Several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) near Wakefield, Virginia provide primitive dispersed camping options along the Chickahominy and James Rivers. Key locations include Eagle Nest Lookout, Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, and Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area. These sites permit primitive camping with minimal to no facilities, typically requiring campers to be self-sufficient for all necessities.
Access varies across these dispersed camping areas, with some sites offering drive-in access while others require hiking or boat access. A Virginia WMA permit is required for camping, available for $4 daily, though Virginia residents with fishing or hunting licenses may receive complementary 14-day camping passes. All sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fires are generally permitted in established fire rings, though campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
The camping experience at these locations centers around waterfront opportunities, with several sites offering direct river access. "I arrived with a small trailer and put it within 5' of the water. Since it's a WMA you can set up anywhere but this place has about 15 cleared areas," noted one visitor about Chickahominy WMA. Eagle Nest Lookout features both shoreline car camping areas and elevated tent sites overlooking the James River. Visitors should be aware that some locations, particularly Eagle Nest, may experience noise from nearby shooting ranges and occasional generator use from other campers. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though campers frequently report issues with trash left by previous visitors, suggesting bringing extra bags to help maintain these natural areas.
"There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp."
"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."
"Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It’s 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving."
"But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find."
"Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet."
ScoutBasic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It’s 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving. No amenities but nice camping experience and you can purchase $4 daily pass or if Virginia residents free 14 days camping complementary as well with any fishing license or hunting license if you have. I will come back!
LegendThis is in the Chickahominy WMA on the far end and along the James River. There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp. This campsite is exceptional for those that like to primitive camp. 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. At the top is an area about 20 feet wide covered in mature trees with a view of the James River. You are able to park down below and carry your gear the short distance. No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out. LNT. There is a fire ring and a fire pit. The ground is well tamped down. Please take care of the amazing spot. There is a boat ramp of sorts just below the campsite. 37.316858-76.881031
Pack it in, Pack it out
LNT
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TravelerCar 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. Used by fisherman shore fishing and unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up. Fire pit at shore pull in site and I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed. 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 the all the people Fishing left. If you are fishing, the pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass. Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out. Helpful hint: 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.
TravelerMore of a small boating/fishing area locals usually party at than much of a campground. There's a couple more conventional pull outs before it and I stayed at one which was relatively peaceful besides someone going birdshooting with their incredibly panicked dog nearby and someone running their generator incredibly early in the morning. No amenities and lots of trash. Ended up picking up a great deal for some piece of mind.
LegendParked overnight in designated parking area. No motorized vehicles beyond signs. Nice trails, with mature mixed hardwoods and conifers. We were there in deer hunting season so remember to wear blaze orange or pink. Very dark and quiet. Good gravel road with mowed shoulders to get there, and a one lane bridge, with a 40 ton weight limit. No amenities. Good t-mobile coverage. Fires allowed, but no cleared fire ring.
TravelerIt 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 are in which we picked up. Apparently this is a well used fishing location seen by the debris that was left and the still smoldering prone laying barrel fire unfortunately. Around 9pm we were graced with some visitors. To my dismay the individuals deployed a large fishing drone. I was in disbelief at the blatant disregard and disrespect that this man showed knowing that we were camping the within 30ft of their fishing expedition! This man and woman did this for several hours in the rain with their vehicle lights on. In the morning we discovered that the two had the nerve to also left there chic felt and fishing trash on the ground. What a shame and disgrace! Of course we police the location and made right.
TravelerWe stayed down by the boat ramp. There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers. A large was camped out in the First section closest to the boat ramp area. There weren't very hospitable to say the least. One releaved him self at his truck on the side We were on and moved on the side with the larger group of cars ,truck and campers. To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate. Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening. In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping. There are other areas though. The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking.
GuideWe found a campsite near the water away from the road and its secluded with trees. Stayed for a week there
TravelerI arrived with a small (18’) trailer and put it within 5’ of the water. 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. As a bonus there is a raised area—about 20’ above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two. The site had some trash unfortunately. But the privacy and singularity of canning so close to the water made it a nice find. 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.
Primitive camping near Wakefield, Virginia centers around Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with waterfront access to the James and Chickahominy Rivers. The tidal wetlands in this region support diverse wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, and numerous waterfowl species. These WMA camping areas require self-sufficiency in a coastal plain ecosystem with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level and humid summer conditions.
Fishing opportunities: At Chickahominy WMA, fishing remains the primary activity for many visitors. "Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It's 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving," notes one camper about Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site.
Wildlife watching: The James River shoreline at Eagle Nest Lookout provides excellent bird watching opportunities. "The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking," mentions one visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout.
Water access: Ware Creek WMA offers boat-in camping opportunities for paddlers. "Got here late as the sun was going down. Camped in the RAV4. Will explore the area in the morning," reports a camper at Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Waterfront proximity: The ability to camp directly adjacent to the water appeals to many dispersed campers. "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," shares one visitor about Eagle Nest Lookout.
Variety of camping spots: Several sites offer multiple options for setting up camp. "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. As a bonus there is a raised area—about 20' above the drivable area—that would be perfect for a campfire and a tent or two," explains a camper at Chickahominy WMA.
Secluded locations: Many primitive camping areas near Wakefield provide isolation from crowds. "This campsite is exceptional for those that like to primitive camp. 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," describes one visitor to Eagle Nest Lookout.
Permit requirements: Virginia WMA access requires payment of daily fees or appropriate licenses. "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," explains a camper at Chickahominy WMA.
Trash issues: Many dispersed camping areas suffer from litter problems. "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 are in which we picked up," reports a visitor to Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area.
Shooting range noise: Some camping areas experience significant noise from nearby shooting facilities. "Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening. In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping," warns one camper about Eagle Nest Lookout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wakefield, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wakefield, VA is Eagle Nest Lookout with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wakefield, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Wakefield, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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