Big Island South, Virginia

The Premier Overnight Float Trip Campsite on the Middle James River

Learn more about this land:

Please note this is a boat in only listing--so launch your canoe or kayak upstream to float in and enjoy a stay! You MUST take the south channel (some call it "River Right") as you approach the Seven Islands chain to access  Campsite 1. You MUST take the North Channel or "River Left" to access Campsite 2.  See satellite imagery. Read on--

Approximately 8 miles downriver from Scottsville and 2.5 miles downriver from the Hardware River Wildlife Management Area, this is the Premier campsite for an overnight float trip on the middle James. With some of the best smallmouth bass fishing the James River has to offer, this is perfect stopover for a take out at the New Canton/Bremo Bluff boat landing 4 miles downstream. Enjoy an overnight or a couple of days. The 2 acre campsites are on an elevated sand and gravel bar on the north and south shores of Big Island. There's ample room for multiple tents and boats. Pools and slow moving water to cool off after your float down, and a great place for catfishing and watching satellite fly-bys at night. Plenty of Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and just about all of Virginia's animals inhabit this section of the James.  Enjoy the scenery! 

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK and GO 

1. Check out river levels, forecasts and warnings. There can be class 1 and 2 rapids (and more) depending on river height. Very experienced paddlers only once the river gets above approximately 5.0 feet or so at Scottsville. The host will gladly rebook your stay should the river height not be safe for your group. Check James River height at Scottsville or other reputable data source. 

2. You must take the south channel (some call it "River Right") as you approach the Seven Islands chain to access  Campsite 1. You must take the North Channel or "River Left" to access Campsite 2.  See satellite imagery. 

3. This campsite is only accessible by canoe, kayak or other small craft from the west/upriver. 

4. Cell phone coverage is very spotty in this section of the river bottom.