The Rapidan Wildlife Management Area is a popular place for wildlife and fish-related activities. While hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing are the primary uses of the area, hiking, camping and nature photography are also quite popular. Primitive camping (no developed sites or facilities) is permitted anywhere in the management area, subject to wildlife management area rules.

Public access to the South River tract is limited to one road, SR 642 (Taylor Mountain Road). Follow SR 230 past Wolftown to SR 621 west (South River Road), which is 2 miles north of Stanardsville. Follow SR 621/637 (621 will turn into 637) and make a left turn onto SR 642. Follow 642 up the mountain and beyond the state maintained portion of the road. Continue up the dirt road to the management area. Be advised wildlife management area roads, and roads leading to the area beyond state maintained portions, are narrow and not maintained to VDOT standards and can be rough.