New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Primitive camping now available at Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City

By Andre Jones | August 20, 2020 4:00 pm

Primitive camping is now available at Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City.

The new camping area is the results of three years of work and was presented in 2017 by the James River Association to Charles City County leaders.

In September 2017, James River Association representative Justin Doyle presented plans for construction of three primitive areas and one group camping area at Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park. The proposal came as the result of research that traffic on the Virginia Capital Trail that runs through the county has increased. With no hotels or places to stay along the route, the campground became an option of recommendation.

The three campsites will consist of tent camping only, limited amenities, and no car camping. Campers will have to be self-sufficient and no fires are allowed to be burned in the area. Grills nearby can be utilized for cooking.

Each of the primitive campsites can host a maximum of four individuals while the group campsite can hold 20 individuals. No vehicular access will be allowed to the sites.

At the September 2017 meeting, the Board of Supervisors passed the motion 2-1, with then District 3 representative Floyd Miles Sr. casting the lone dissenting vote, citing liability costs.

County Administrator Michelle Johnson commented that the new addition will be welcomed.

“For many, safe recreation has been a challenge this year,” she said. “Charles City County is honored to work with the James River Association to ensure everyone still has the opportunity to enjoy safe recreation opportunities in our community.

“The great outdoors is where everyone can find enjoyment and make new memories,” Johnson added. “We welcome visitors to Charles City to create those memories here.”

A reservation to stay at the campsite is required and can be made through Charles City County Parks and Recreation by calling 652-1601 or via email at mwbradby@co.charles-city.va.us. Campers will be allowed to stay a maximum of one night from 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Fees were tentatively set at $15 a night for a primitive camp and $5/person at the group campsite.