James River State Park, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has a little of everything at this park: from the forests to the grasslands, and from the river to the ponds.
The James River sunset at the state park
Driving past the entrance sign you’ll be greeted by the Contact Station and a friendly ranger eager to take care of all your needs. Whether you are visiting for the day or checking in for overnight accommodations you’ll be sure to enjoy every minute in the park.
Enjoy your overnight stay in one of the newer Virginia State Park cabins featured at this park. Each cabin is equipped with a full service kitchen, a fire place making the center piece of the living room, and of course stocked bedrooms with all the linens.
Early morning fog at James River
Looking for a more rustic stay? Try one of the four campgrounds at James River State Park. From RV sites to tent camping by the river or even camping with your horse in the new Horseshoe Campground you’ll be sure to find what you are looking for.
Enjoy RV, Tent and Horse Camping
The park has 15 miles of trails to enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding.The best view at the park can be found on Tye River Overlook and Green Hill Pond loop is handicap accessible and has a nice fishing pier. If you want to enjoy a trail, but didn’t bring a bike, the Livery offers bike rentals.
The beautiful Tye River Overlook view
Rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, and tubes
The Outdoor Adventures Canoe Livery allows you to spend the day on the river without bringing any gear Memorial Day to Labor Day, and some weekends outside of those dates. The livery provides canoes, kayaks, tubes, a shuttle service, and bike rentals. If you brought your own equipment, no problem, the livery can still provide a shuttle service at a limited cost. You can enjoy a two, six or eight mile stretch of river.
James River State Park doesn’t have a traditional playground at the park, but has something better: the Discovery Area. The Discovery Area is a natural playground for children to be out in nature and enjoy it! Kids of all ages can be found giggling, using their imagination, and playing around in the woods. This area was built by volunteers and park staff. Find a kitchen area made entirely of logs or tic-tac-toe made out of wooden pieces or a caveman wall using large slates of rock and side walk chalk. These are just a few of the many kid friendly stations in this Discovery Area.
The balancing logs at the Discovery Area
A brand new facility at the park is the Visitor Center which has interpretive displays, a replica bateau, and a large aquarium soon to be filled with native fish from the James River. Stop by to learn more about the history of James River State Park, and the animals that live in it.
Monacan Indians, the earliest known settlers, hunted, fished and traveled the river. In the early 1700s, the Cabell family settled along the river, cultivated the rich soils of the floodplain and shipped produce down river to Richmond. A flat-bottomed boat known as the bateau was invented and the Kanawha canal was built to make travel and shipping on the river easier. The James River brought people to this area, provided for their needs, and helped them build a future.
Plan your visit to James River State Park today!
James River State Park is located 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA 24553. Call the park office at434-933-4355 or email the park for general information.
LOCATION: Buckingham County. From U.S. 60 West, turn right onto Route 605 (Riverside Dr.) at the James River Bridge. Travel seven miles, then turn left onto Route 606.