James River State Park

Tucked away in Virginia's incredible Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park is comprised of beautiful grasslands, rolling foothills, and pristine river views. Commonly referred to as the natural playground of central Virginia, James River State Park hosts several unique events throughout the year, including the local Batteau Festival which provides guests with the opportunity to build one of a kind water vessels and race them for prizes and awards.

Hikers will have a field day here with 15 miles of paths open to the public. These trails host everything from foot traffic to horseback riders and provide a great way to get a look at the surrounding river scenery. A few of these trails are ADA accessible, so guests of all ages and abilities should have an easy time getting out and enjoying some nature. 

The paths are fine to explore with your dog, as long as you've brought a sturdy leash to keep them on. Doggie refuse stations exist on all of these trials, so guests shouldn't have trouble taking care of any messes left behind. James River State Park contains three miles of river shoreline that provides plenty of aquatic recreational opportunities. 

Swimmers will, unfortunately, be out of luck here as public swimming isn't offered anywhere on the property. However, guests looking to get their feet well can still enjoy river tubing, rentals for which can be found at the park's canoe livery. There are multiple return options for guests who float the eight total miles of river here, including free shuttle services that run during the summer months. 

Make sure to call the Virginia State Park's offices at 434-933-8682 for more information on rentals and hours of availability. All visiting dogs are prohibited from entering the waters of the James River but can accompany guests who are enjoying the shoreline as long as they're well behaved. 

If you're looking to become an overnight guest, make sure you call ahead as spots here tend to fill up quite rapidly. Guests have the option of primitive sites, general sites, or deluxe camping lodges with luxurious amenities like air conditioning and private bathrooms. Canines are allowed around the outdoor portions of the campgrounds but cannot enter indoor structures.