By:
Submission
A camping authorization is required to camp on WMA’s. Authorization can be obtained at any license agent or at
GOOUTDOORSVIRGINIA.COM. Primitive camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive nights when occupants are engaged in authorized activities (no more than 14 nights in any 28-day period). Camping is prohibited on or within 300 feet of any boat ramp, fishing lake or at other specific sites as posted or marked on WMA maps. All campers are required to store food in such a manner that it is not accessible by wildlife. Detailed camping regulations are found in 4VAC-15-20-155. It is unlawful to leave a campfire unattended. From February 15 to
April 30 campfires are allowed only between the hours of 4:00PM and midnight.
The James River WMA runs for just over a mile along the north shore of the James River, and encompasses more than a thousand acres of prolific habitat. Along the entry road, check the numerous dead snags for perched raptors along with the more numerous American crows. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks regularly occur, as do sharp-shinned hawks and American kestrels. Ospreys prefer the area next to the river. Just upstream from the boat landing parking area, lies a freshwater marsh managed for waterfowl. Anytime during the fall and winter, visitors can encounter northern pintail, blue-winged and green-winged teal and northern shovelers here, and during the summer wood ducks. Check the vegetation nearby for common yellowthroats, which can be very numerous during migration.
The river itself is worth checking for waterfowl with diving ducks, especially mergansers, joining the resident wood ducks. The river also supports monstrous eastern river cooters, which are often seen sunning along the banks. Another reptile to be on the lookout for is the rough-green snake, which can be found almost anywhere in the area. Spring and summer are the best times to search for butterflies, with monarchs passing through on their way south in the fall. The colorful American rubyspots can be seen dancing along the river, while Halloween pennants play in the fields.
Physical Address: Route 626/ Cabell Rd., Wingina, VA 24599
Access is from State Route 56, between Lovingston and Buckingham Court House, on Route 626 travel easterly following road signs.
From the Previous Site on the James River Loop of VBWT:
From James River State Park, return to Rt. 606 and follow it back to Rt. 604 and SR 56. Turn left onto SR 56 and continue back across the James River to Rt. 626/Howardsville Road. Turn right onto Rt. 626/Howardsville Road and follow it for approximately 1.0 miles to Rt. 743/Midway Mills Road. Turn right and go 0.3 miles then veer left and continue 0.8 miles into the James River WMA.
Great place to hang out. If you have two vehicles, park one at Dixon landing and drive back and throw your tubes/kayaks/canoe into Canoe landing. It's a nice long float with a few small beaches or feld trees you can land at for a picnic. The stars are beautiful at night. Milky Way visible. Beware of the skunks. Especially if you bring an animal with you. Makes sure a very memorable experience.
We loved our stay here and will be back! First off, the drive in is beautiful! Rv/camper sites are well spaced and have great shade. We loved the sand/gravel material used for the pads, very level and don't puddle when it rains. The bathhouse has an attached laundry room and outdoor sink. Toilets and showers are separated. Dump station is at the entrance and was a good set up. The trails are well maintained and beautiful. The visitor center was very cool. All the park staff were so friendly!
We visited in the afternoon, late May 2023. The plan was to bike with the family. However the weather did not cooperate. It had been raining the 2 days prior and the trails were probably pretty muddy so instead we decided to just take a look around and maybe hike a little bit since it was already built into out itinerary. We explored the visitor center for about 30 mins. There are a number of really cool exhibits and they have live animals in there as well. It was pretty interactive and kept the kids entertained. The park store is also located here in the visitor center. There was a decent amount of stuff to buy including apparel. We wanted our pins and hiking medallions which we actually had to run up to the contact station at the front gate to get as they were sold out at the visitor center. We also asked for the junior ranger program here and there was no way we could complete it as one of the requirements was to attend multiple ranger lead programs which we couldn't do in an hour or so. We took some fun pictures out back the visitor center and were then on our way.
We will definitely have to return with our bikes so we can complete the trails!
We stay here every October for our family reunion. Every time we have a blast and the view is picture perfect. Horses trotting around, fishing by the river and crackling firepits. Beautiful sun rise/set and perfect view of the stars at night.
The 4.5 miles country road that leads to this park is extremely scenery. $5 entry fee. Took the Cabell trail to see the Tye River overlook. Very wide trail (looks like a fire road) and an easy walk to get to the overlook. It was a busy Sunday but the trails were pretty empty. Took the Dixon trail on our way back and there was nobody else. Well maintained trail system with clear blaze. Saw a lot of people riding horses near the visitor center. My dog loves the boat landing area on the River Trail. The water is calm, shallow, and clean. There is also a very nice outdoor seating area in the back of the visitor center
