4VAC15-20-155. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Camping on Wildlife Management Areas and other department-owned or department-managed lands.
Summary
The proposal is to clarify locations where camping is allowed on Wildlife Management Areas and other department-owned and department-managed lands.
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
Since this regulation was established in 2021 there has been some confusion about where camping is allowed and whether back country camping is allowed. The intent of this amendment is to clarify that back country camping is allowed and that camping is allowed in existing open areas adjacent to roadways. Further, it is proposed to replace the words “and established sites” with “areas”, because there are no formally designated camp sites on WMAs. Confusion also exists regarding the use of enclosed camping trailers and camping vehicles. The proposal is to clarify that these camping methods are allowed, if they do not occupy all the available parking area, which could restrict access for other WMA visitors.