Cellular Availability
Legend
|
$4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the acceptable licenses/waivers. More information below.
The area's 1,213 acres vary from hilly in the upper woodland to level bottomland along the James River. Elevation ranges from 350 to 500 feet. The area fronts on the James River for a length of slightly over one mile. Approximately 200 acres of the area are open, a lingering result of past use for pasture and cropland. Other older fields have reverted to stands of Virginia pine. The remaining lands are hardwoodpine mix with the hardwood portion being dominated by a mixture of upland oaks and some hickory. Techniques used to enhance upland habitat includes the development of annual and perennial plantings, hedgerows, prescribed burning and strip-disking. Three marsh impoundments covering approximately eight acres have been developed. Here the water level can be drawn down during the growing season to encourage native plants that, when flooded, will provide food for waterfowl.
Directions
The area is located approximately 15 miles south-east of Lovingston in the southeastern portion of Nelson County, near the community of Wingina. Access is from State Route 56, between Lovingston and Buckingham Court House, on Route 626 travel easterly following road signs.
We camped here on 05/04/08
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 »
Easy camping but railroad noise
Spent the night here at the James River WMA on January 12, 2022. I drove most of the roads that cut through the WMA and did not see any convenient sites in the wooded areas. Found a good pull off on the roadway leading to the boat ramp prior to the train tracks. No others there, had it to myself. No fire rings or other amenities, this is primitive and I am ok with that. The train runs through several times per night, and close enough to shake the ground, so one star deduction for that, and one star off because there are no areas in the more secluded wooded areas to pull off and camp. Also note new Virginia WMA rules for 2022 you need to pre register on the website for camping in addition to having a valid license or paying a fee. No extra charge for pre registering. You get a pass that will show on your phone app or print it to put on the car dashboard.
JCCamper would stay here again.Is this review helpful? 1 0