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Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Red Oak Campground, near Gladstone, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern comforts. With spacious sites that offer a mix of shade and privacy, it’s perfect for setting up camp and unwinding after a day of adventure.

This campground is part of James River State Park, which means you’ve got access to stunning river views and plenty of fishing opportunities. Visitors rave about the beautiful scenery and the chance to kayak on the James River, making it a great choice for water lovers. One camper mentioned, “The river is very good for kayaking,” highlighting the outdoor fun waiting for you.

Amenities here include clean bathrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site, so you can enjoy meals outdoors. Plus, the park is known for its dark skies, making it an excellent place for stargazing. As one happy camper put it, “They claim to be a very dark campground at night, and they were right. Stars everywhere!”

If you’re into hiking or biking, there are miles of trails to explore, and the wildlife sightings can be a real treat. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Red Oak Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

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Location

Red Oak Campground — James River State Park is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.618117054572075 N
78.81679539527836 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Camping and remote work

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

SiteR7
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

Great secret spot in the woods

This is a real gem in the woods . I have no idea why it is listed as closed when it is open and very nice. Call them to book a site as the apps will not let u

Sitered oak 18
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2022

Great programs

Nice camping. Great programs. Beautiful scenery.

SiteRO27
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Brittany B., September 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Brittany B., September 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Brittany B., September 11, 2022
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2022

Nice Park With Plenty To See!

This state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around.

There are plenty of places to fish! The ponds are full for Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, The river has plenty of fish in it too! Only thing is, if it just rained the current will be pretty quick.

There is camping sites all around the park, Some with water frontage, There are bathrooms, fire pits and picnic tables at the sites. I camped along the James river in a pull in spot and had a great time!

Little cell service there but the radio came in fine, There are some bumpy trails and paths within the park but I recommend you check out the pond on the first right turn after you leave the front entrance. Beautiful gazebo overlooking the pond with picnic tables.

Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by John R., August 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by John R., August 21, 2022
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

James River State Park

  James river very good river to kayak. Lots of trails and wide open fields to look at stars.  I would highly recommend this state park.

Site28
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 17, 2021

Wonderful Place to stay !!!

The sites were very generous in size - not cramped at all! Sites were partially shaded and backed up to woods. Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly. Will definitely return!!

SiteRed Oak 04
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 14, 2021

We liked it

We stayed a few years ago during Arbor Day so we helped plant trees. That was fun. Even better was the stargazing they offered.

SiteRed Oak loop
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Anne F., May 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Anne F., May 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Anne F., May 14, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2020

Dark Sky Park with Plenty of Amenities

We have stayed here a couple of times and our family loves it! We have stayed in the cabins here and they are awesome. We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs. The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay. They have miles of trails, a playground, marshland, and it is right on the James River with multiple river access points. The rangers here are very interactive and very helpful. 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. I highly recommend this park and can't wait to stay here again.

  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Bridget H., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Bridget H., December 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Bridget H., December 9, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2019

Cabins are nice, tent camping not so much

We’ve been here twice. Once for our anniversary and we stayed in one of the cabins with our dog, and once tent camping. The cabin was reasonably priced and comfortable. They are all grouped together and could be fun for a family reunion or some larger gathering with friends. The tent camping experience was with our kids, and it was a little hard to keep them entertained. The hiking trails were a short distraction, but not long or difficult enough to wear them out.

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Quiet and Chill

I love state parks for their amenities and well-maintained sites and this one was no different! The drive is really pretty too (some of the photos are the dirt road coming into the park). I imagine the drive to the park would be very slow for RVs or someone pulling a trailer with boats etc.

SiteRed Oak #11
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by RL , August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by RL , August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by RL , August 28, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Great getaway for the family!

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.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Jamie B., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Jamie B., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Jamie B., August 28, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2019

Adventure Ready James River

The Red Oak sites were gravel and fairly level and the bathhouse was nice. There is an equestrian camping area (and stalls) for people with horses.  The cabins and lodges have 2, 3, and 6 bedrooms and look beautiful. There is even 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.

This is a wonderful spot for viewing the stars because of the lack of light pollution. James River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park.

SiteRed Oak 21
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Daryl L., August 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Daryl L., August 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Daryl L., August 25, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2019

Crystal Clear Oasis

I've been to JRSP several times now and each visit gets better.  Camping on the River edge is very peaceful and convenient if you just want to drop your own tube in and float.  This site isn't very wooded and therefore not much visual privacy but there is lots of space to spread out.  The sites are generously sized and flat.  A few negatives:

1. There is a bit of a walk from your vehicle but it's not bad.

2. The bathroom is just a potty with hand sanitizer, no running water.  

I also stayed in a 2 bdr cabin on a return trip which was very nice.  I was impressed with the accommodations and the A/C which was enjoyed on our hot August nights.  The best part of both trips was the River.  Absolutely clean, crystal clear water and never crowded.  Both of my trips were during the summer and over a weekend and we seldom came across others.  It was if we had the whole park to ourselves.  I'm going back again this summer.  My boys are excited to rent the kayaks again.  This is a great experience for couples and families.

SiteCabin 14
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Conni B., May 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Conni B., May 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Conni B., May 22, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Incredible campground, semi private camp lots

We camped here with our new born daughter and son, with that being said the campground was very quiet and accommodated our family very well! We enjoyed that large bathhouses and the large tentpad spots!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Kaylee S., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Kaylee S., July 18, 2018
Reviewed May. 19, 2018

A piece of Heaven in Virginia

I have been to many VA State Parks and this one so far has taken the cake. The grounds and river access are stunning. I am planning on going back in a few weeks with a group of friends.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Katie T., May 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Katie T., May 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Red Oak Campground — James River State Park by Katie T., May 19, 2018
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Red Oak Campground located in Virginia?

Red Oak Campground is located within James River State Park in Virginia. The park is situated off the beaten path in a scenic rural area, featuring beautiful river frontage along the James River. The campground is accessible via a picturesque drive, though the dirt road leading into the park may require slower travel for RVs or vehicles pulling trailers. Its somewhat remote location contributes to its designation as a Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.

What is the layout of Red Oak Campground at James River State Park?

Red Oak Campground features gravel, fairly level sites that are generously sized and not cramped. The sites are partially shaded and back up to wooded areas, offering some natural surroundings while still providing plenty of space to spread out. While not densely wooded, the campground layout allows for comfortable camping experiences. The park also includes separate camping areas including an equestrian camping section with stalls, cabin areas with 2, 3, and 6-bedroom options, and even a canoe-in campground for those arriving by water.

What amenities are available at Red Oak Campground in James River State Park?

Red Oak Campground offers well-maintained facilities including large, clean bathhouses. Each campsite features a fire ring and spacious tent pads. Firewood is available for purchase at approximately $7 per bundle. The campground is pet-friendly and has campground hosts to assist visitors with questions. Beyond the immediate camping area, the park includes a visitor center, cabins with beautiful decks featuring picnic tables and rocking chairs, and various outdoor recreational facilities. The campground's designation as a Dark Sky Park means minimal light pollution for exceptional night sky viewing.

What activities can visitors enjoy at James River State Park near Red Oak Campground?

James River State Park offers a wealth of recreational activities. Water enthusiasts can enjoy tubing, kayaking, and fishing in the James River or in the park's ponds, which are stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. The park features extensive trail networks for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through scenic woods and fields. Stargazing is particularly exceptional due to the park's Dark Sky designation. Families will appreciate the outdoor adventure zone for children. The park also hosts special programs and events, including stargazing nights and conservation activities like tree planting during Arbor Day. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound throughout the diverse landscapes.