James River Wildlife Management Area Updated:04/2023

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.

Recreational Opportunities on this WMA

  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Primitive Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Horseback riding is not allowed during hunting seasons, except on Sundays from September 1 – January 15 and from April 1 – May 15
  • Birding
  • Boat Ramp

Facilities

The area has about a mile of access road and seven parking lots. A boat launching ramp provides year-round access to the James River.

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.

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of VirginiaLandCAN.
James River Wildlife Management Area is not employed by or affiliated with the Virginia Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

 

Contact James River Wildlife Management Area

VDGIF
Lovingston, VA  22949

Service Area

Services provided in:
  • Nelson County, Virginia