James River State Park offers multiple camping experiences near Greenway, Virginia, with distinct camping loops that feature different advantages for outdoor enthusiasts. The park sits at approximately 720 feet elevation along a scenic stretch of the James River where shallow sections alternate with deeper pools. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for hiking and camping.
What to Do
Hiking trail exploration: Branch Pond at James River State Park provides access to numerous hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. "There are tons of trails to explore in this park, and the views in this campground can't be beat!" says Brittany B. about the Canoe Landing area.
Paddling activities: Red Oak Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals for river exploration. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend," reports Bridget H.
Astronomy observation: James River State Park participates in the Dark Sky Parks Association, making it ideal for stargazing. "It's a great place for star gazing because of the lack of light pollution. James River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park," notes Daryl L.
Wildlife viewing: The secluded location attracts diverse animal species throughout the seasons. "There is a canoe-in campground. Activities that can be done include tubing on the river, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, wagon ride, and lots of park events," mentions Daryl L.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Walnut Grove campsites offer good separation between neighboring campers. "Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box," reports Nicole P.
Riverside locations: Many sites at James River State Park sit directly along the water. "Camping along the river is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together so I'm sure it would be much more cramped when it's busy but it's a beautiful place. And you can fish right off the bank less than 50yards from your tent," explains Christina.
Well-maintained facilities: Sherando Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "The campground is located in the George Washington National Forest, has a small swimming, kayaking and fishing lake and log pavilion that was created as a CCC project. The shower houses are at the center of each loop and have been rebuilt to ACA standard within the last five years," writes Linda C.
Modern cabins: For those seeking pet friendly camping near Greenway without roughing it, cabin options exist. "We rented a cabin with fantastic sunset views. This park has great walking and equine trails, a fantastic visitor center, and a wonderful outdoor park/adventure zone for the kiddos," states Jamie B. about Red Oak Campground.
What You Should Know
Bear activity: Food storage requirements exist for safety reasons. "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" warns Lisa M. from Sherando Lake.
Cell service limitations: Devils Backbone Camp has variable connectivity. "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains," notes Erika S.
Variable water levels: River conditions change seasonally affecting activities. "We hoped to go tubing, but since the river was running high and fast, they weren't renting tubes, and we asked too late about renting a canoe or kayak," explains Sharon B.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "Bring leveling supplies! Some sites are reservable, some are not," advises Marcy S. about Holliday Lake State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Educational programs: Holliday Lake State Park Campground offers family-oriented ranger activities. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," shares Bridget H.
Swimming options: Several parks feature designated swimming areas for children. "The kids loved swimming in the lake while the parents loved kayaking and fishing," reports Pixton F.
Primitive vs. developed sites: Choose appropriate sites based on family needs. "The sites are generously sized and have good separation. Firepit, large picnic table, lantern hook and what I'm guessing was a food prep 'counter.' This was awesome to be able to put our camp stove on and something I have never seen before," explains Lee D. about Sherando Lake.
Pet-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds accommodate pets but have specific rules. "We stayed in one of the cabins with our dog. They are all grouped together and could be fun for a family reunion or some larger gathering with friends," notes Jeremiah E. about Red Oak Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Crabtree Falls Campground has some unique site configurations. "The sites along the upper loop are close together, but folks keep to themselves so it felt private," observes Sarah G.
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the region require substantial leveling. "If you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection. For example, we have a small travel trailer and we needed a 30 foot hose," advises Erika S. about Devils Backbone Camp.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Located in the middle of nowhere off of narrow Virginia secondary roads, we were surprised to get good Verizon reception," reports Bran P.
Remote work possibilities: Limited internet access affects digital nomads. "Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work," explains Micah B.
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