Best Dispersed Camping near Yorktown, VA
The coastal plains surrounding Yorktown, Virginia feature several primitive camping options primarily managed as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Chickahominy WMA encompasses over 5,200 acres of forested tidewater terrain along the James River, offering dispersed camping without established facilities. Eagle Nest Lookout provides waterfront primitive sites with views of the James River, accessible via short walking paths from parking areas. Ware Creek WMA adds additional options with boat-in access points. These areas cater primarily to self-sufficient campers seeking basic sites rather than developed campgrounds with amenities. Most locations require permits and follow Leave No Trace principles, with camping areas consisting of small clearings with existing fire rings.
Virginia WMA camping regulations apply throughout the region, with a $4 daily use fee required for non-residents, while Virginia residents with valid fishing or hunting licenses may receive complementary 14-day camping access. According to camper reviews, "You can set up anywhere but this place has about 15 cleared areas any one of which I would have been happy with." Sites typically lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack out all waste. Access varies from drive-in spots to hike-in locations, with some sites featuring boat ramps for water access. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though summer humidity can be significant.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for most visitors to these areas. Sites along the Chickahominy and James Rivers offer opportunities to camp "within 5 feet of the water," as one camper noted. Fishing is popular, with some campers reporting catches of bass and other species. Several reviews mention occasional noise from nearby shooting ranges and potential crowding on weekends, particularly from fishing enthusiasts. Visitors should be prepared for variable conditions, as some campers report trash issues requiring cleanup. The scenery receives consistent praise, with one reviewer noting "spectacular" views along the Chickahominy River and good hiking opportunities throughout the forested coastal terrain.
