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Sharp's Island

96%
·
· Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia
1 acre hosted by Andy T.
1 tent site
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Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Boat-in
This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
Andy is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we had love to have you add your own story to this island's long history! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak (it's super easy). Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starter's, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs.  Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more! (You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak!)
Activities
Boating
Fishing
Paddling
Swimming
Natural features
Beach
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
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96%
46 ratings · 32 reviews
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Luke G.recommends
February 23, 2024
Sharp's Island
Andy is a great host and it was a lovely experience.
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Jacob K.recommends
November 7, 2023
Sharp's Island
Serenity on the James
This was my third visit to the island and it never disappoints. Love the addition of a picnic table to one of the tent foundations. Was treated to a nice variety of bird sightings and an amazing sunset. My pup also loved the freedom of roaming the island off leash!
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Kelly M.recommends
October 8, 2023
Sharp's Island
Great host! Island was wonderful! We will definitely be back!
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Amanda T.recommends
September 19, 2023
Sharp's Island
We love coming to Sharps Island every year! Awesome private area to explore, play and relax.
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Erika B.recommends
September 5, 2023
Sharp's Island
Ultimate Richmond river hangs
This is our second time staying at Sharp's Island, and it was AMAZING BOTH TIMES! We had a blast chilling in a hot tub-esque little pool near the western end of the island and playing on the rapids with our puppy. Even though the temperature was 97 degrees (!!), we were able to stay cool in the river and in the shade on the eastern side of the island. Other highlights were paddle-boarding / kayaking / swimming / exploring around the island (during the day and at night!), cooking delicious meals over the fire, and just spending quality time with friends. TIPS: -Try to pack light so you have less to ferry across the river -Make your trips to the island closer to high tide than low tide if you can -- it's much easier / less of a current when the water is higher -Bring lots of water and STAY HYDRATED! -Apply sunscreen often! Highly recommend and will definitely be back. THANK YOU ANDY FOR BEING AN AMAZING HOST AND FOR HAVING THIS AWESOME PLACE IN THE CITY FOR US TO LIVE OUR RIVER DREAMS DAY AND NIGHT. WE LOVE YOU <3
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Jocelyn R.recommends
September 3, 2023
Sharp's Island
Friends and Family Camping Trip
The island is amazing and we love camping in the middle of the city! A few trips in the canoe back and forth to bring your belongings, 2 tent platforms, and great trees for hanging hammocks make this spot a favorite. We tube down the rapids, wade in the small flowing pool made by rocks and fish off the sandy shores! We had amazing weather with beautiful views!
Location
Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Powhatan First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Andy T.Joined in April 2019
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