Outdoor Recreation

Camping
State & private campgrounds offer easy access to fun

As you explore Virginia's Retreat you don't want to stray too far from where the action is. Set up a home base in one of these state or private campgrounds for easy access to your car and the freedom to explore a wide area each day. Or, tighten the circle of exploration and abandon the car for a more back-to-nature experience with a backpacking trek through wildlife management areas. In either case, remember that following the rules gives everybody a chance to enjoy Virginia's outdoors. Confine all fires to the grill area of your campsite or use a backpacking stove, if you are headed into the WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). Also, never fill canteens and coolers from questionable water sources, including any stream or lake no matter how fresh and sparkly clean the water looks. If there's no sign stating the water is potable, don't use it.

Although camping is not allowed in state forests, all of the state forests within Virginia's Retreat contain a state park hidden inside, like a secret treasure. Drive-in campsites and sometimes cabins are available at these parks for a maximum of 14 days. Backcountry camping for up to 14 days is allowed in the state's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Management Areas. No permit or registration is required, and parking is allowed at entrance stations to WMAs. In some cases there is a parking fee.

Pick your camping pleasure according to the outdoor activity you are planning. Many of the campgrounds have launching areas for canoes and boats. The Whippernock Marina Campground, for instance, has a double ramp that allows access to Lake Chesdin in Dinwiddie County. James River State Park has a number of stalls for horseback riders, and Rawlings Lake Campground, located at an old quarry in Brunswick County, offers camping-scuba diving packages.

Canoeing & Boating
Lower Piedmont rivers & lakes offer peace and serenity

If serenity is what you are seeking, then the lakes and rivers of Southside are the answer to your prayers. If whitewater is what you want, then you had best look elsewhere. The typical Southside river is a slow, lazy affair - perfect for a day of fishing, picnicking, or nature watching. Lakes range in size from the mammoth Buggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr Reservoir), the largest in the state, to secluded farm ponds. Boating is allowed almost everywhere on public waters, though many lakes have restrictions on gasoline motors. Depending on the size of the body of water, outboard motors may be banned altogether. Canoes are allowed nearly everywhere, but may be impractical on the larger lakes.

Several major rivers bisect the region. Most of them are perfect for the novice or intermediate paddler. The middle James River here is wide and shallow for long stretches, providing a good day on the water for the entire family. Most rivers, like the Appomattox, Willis, and Meherrin are slow, winding affairs, perfect for a peaceful fishing trip. The upper reaches of the Appomattox and Nottoway are relatively swift flowing streams until they reach the fall line. Good Class I-II, and even III, rapids can be found on these rivers. All rivers must be approached with caution and respect, so check conditions before you get out on the water, and know water levels, dam locations, and other potential hazards before you put in. Remember that this guide is no substitute for your own good judgement.

Fishing
Virginia's Retreat rivers & lakes are an angler's paradise

Southside Virginia is a flat-water angler's paradise. Within its boundaries lies the largest lake in Virginia, Buggs Island (officially known as the John H. Kerr Reservoir), which straddles the state line with North Carolina. Lake and pond fishing make up the majority of the flat water fishing in Southside. The slightly longer growing season (and warmer climate) of this part of the state lends itself to large, healthy fish that are bigger at any given age than their counterparts elsewhere. This is particularly conducive to growing lunker largemouth. In fact, if you could pick one fish species that dominates this section of Virginia, it would have to be the largemouth bass. The state record largemouth was caught at Lake Conner in 1985 - a record that still stands today.

However, for the angler searching for other opportunities, Southside offers striped bass fishing at Buggs Island Lake and the lower Roanoke River. The Meherrin-Nottoway system offers good fishing for the spotted, or Roanoke, bass, a large panfish similar to the rock bass of other parts of the state.

Lazy rivers also bisect the region. The middle James River is wide and shallow here for long stretches, with blowdowns providing the best fish habitat. Most rivers, like the Appomattox, Willis, and Meherrin are slow, winding affairs, perfect for a peaceful fishing trip.

Hunting
Virginia's Retreat offers abundant hunting opportunities

Southside Virginia has just about everything the serious hunter could ask for. Prime hunting opportunities abound in the gently rolling piedmont terrain of forests and fields interspersed with rivers, streams, and lakes. A mixture of forest types provides good habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and gray squirrel. Stretches of upland hardwoods like oak and hickory give way to loblolly, short-leaf, and Virginia pine, while the bottomlands are dense with willow and pin oaks, ash, and sweet gum. Old fields in various stages of natural succession provide cover and food for a variety of small game like raccoon, rabbit, doves, and quail. Marshy areas near rivers and streams hide migratory game birds like woodcock and provide shelter and breeding grounds for a variety of waterfowl.

This part of the state has no shortage of public hunting areas, either. While without the extensive national forests further west, Southside contains the three largest State Forests in Virginia, totaling more than 40,000 acres. In addition, three Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Wildlife Management Areas provide hunters with land managed with game species in mind. Wildlife biologists plant food crops, cover species, and use prescribed burns to provide just the right habitat for game animals and wildlife in general. The visiting hunter will have no problem finding friendly local outfitters and game officials ready to help with licenses, ammunition, supplies, and maps. Call ahead to the individual areas listed below to find out about conditions, special permits, and regulations.

Trails
Lower Piedmont rivers & lakes offer peace and serenity

The rolling hills of Virginia's Retreat welcome outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of trail options. You might hike through mature hardwood forests, rollercoaster your mountain bike through thick pine plantations or trot your trusty steed alongside open space habitats abounding in birds and small animals. Many trails feature waterfront views, either on lakes or along rivers and streams. If you find yourself in any of these Piedmont areas, you won¹t be climbing mountains, but you could be surprised by some challenging terrain.

In Virginia¹s Retreat we experience all four seasons, so dress appropriately. If you visit in warmer months, bring sun block and insect repellent, and remember to drink lots of water.

Virginia created a handy system in the Piedmont when it coupled state parks with state forests. Trails often connect from one to the other. In addition, an extensive system of old logging trails criss-crosses the state forests; the trails are multi-use, but multi-use in this instance also means motorized vehicles, so always be alert. A map (obtained at the forestry offices) and a sense of adventure open the door to almost limitless trail possibilities in these forests. Be aware that most state parks charge for parking.

Trail users should practice common courtesy. Yield the trail and maintain control of your mount (be it wheeled or hoofed) at all times. Never spook wild animals or horses with loud noises. If you don¹t mind the extra weight, bring along a camera and binoculars to get the most from your experience. Remember to pack out any trash so that others will have the same outdoor enjoyment. If you are trekking on horses or bikes, do not use the trail if wet weather has left saturated soil conditions. Not only do such conditions present a danger to riders, but your passing could damage the trail. Likewise, always stay on the trail; never blaze new trails. Because many of these recreational lands are shared with hunters, be mindful of hunting seasons and wear blaze orange during those times. All horses ridden on public lands must have proof of a negative Coggins test. And if you are enjoying the Piedmont outdoors atop a horse or bicycle, always wear a helmet.