James River State Park
Facilities include cabins and lodges, primitive and water and electric campsites, primitive and water and electric horse campsites, and group camping. Thirteen primitive campsites are by the river and offer opportunities to canoe-in camp. Three fishing ponds and boating access to 12 miles of the James River make the park ideal for anglers. There are seven picnic areas in the park and six picnic shelters that offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
The park offers opportunities to see wildlife and explore habitat native to the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Whether floating, fishing or hiking, you can enjoy breathtaking views found only at James River State Park.
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Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
There is no admission fee. Fees for parking are $3 on weekdays and $4 on weekends for each passenger vehicle.
Activities
There are 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Other activities include camping, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, fishing, and boating.
History
The waters of the James have shaped life in this area's past and will shape its future.
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.
