James River State Park's
Outdoor Adventures Canoe Livery

Shuttle, canoe, kayak, tube and bike rentals

On the beautiful James River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park now offers complete canoe livery services. Spend a day on the river, or bring your camping gear and enjoy several fun filled days. (Camping reservations are highly recommended - call 1-800-933-PARK.) Note: The livery may be closed when weather isn't cooperative.

Visit the Livery Store

Forget something? Not a problem. The Livery Store sells a wide variety of camping and paddling supplies. Merchandise includes fishing tackle, night crawlers, camp fuel and lantern mantles, even river shoes for the whole family. Food, snacks, ice cream, soda, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs and much more are available.

Fees at a glance (subject to change)

Trip 1 - Bent Creek to Canoe Landing. Six-mile shuttle included. Canoe, $50; single kayak, $40.

Trip 2 - Bent Creek to Dixon Landing. Eight-mile shuttle included. Canoe, $60; single kayak, $45.

Trip 3 - Canoe Landing to Dixon Landing. Two-mile shuttle included. Canoe or kayak, $20; tube, $18.

Click here for a map of the trips.

Hourly and daily rental also available, as are mountain bikes and accessories - bike helmets, life jackets, paddles, seat back, etc.

Inexpensive shuttle service is available for those who bring their own equipment. Call the livery directly at (434) 933-8682 or the park at (434) 933-4355, email jamesriver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Special considerations

Canoes allow up to three people, only two of whom can be adults. You must be 18 to rent equipment, and children must be at least six years old to take part. Weekends are very busy; call ahead for reservations or if you have questions. Be sure to check weather reports beforehand. The weather and river conditions are considered by staff in regard to rental.

Seasonal hours

The livery is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The livery is also open on weekends during off-season, which is mid-April through Memorial Day and from Labor Day through mid-October. Equipment availability is always subject to weather and river conditions. Call the livery at (434) 933-8682 for information about current conditions.

Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Last shuttle to Bent Creek, 11:30 a.m.
Last put-in for canoes or kayaks, Canoe Landing to Dixon Landing, 1:30 p.m.
Last put-in for tubes, 1 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (camp store open until 8 p.m.)
Last shuttle to Bent Creek, 1:30 p.m.
Last put-in for canoes or kayaks, Canoe Landing to Dixon Landing, 3:30 p.m.
Last put-in for tubes, 3 p.m.

Directions - Click here

While you're here

Discover one of Virginia's best-kept secrets as you canoe or kayak down a 2, 6, or 8-mile stretch of the historic James River. Inner tubes are available for the 2-mile stretch between the park's two landings.

Explore James River State Park. The park's trail system of more than 15 miles meanders through a wide variety of terrain and habitats. Bring binoculars for birding and wildlife watching.

The park has many wheelchair-accessible facilities including a quarter-mile paved and boardwalk trail around Green Hill Pond.

Enjoy camping along the James in the primitive campground. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Reservations are highly recommended; call 1-800-933-PARK (7275).

James River State Park has grown a great deal recently so plan to relax and stay awhile. The park now offers cabins, primitive campsites, campsites with electricity and water, two bathhouses, two lodges and one camping lodge (bunkhouse). To guarantee your stay, reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 1-800-933-7275.