James River State Park Visitor Center

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park features 3 miles of shoreline along the historic James River, making it a go-to park for fishing and boating. If you prefer to stay on land, the park’s rolling grasslands and quiet forests offer beautiful views and 22 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and horses.

But that’s not all. Check out our list of the top five activities you don’t want to miss at James River State Park.

1. Stargaze

There's nothing like the night sky at James River

James River received the International Dark Sky designation in 2019 for its efforts to preserve and protect the dark sky through responsible lighting policies and public education.

Throughout the year, visitors are invited to the park’s guided astronomical events, which give stargazers the chance to learn more about the importance of dark skies while observing planets, galaxies and star clusters. 

James River also hosts a unique, two-night Star Party. This event brings the largest gathering of astronomers to the park and provides visitors the chance to explore the night sky and attend special programs and presentations.

Telescopes are provided for most of the park’s astronomy events, but if you have one, you can bring it with you.

To learn more about the James River’s Dark Sky events, please contact the park at 434-933-4355.

2. Hike the Tye River Overlook Trail

You don't want to miss the view at Tye River Overlook

This trail leads to the park’s most iconic view: Tye River Overlook. The Tye River is one of the James River’s tributaries, and it holds historical and geological significance in the region. What makes this section of the river unique is that the Tye flows into the James at almost a right angle. Most rivers merge together at a more pronounced “y” angle.

The Tye River Overlook Trail is roughly 0.1 mile, ADA-accessible and covered in smooth, crushed gravel. The easiest and most direct route to the Tye River Overlook Trail is Cabell Trail; however, guests who need assistance getting to the Tye River Overlook Trail can contact the park at 434-933-4355 for permission to drive to the start of it.

Enjoy the view!

3. Have a picnic

Have lunch with a beautiful waterfront view

James River has two beautiful waterfront picnic areas that have 10 first-come, first-served tables with individual charcoal grills, and one of the areas has a canoe landing.

If you’re looking for a little more space, the park has five universally accessible shelters available for rent. They can accommodate up to 75 people, have large party grills and have access to nearby restrooms. Some of the shelters have electricity and some have water hydrants.

To learn more about the picnic shelters, click here. To reserve a shelter, go to www.reservevaparks.com.

4. Spend the night

One of the park's river-front camping sites

There is no shortage of overnight accommodations at James River.

For those who prefer primitive camping, the park has three tent-only campgrounds, totaling 22 sites: Branch Pond, Canoe Landing, located beside the river, and Walnut Grove. Drinking water is not available at the campgrounds, and the restrooms are primitive.

If you have a large group, the Canoe Landing Group Campsite can accommodate up to 42 people. It’s located near the canoe landing and features a fire ring with a flip grill, picnic tables and a pedestal grill.

In addition, the park has two campgrounds with water and electric hookups. Red Oak Campground has sites that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Horseshoe Campground has 10 pull-through sites, 20 covered horse stalls and five tent pads. Red Oak and Horseshoe campgrounds have a full-service bathhouse, and each site has a fire-ring grill, picnic table and a lantern hanger.

A campsite at Red Oak Campground

If camping isn’t for you, that’s OK. The park has 16 cabins and two lodges, which are all furnished. Amenities include a refrigerator, stove, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave and so much more. To see what else the cabins have to offer, click here.

An aerial view of some of the park's cabins

Camping and cabin reservations can be made at www.reservevaparks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

5. Attend an interpretative program or event

Would you be daring enough to hold the park's resident snake?

With hundreds of educational programs and special events planned every year, there is an activity for everyone at James River. The full schedule can be accessed online, but here are some highlights:

• Creek Scene Investigation (CSI): You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lies beneath its surface. The program involves a short, easy walk around Green Hill Pond to catch some live critters in the creek that feeds it.
• Feeding Frenzy: When it’s feeding time for the park’s resident snake, visitors are invited to come see what his favorite foods are and learn about the eating habits of other wildlife in the park.
• Native American Cultural Drum Dance: This unique program, presented by the Yapatoko, only happens once a year. The Yapatoko come to the park to share their culture, stories, drums and dancing with visitors.
• Wandering the Wetlands: This program allows visitors to explore the park's expansive wetlands and search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat home.
• Batteaux & Banjos: See what it’s like to live in the early 19th century at this annual event featuring live music, blacksmiths, a period camp and much more. A fleet of batteaux, flatbottom boats used in the colonial period, even passes by the park during this three-day event.

A replica batteau is on display at the park

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Now that you have a list of activities to get you started, it’s time to plan your visit to James River State Park! Learn more: www.virginiastateparks.gov/james-river.