Join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) and DWR for an in-person event focused on primitive camping for beginners. Explore the wild through campsite selection, camping essentials, setting up your equipment, outdoor cooking and more. Registration is limited to the first 20 campers.
Location: Mattaponi Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Caroline County, Virginia
Date: August 14-15, 2021
What You Will Learn: This event would focus on campsite selection, primitive camping essentials, setup of equipment, obtaining water safely, backcountry cooking, appropriate sanitation disposal, leave no trace, fire building and safety.
What Will Be Provided: No equipment? No worries! Camping equipment, including tents, will be provided by BHA. Dinner on the evening of the 14th will also be provided by BHA. (Please note any dietary restrictions in the form that will be emailed to you after registration.)
What You Will Need: You will want to bring your own bug spray, sun block, water and snacks. Bedding for the tents will not be provided. You may want to consider bringing a sleeping pad or sleeping bag, pillow, etc.
You will want to make sure you have the appropriate license or permit to access the WMA and that you have signed up for the free camping authorization. To access a DWR WMA, you will need one of the following: a valid Virginia hunting, fishing, or trapping license, a valid Virginia boat registration, a daily access permit or a current Restore the Wild membership.
Check in on the 14th will be at 1pm and check out will be at 9am on the 15th. Further instructions on parking and more will be provided after registration has been completed.
All ages are welcome to register for this event but youth under 18 must also be accompanied by a registered adult.
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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting, fishing and recreation in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. We have a vision for backcountry conservation that preserves a sense of freedom, challenge, and solitude on our public lands that is increasingly trampled by the twin pressures of growing populations and increasing technology. We want to preserve this backcountry quality of life for all by ensuring robust access to quality public lands. It is your land; we are all Public Land Owners. Learn More »
WMAs
DWR maintains Wildlife Management Areas for the benefit of all citizens for a variety of outdoor opportunities. Are you curious about what you can do at a DWR Wildlife Management Area? You might be surprised! Learn More »
Primitive Camping in Virginia
Interested in primitive camping on a WMA on your own? Get all the information you need to get started! Learn More »