By:
Submission
A new regulation (4VAC15-20-155) effective January 1, 2021 makes it unlawful to camp on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) without written authorization. Written authorization establishes a starting and ending date for each camping trip. In case of emergency, written authorizations also provide the Department with a list of campers who are expected to be occupying a WMA and who may need assistance. https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/wma-rules.pdf
Camping is primitive, temporary and dispersed. There are no established campsites and no amenities (electric, potable water, dump stations, restrooms, convenience stations).
The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area is the only DWR management area in the coastal plain that consists mainly of woodlands and is managed primarily for upland wildlife rather than wetland species. This type of management, coupled with the area’s location along a major tidal river and creek, gives this Charles City County area a variety of habitat types that is unique to the Department’s Wildlife Management Area system. A sighting-in range located at the WMA provides hunters a place to hone their skills.
The management area gains its name from the Chickahominy River which forms the area’s eastern boundary. To the south, Morris Creek flows through the area and then along its southern boundary. Other smaller tidal creeks and marshy guts cut into the forests to provide additional wetland diversity. The upland, though mainly wooded with mixed hardwood and pine stands, also features cultivated, mowed and “old field” openings. The area’s 5,217 acres are contiguous although there are some interior, private properties. Nearly level, elevations range from about 25 to 50 feet.
Daily or Annual Access Permits for WMAs and department-owned public fishing lakes statewide are available for purchase online, at any license agent, or by calling 1-866-721-6911 during business hours.
Found this place "by accident" a few years ago by following brown public boat landing signs along Route 5 - John Tyler highway between Williamsburg and Richmond. The first time I went and walked out on the dock there was such a BEAUTIFUL landscape of the river from left to right and it was so so soul-soothing quiet...I remember my heart whispering, "THIS is what PEACE SOUNDS LIKE " 😍
Today there was actually a small piece of a rainbow glowing to the left of the sunset. This is so significant to me personally since I lost my mother recently and ever since I have seen rainbows everywhere...even in places they just shouldn't be...and I was able to share that with my 80 year old dad who was on this trip with me today 💓
Boat ramp and parking area well maintained, but no restroom facilities are provided. Room for a decent number of vehicles with trailers. The pier is sturdy. I put in my canoe here and explored around the area, very quiet and calm water. Plenty of smaller streams to explore off the main creek if the tide is right.
Overnight at boat ramp area was noisy at night. One night people getting drunk until 1230am, next night people playing with their boats until 230am. Gun range does not allow pistols, every day people were shooting there. We departed leaving the place much cleaner than we found it. Rangers came through in morning checking things. There are NO facilities, no trash, no restrooms, no water, no tables. There is beauty to behold, I liked it a lot.
Secluded area. Trail access to river. Pier located at public boat launch. Primitive camping with permit (free). If car camping, it is a bit difficult to find an area, however, if you look closely you will find a few regularly used spots.
Great WMA, nice places to camp but the day we went it was raining so we couldn't explore more. Definitely going back!
