$4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the acceptable licenses/waivers. More information below.

The majority of the Hardware River Wildlife Management Area is wooded, primarily with hardwood species. These include many of the oaks, plus maple, hickory and gum. Some pure pine stands are found on the highest ground. Most of these stands occupy former farmland abandoned during the early thirties. Except for the low-ground along the James River, this is an area of low ridges and gentle slopes. Elevations range from 250 feet, at the confluence of the Hardware and James Rivers, to 450 feet on the highest ridge. Most of the area is well drained by two streams, the Hardware River and Dobby Creek. The low-lying areas along the flood plain of the James are always subject to flooding and on occasion are completely under water.

Directions

The Hardware Wildlife Management Area is located south of State Route 6, east of Scottsville. From Scottsville turn right onto 611 to access the western portion of the area. From 611, one parking area is to the left on Kidds Mill Road; another is at the end of route 611. To access the eastern portion of the area and the boat ramp, continue east on route 6 and turn right onto route 646. Consult the map for more detail.

New Rules for Virginia WMAs
As of Jan 1, 2012, all Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries areas — pretty much any state WMA area — now requires either a valid VA (or non-resident VA) hunting license, fishing license, VA boat registration, or a paid Access Permit (daily, yearly, or group) to set foot on DGIF WMA lands. Waivers are only for those on official federal, state, or local government business, visiting graves, those 16 and younger, and those assisting disabled hunters who possess valid disabled hunter licenses. If you’re simply passing through via road, river, or the Appalachian Trail, you don’t need a pass, either.

Basically, all campsites in Virginia under the Fish and Wildlife category now cost a minimum of $4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the above licenses/waivers. Saltwater fishing licenses aren’t valid. (EDIT: freshwater licenses are $23/yr for residents). Learn more about the Access Permit »