Dispersed camping near Suffolk, Virginia requires a Virginia Wildlife Management Area (WMA) access permit, which can be purchased for $4 per day through phone, website, or app. Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses qualify for complimentary 14-day camping access. Most sites are concentrated in the tidewater region's coastal plains, featuring mature forests and waterfront access points. During hunting seasons, campers should wear blaze orange for visibility and safety while sharing these multi-use public lands.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site, campers can set up within feet of the water. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," reports one visitor who appreciated the waterfront access despite finding some trash at the site.
Explore hiking trails: The WMAs contain numerous unmarked paths through coastal forests. One camper at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area noted they "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," highlighting the area's potential for day hiking after overnight stays.
Drone fishing: Some anglers use advanced techniques at these sites. A camper observed other visitors who "deployed a large fishing drone" at Eagle Nest Lookout. While this created noise issues for the reviewer, it demonstrates the fishing opportunities available, with reports of significant catches: "If you are fishing, they pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out."
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many sites allow camping extremely close to the water's edge. "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," writes one visitor about Eagle Nest Lookout, noting the option for both shoreline and elevated camping spots.
Multiple site options: Chickahominy WMA offers numerous potential camping spots. "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," writes a camper who appreciated the variety of sites available within this public land.
Elevated camping areas: Several locations feature camping spots on higher ground with river views. A camper described Eagle Nest Lookout: "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."
What you should know
Trash management concerns: Multiple reviews mention litter problems at these primitive sites. At Eagle Nest Lookout, 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 proximity to hunting areas means target shooting can be heard at some camping locations. "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening," warns one camper, adding that "In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping."
Payment confusion: The permit system can be challenging to navigate. One camper noted: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Boat ramp access: Families interested in launching watercraft should know about available ramps. "There is a boat ramp of sorts just below the campsite," notes a reviewer about Eagle Nest Lookout, providing useful information for families planning water activities.
Weekday visits recommended: For quieter family camping, avoid peak times. "Basic parking spot in quiet location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side," shares a visitor to Chickahominy WMA, suggesting weekdays might offer a more peaceful experience for families.
Site selection strategy: Look for elevated sites away from boat ramps for more privacy. "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," explains one camper, describing a more secluded option that could work well for families seeking distance from fishing activity.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: The unpaved access roads can accommodate modest RVs. "I arrived with a small (18') trailer and put it within 5' of the water," reports an RVer who successfully camped at Chickahominy WMA, suggesting smaller trailers can navigate these primitive sites.
Generator etiquette concerns: RVers should be mindful of noise when using generators. One camper complained about inconsiderate behavior: "There weren't very hospitable to say the least... To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate."
Vehicle camping options: Car camping and small vans work well at these sites. "Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," mentions one visitor to Ware Creek WMA, indicating these areas are suitable for vehicle-based camping when traditional RV hookups aren't needed.
