance, with licenses available for purchase locally.
Tips for camping with families
Bring complete supplies: No drinking water or toilets exist at the sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency. The primitive nature means "You have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet."
Weekday visits: For families seeking more seclusion and space, mid-week camping offers less competition for sites. A camper observes, "It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday."
Short-term stays: The basic amenities make this location better suited for brief camping experiences rather than extended stays. A visitor suggests it "Works perfectly, especially in a pinch," while another finds it a "Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: While generally challenging for bigger rigs, some spots can accommodate modest trailers with careful navigation. One RVer shares, "Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine."
Arrival timing: For RVers attempting to access the limited sites, earlier arrival improves the chances of finding suitable spots. During hunting seasons, competition increases, though with careful timing, "first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods."
