The Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area is available for use by bicyclists using the Virginia Capital Trail and paddlers exploring the James River and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area is a cooperative project of Charles City County, James River Association, and Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. The project was funded by a generous grant from REI.
Rules and Regulations:
Registration: Registration is required to use the primitive camping area. Reservations can be made by making an account at https://tinyurl.com/CC-CivicRec. Call the Charles City Parks & Recreation office at (804) 652-1601 or email mwbradby@charlescityva.us for questions.
Hours: Registered campers may use the primitive camping area between dusk and dawn for a maximum of one night. Campers must vacate the primitive camping area by 8:00 am.
Access: The primitive camping area serves the Virginia Capital Trail and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Vehicular access is prohibited.
Capacity: The maximum capacity of each primitive campsite is four individuals. The maximum capacity of the group camping area is 20 individuals. Camping is prohibited outside of designated areas.
Trash: Campers shall properly dispose of trash in receptacles. Fires: Fires are prohibited in Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. Campers may use existing grills in the park.
Alcohol: Possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. Pets: Pets are prohibited in Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park.
Respect Park Users and Wildlife: Campers shall respect park users and wildlife at all times. Disruptive behavior, excessive noise, and amplified music are prohibited.
Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area will result in dismissal without refund.
Campsite and Payment Information:
Payment can be made in person at the Parks and Recreation Department office located at 8320 Ruthville Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140 during office hours, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm or can be mailed to Parks and Recreation, PO Box 128, Charles City, VA 23030 or online at https://tinyurl.com/CC-CivicRec.
Primitive Campsite #1, #2, and #3
Cost is $15 per night, maximum one night, maximum of four campers.
Group Camping Area
Cost is $100 per night, one-night maximum, maximum of 20 campers. A group camping area is available for use by organized groups.
This primitive campsite is located in a wooded area near the entrance to the 24-acre Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park. Amenities include a restroom facility, bicycle rack, and bicycle repair station.
Reservations can be made by making an account at https://tinyurl.com/CC-CivicRec
For questions please contact the Charles City Parks & Recreation office at (804) 652-1601 or email mwbradby@charlescityva.us.
Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park
This 24-acre park provides a wooded picnic area, fishing and birding pier, and a short swamp boardwalk leading to a wooded trail for visitors. A boat ramp is also available.
Nature observers will love the large concentration of wintering bald eagles, ospreys in the summer, blue heron, gulls, variety of waterfowl, songbirds, wood ducks, and woodpeckers.
Historical information: General Grant crossed the James River for a surprise attack on Lee’s Confederate troops as told on-site by a Virginia Civil War Trails exhibit.
For more information on Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park, please visit the following website:
https://www.co.charles-city.va.us/101/PARKS-AND-RECREATION or https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/lawrence-lewis-jr-park/
