Best Dispersed Camping near Surry, VA
Dispersed camping opportunities exist within several wildlife management areas (WMAs) near Surry, Virginia, including the Chickahominy WMA and the Ware Creek WMA. These public lands permit primitive camping with no established facilities. Eagle Nest Lookout, located in the Chickahominy WMA along the James River, provides a natural setting for those seeking primitive camping experiences. The areas encompass over 5,000 acres of mostly forested coastal plains in tidewater Virginia, allowing campers to set up in cleared areas throughout the property rather than in designated campsites.
Access to these camping areas varies, with most sites requiring visitors to pay a $4 daily use fee to enter the WMA, which can be purchased via phone, website, or app. Virginia residents with a valid fishing or hunting license may be eligible for 14 days of complementary camping. The camping areas feature a mix of drive-in, walk-in, hike-in, and boat-in access points. Some sites allow vehicles to park within feet of the water, while others require carrying gear a short distance to elevated camping spots. No amenities are available—no drinking water, no toilets, no trash service—requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
The riverside locations provide distinctive camping experiences with views of the James and Chickahominy Rivers. According to one visitor, Eagle Nest Lookout offers "an area about 20 feet wide covered in mature trees with a view of the James River." However, the experience can vary considerably based on timing and other visitors. Some campers report noise issues, particularly near the shooting range where one noted that "you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening." Weekends tend to attract more visitors, including hunters and fishermen. Several reviews mention trash problems requiring cleanup, suggesting visitors should be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles and potentially contend with debris left by previous campers. The waterfront areas are particularly popular for fishing, with some spots allowing camping just five feet from the water's edge.
