Forestry Department

The Forestry Department office, located in Boydton, VA, serves a crucial role in managing and protecting the rich forest resources of this region of Southern Virginia. While the address at 880 Old Cox Rd is primarily an administrative and operations hub for the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), its presence here is directly tied to the vast natural environment, particularly the sprawling lands surrounding the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, often called Buggs Island Lake. This facility is not a conventional public campground in the traditional sense of having developed campsites with amenities. Instead, it is the governmental nexus for forest stewardship, wildfire prevention, and providing expertise that supports the outdoor experiences of local Virginians.

For residents and visitors who love the outdoors, especially those engaged in hunting, wildlife viewing, or primitive camping on authorized public lands, the DOF office is an invaluable local resource. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manage extensive wooded acreage around the reservoir, and the Forestry Department works in concert with these agencies to maintain healthy ecosystems and safe conditions for recreation. Its location in Boydton underscores its commitment to the forest health and timber resources that define the landscape in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area.

Because the provided information specifically labels this location as a "Campground," it is important for local users to understand that its camping function is typically related to **primitive, dispersed camping** on authorized public forest or wildlife management areas (WMAs), which the DOF helps oversee, rather than a developed, reservable campsite. The DWR, for example, allows temporary dispersed primitive camping on many of its WMAs across the Commonwealth, provided occupants obtain a required, no-cost camping authorization. This office is the local face of the state agency responsible for the health of those forested lands.

The Forestry Department office is situated at 880 Old Cox Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA. This location places it near the heart of the John H. Kerr Reservoir region, an area characterized by dense woodlands and extensive shoreline. While it is an office rather than a public park entrance, its proximity to major recreation arteries makes it easily accessible for local forest users, timber professionals, and landowners seeking consultation.

Accessibility to the office is generally simple for standard vehicles, though specific information on parking and universal access for this particular administrative building is not publicly detailed. However, its purpose is to manage resources across the local land base, which directly influences public access to forested areas. The general area benefits from well-maintained county and state roads, connecting it smoothly to the nearby town of Boydton and the larger communities of South Hill and Clarksville, which are popular launch points for Buggs Island Lake activities. Visitors seeking forest-related permits or information can readily find this location off main routes.

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s local office in Boydton offers a range of services essential to the health and safety of the surrounding forests. These services are vital for landowners, local businesses, and recreation users across Mecklenburg County.

• Forest Management Guidance: Providing expert advice and technical assistance to private landowners on timber harvesting, reforestation, and general forest health.
• Wildfire Prevention and Control: Serving as a local hub for rapid response, fire suppression operations, and public education on safe burning practices, which is crucial for protecting surrounding campgrounds and communities.
• Forest Health Monitoring: Tracking and advising on insect, disease, and invasive plant threats that impact the local environment and natural resource areas.
• Water Quality Protection: Overseeing programs related to streamside management zones and best management practices (BMPs) to protect the water quality of Buggs Island Lake and its tributaries.
• Tree Seedling Sales: Offering a service for procuring tree seedlings for planting initiatives, supporting reforestation efforts across the Commonwealth.
• Information for Primitive Camping: While the office does not run a developed campground, staff can often provide guidance on regulations for primitive camping in authorized Wildlife Management Areas or other state public lands in the region, in collaboration with the DWR.
• General Public Information: Answering questions related to local forestry issues, permits, and regulations.

While the Forestry Department office itself is a functional government building, its most important features are the resources and expertise it represents, which directly impact the outdoor experience in the Boydton area.

• Proximity to John H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake): The office is strategically located to manage the forested lands that cradle the reservoir, a major recreational draw for boating, fishing, and Corps-operated camping.
• Expert Local Knowledge: Home to trained foresters and resource specialists who possess in-depth knowledge of the local ecology, tree species, and outdoor conditions, a valuable resource for local campers and hunters.
• Wildlife Management Support: The DOF's role in maintaining healthy forests is critical for the success of the numerous Wildlife Management Areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia DWR in the area. These lands offer excellent year-round opportunities for hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
• Support for Public Safety: A primary function is providing fire control services, giving local residents and campers the assurance that the natural environment is actively monitored for safety risks.
• Connection to State Forest Lands: The facility is the local point of contact for understanding and accessing Virginia's larger network of state forests and lands, which are available for various recreational activities.

For inquiries related to forest management, local forestry programs, fire prevention, or general information on primitive camping authorizations in the region, please use the following contact details for the Virginia Department of Forestry's Boydton office.

• Address: 880 Old Cox Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA
• Phone: (434) 738-6123
• Mobile Phone: +1 434-738-6123

For Virginians, choosing to engage with the natural areas around the Forestry Department office means valuing **authentic, well-stewarded natural environments**. You are choosing a location that is the center of forest conservation and a gateway to true wilderness-style experiences, rather than simply a campsite. This location is paramount for those interested in **primitive camping, hunting, and responsible forest recreation**. If your idea of a campground is a place of self-reliance, surrounded by actively managed, healthy forests where wildlife thrives, then the areas overseen by this office are ideal.

The importance of this facility lies not in a picnic table or a hookup, but in the **guarantee of a protected natural setting**—a commitment to keeping the forests healthy and resilient for generations to come. By using the contact information, you can ensure you have the most up-to-date information on fire bans, authorized camping locations, and the required permits for utilizing the most undeveloped and untouched public forestlands in the Boydton region, making your Southern Virginia outdoor adventure safe, legal, and truly memorable.

Forestry Department

880 Old Cox Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA