James River State Park

Charles Decker

2024-04

Absolutely gorgeous park! Wonderful location along the James River. Great trails to walk or ride on, three ponds in the park, cabins, tent sites, equestrian sites, camper sites, amphitheatre, playground, visitor center, plenty of things to do! The rangers are friendly and helpful too. Red Oak campground has spacious and well maintained sites. One of my favorite State Parks. Also where I was married in 2015!

Diana Pena

2024-04

The park itself is nice. It's very quiet here. The sites are a little uneven. But the drive is where the problem was for us. Then you think it's over. Wrong it's about another 7 to 8 rough miles to park entrance. For us, we like the park but we didn't like the drive. So not sure if we're coming back.

Yi-Shin Sheu

2023-11

The 4.5 miles country road that leads to this park is extremely scenery. $5 entry fee. Took the Cabell trail to see the Tye River overlook. Very wide trail (looks like a fire road) and an easy walk to get to the overlook. It was a busy Sunday but the trails were pretty empty. Took the Dixon trail on our way back and there was nobody else. Well maintained trail system with clear blaze. Saw a lot of people riding horses near the visitor center. My dog loves the boat landing area on the River Trail. The water is calm, shallow, and clean. There is also a very nice outdoor seating area in the back of the visitor center

Richard Schiro

2023-11

We stay here every October for our family reunion. Every time we have a blast and the view is picture perfect. Horses trotting around, fishing by the river and crackling firepits. Beautiful sun rise/set and perfect view of the stars at night.

David Lieu

2023-06

We visited in the afternoon, late May 2023. The plan was to bike with the family. However the weather did not cooperate. It had been raining the 2 days prior and the trails were probably pretty muddy so instead we decided to just take a look around and maybe hike a little bit since it was already built into out itinerary. We explored the visitor center for about 30 mins. There are a number of really cool exhibits and they have live animals in there as well. It was pretty interactive and kept the kids entertained. The park store is also located here in the visitor center. There was a decent amount of stuff to buy including apparel. We wanted our pins and hiking medallions which we actually had to run up to the contact station at the front gate to get as they were sold out at the visitor center. We also asked for the junior ranger program here and there was no way we could complete it as one of the requirements was to attend multiple ranger lead programs which we couldn't do in an hour or so. We took some fun pictures out back the visitor center and were then on our way.We will definitely have to return with our bikes so we can complete the trails!

Macy.Nathan Wilson

2023-05

We loved our stay here and will be back! First off, the drive in is beautiful! Rv/camper sites are well spaced and have great shade. We loved the sand/gravel material used for the pads, very level and don't puddle when it rains. The bathhouse has an attached laundry room and outdoor sink. Toilets and showers are separated. Dump station is at the entrance and was a good set up. The trails are well maintained and beautiful. The visitor center was very cool. All the park staff were so friendly!

T H

2023-09

Great place to hang out. If you have two vehicles, park one at Dixon landing and drive back and throw your tubes/kayaks/canoe into Canoe landing. It's a nice long float with a few small beaches or feld trees you can land at for a picnic. The stars are beautiful at night. Milky Way visible. Beware of the skunks. Especially if you bring an animal with you. Makes sure a very memorable experience.

Susan Dalton

2023-07

This was our first time at James River State Park, and this was also our first time staying in a cabin at the Virginia State Parks.I must say, both, were a highly enjoyable experience.We have tent camped many times while day/section hiking the Appalachian Trail. And, though, I highly enjoyed hiking the AT, there were times I would have liked to had more time to explore the trails at the campgrounds we camped at.As usual, when planning a camping trip, weather can be hard to precisely pin down.Being in a cabin took the worry out of the weather being a major concern for shelter. Of course, weather was a concern for exploring the trails outside at the park.The weather kept flip flopping; cloudy and overcast, one day high chance of rain, flip flops of rain chance days, both days rain and overcast high chance.I gave up hoping for sunshine and packed rain jackets, rain pants, and our George Foreman electric grill.I downloaded an ebook while traveling to the park.When we arrived at the park it was cloudy and overcast; but, not a gloomy overcast. It was pleasant.The cabin was terrific. The covered porch was very nice.We quickly unloaded and took advantage of the weather being overcast and cloudy, but, not raining.We hiked from the cabin to the River Trail and took various trails to complete our loop back to the cabin.Day one, a victory; we got in and were able to hike some too!Day two. I, so, wanted to hike to Tye River Overlook and have some sunshine. To my surprise, the sun began to peak out. Unbelievable. According to the weather forecast, this should not be happening.We rode down to Dixon Landing, after unknowingly, passing the Tye River Overlook trailhead near the Visitor Center.We walked around at Dixon Landing a bit, before deciding to go back to park at the Tye River Overlook trailhead.But, we stopped at Shelter #6 to check out the trail sign and found out we could hike to the Tye River Overlook from here.So, we hiked to the Tye River Overlook.On the Cabell Trail the sun was out, and I was somewhat wanting the overcast skies!We made it to the overlook and the view was awesome. The one thing that is vivid in my stay at James River State Park is the sound of song birds. The birds were melodious at the overlook also.Having had weather that was not a washout nor a gloomy grey thus far, and having had been able to hike and make it to the overlook, I felt if we had to stay the remaining time inside the cabin, it would not matter.We hiked the Cabell Trail loop back down and missed taking the Dixon Trail to get us back to our vehicle and ended up at Red Oak Campground; which was nice. I wanted to check out the campground.Red Oak Campground is very nice. I look forward to tent camping there one day.With storms predicted to come in the late afternoon, we walked the park road back to our vehicle. Kudos to park maintenance, the grass was mowed several feet off the road giving a safe place to walk with less worry of oncoming vehicles and ticks.We made it back to our vehicle and we then drove to Walnut Grove Campground and Canoe Landing Campground.We then drove to Branch Pond Campground and hiked one side of Branch Pond Loop Trail. The loop could not be hiked due to the dam portion being off limits to hiking.I enjoyed the half portion we did.We decided to head back to the cabin, due to storm predictions.We made it back, and my sons said they actually hoped it would storm so they could enjoy seeing the storm from the covered porch.Being hungry with the threat of an approaching storm, we decided to grill our burgers on the George Foreman electric grill.It would take less than ten minutes to be eating our burgers if we used the George Foreman opposed to getting a charcoal/fire started, waiting 30 minutes or so, only to have a storm roll in.We ate our burgers, and at about 8:30pm the storm rolled in.I witnessed lightening in the distance from the covered porch with thunder rumbling about.I decided to go inside after a bit.We left the next morning, to what else, but, sunshine.We had a great trip.

Scott Troxel

2023-05

We spent two nights in one of the cabins and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. The bed, chairs, and sofa were very comfortable, and the kitchen had just about everything we needed. The pans were good quality (Cuisinart) stainless steel, so we used our own non-stick pan for bacon and eggsWe hiked part of the Cabell Trail to the Tye River Overlook spur, part of the River Trail, and the Green Hill Pond Loop. The trails were well taken care of, with evidence that a few trees that had come down very recently had been quickly removed from the path. Daisy and I also enjoyed the short (~1 mile if you're following a hound dog's nose) loop that went around the cabin area, where we met some deer. It's not on the trail map, but the markers call it the Monarch Trail.I had really wanted to do some stargazing but of course it was overcast and rainy most of the time. Daisy had to go out at 3:00 the morning we were leaving, and the sky had cleared up. The view was amazing even with the full moon lighting up the sky. Looking forward to going back in clearer weather.Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome in the cabins and on the trails. They need to be on a 6 foot leash when outside.

Damon DeLuca

2023-05

Stayed at the branch pond campground and was very pleased with the experience! I would have liked more distance between the campsites but that is more or less the norm at state parks. The park is kept up exceptionally well, Offers a lot of activities and is beautiful in the fall. I will definitely come back to rent one of their well kept cabins soon!

Janelle Speyer

2024-01

A secluded park for camping or renting a cabin. We stayed in a cabin up to 6 people. There was geocaching, stargazing and even coffee with a ranger.

Ron Baker

2023-05

Another very nice park. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful. Park was in great shape. Ran trails today and they were well marked and easy to navigate. Thinking about bringing the kayak here soon.

Frederic Bishop

2023-05

The cabins are very reasonable in cost, and over the top in features and amenities. Comfortable. Makes you want to live here.Oh, did you know about the views of the mountains and the James River? 5 star all the way.Playground: All apply. Bring your dog, your children . . .

Nicolae Kingsley

2020-05

Very nice cabins and beautiful Scenery awesome and beautiful views from the trails and from the James River and the park rangers and other staff was absolutely amazing and friendly and the visitors center had a lovely store for gifts to take home with very reasonable prices. We stayed in cabin 1 it was a two bedroom and was very beautiful and roomy we had three adults and three children in our group and it was very comfortable for all of us. Absolutely loved the fireplace. All in all very beautiful and peaceful place to stay and have some enjoyable family time away from home.

JOSEPH LEONGUERRERO

2021-05

So many things to do at this State Park! We enjoyed our three night stay at cabin #7 during the week. The cabin was much larger and better than what we were expecting. We enjoyed hiking one the River Trail, the Tye River Overlook Trail and several of the connecting trails. Traffic in the park is minimal allowing bike riders to feel safe on the park roads.

Timothy Miller

2023-05

Absolutely an amazing Virginia state park. We stayed for a weekend in one of the amazing cabins. Great accomodations at the cabin. The cabin loop was quiet and lots of families were outside enjoying the weather. The fire pits and outdoor area were recently upgraded since our last visit.

Shaun Flick

2022-05

Absolutely the best state park we have been to ever. The natural beauty of this park is unmatched. Wonderful camping and friendly camp hosts make this a place to stay for the weekend or even a week! The river had much to offer to include fishing and canoe rentals. They even rent inner tubes for river floats for the extremely calm river.

Kathy Land

2024-04

Had a wonderful weekend staying in a cabin and walking the trailsPlayground: There is a small playground located by the visitor center

Bob Berg

2022-05

Had a great week camping! I would suggest watching out for the 10PM Park Ranger. He came into my camp, asking us to quiet down. Then asked why the noise in my trailer, who are we holding hostage? It was my wife getting ready for bed. There are so many trails and around each corner is something of beauty. Highly recommend James River State Park!

Josh Canulli

2022-05

One of the best parks as far as river access. The kids enjoyed the discovery area as well as the fishing pier. We will definitely be going back to try our hand at tubing and hiking more of the trails.

Brad Gaidar

2023-05

Excellent park along the James river. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, river tubing, camping and more. The campground is nice with super clean bath houses. All sites have electric and water. Highly recommend.

Darby Christian

2021-05

We love the economy and affordability 🙌of the well kept “primitive sites;” they contain a level dirt pad to set your tent up, a picnic table, and a well built fire ring with a grill cook-top.🍳The primitive sites contain a male/female outhouse style bathroom that are cleanly maintained.There are running water bathrooms and showers that are individual private stalls with hot water and neat and clean. There is also a laundry facility.Electric and water hookup sites are large and spacious.👌The scenic overlook where the James $ Tye Rivers Meet is absolutely gorgeous and we highly recommend you take the VERY easy walk to see it.Hikes are easy enough for smaller children to do.Little to no cell service in the park. 🚫My boyfriend wants you all to know these are the foothills...not the mountains. 😆

Kenny Smith

2020-05

I have wanted to rent a cabin here for many years now and was finally able to. We rented a 2br 1 bath cabin and it was beautiful the inside and outside looked brand new and it had everything you need to stay there (pots,pans, silverware,dinnerware,tools for the grill even soap for dishes and for your hands it even had clean sheets and towels and even trash bags.) We booked it to get away and relax and for the Owl Prowl and thanks to ranger Grayson we had an amazing time from the time we got there until the time we had to leave (Did not want to leave lol) I know we cant wait to get back there we look forward to spending all of our free time there.

Thomas Dowler

2023-05

This is the second year that I have had a veterans campout at the park. Having a place where we can get together that's kinda off grid and not being constantly on cell phones is great. The staff is always friendly and the restrooms are very clean. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore and the river offers great fishing. The one thing that you do need to be mindful of is that the closest major store is a good 30 minutes away so be sure to come fully stocked with what you need.

Michael Adams

2021-05

My son and I stayed in one of the cabins and had a great time. The trails were right nearby. We took the River Trail and explored a few tidal islands. It was really neat. Also, the sky was fantastic. It is a really dark park so you can see ALL the stars!

Lee Savidge

2023-11

The deer were always around the campsite.. Nice gift shop and friendly staff.

R M

2024-03

It’s very pretty and is a dark sky center so no lights after a certain hour within the park limits to cut down on light pollution. It’s waaaaaaayyy out in the middle of nowhere, but they allow pets and horses and there’s a parking lot. Pretty sure you can have your birthday party here if you wanted to. Pay per person for entry. Drive slowly down the entryway because there’s hiking trails and horse trails that dump into the road. There’s a playground too.Playground: There’s a playground thereRestrooms: I don’t know where they are except in the welcome center buildingDog-friendliness: Bring your dogs they are welcome herePicnic area: Tons of space for a picnic and includes tables

cherry

2022-05

One of the top state parks in Virginia. Highly recommend, though the drive out from the Richmond direction is not particularly interesting. Have both paddled and walked at the park, both are beautiful, though the paddling requires a little extra effort. The Tye River overlook is definitely the best spot in the park as well.

Michael Smith (THE GREAT OUTDOORS)

2018-05

Beautiful park. go on the river, hike. use the cabins or camp. nice camp ground for trailers. I would not recommend the House Shoe camp area. it's ok if you have hourse. I must say the bathrooms are well kept. no gas station within 1 hour of the park. also very limited cell service.

J Aron Hinson

2023-05

Before I went, it was hard to find info and pics about showers and bathrooms with running water available there. I stayed there and scouted out showers at the Horse camp and at the Red Oak camp. They had hot water. Here's pics of them. (The other toilets all over the parkare pit toilets with no running water.) My group had a spot at Walnut Grove camp (which is spots in a field next to other noisy people camping) and we had a spot at Branch Pond camp which was more wooded, and was more preferable.