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James River Depot

Hosted by Wendy · Glasgow, Virginia
6 sites · Tent, Lodging · 30 acres
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Best Hipcamps in Virginia
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Hipcamp Legacy Award winner
Named a long-time Hipcamp success.
Near Shenandoah National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Rockfish(South).
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad.  A great place to enjoy some R and R.  We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property.  A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.

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Tent-only sites (dispersed)

5 sites

James River Depot

98%
(922)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Narrow entrance is marked with a sign, James River Trail. Drive over the tracks and through the hayfield to find your slice of wooded, riverfront camping.  All sites are primitive with one shared portable toilet.   All sites have a picnic table and fire pit with a grate. There are two active railroad lines; one on each side of the river. They do run through the day and night and are obligated to whistle when approaching our crossing.  I have my camp listed as dispersed but all 5 sites are labeled: I treat it first come, first choice.  All sites are on the river! I can't accept or allow RV's or trailers. Zoning restrictions-sorry. Firewood is available at $10 per wagon load.   We are very close to the Jefferson National Forest where you can find great hikes like the Belfast trail fondly called Devil's Marbleyard. We are also just a few miles from the Natural Bridge State Park.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Lodging

1 site

James River Glamping

98%
(31)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 2
This site is riverside! Put your feet in the water or walk into the hayfield behind you to enjoy the stars.  The site includes a fire ring, grate, picnic table, yurt style tent w/ mattress and bedding, 10 gals of water, two Adirondack chairs and a beautiful view of the river.  We are an easy drive to The Jefferson National Forest.  Great hikes include the Belfast Trail fondly called Devil's Marble yard as well as Thunder Ridge Wilderness area. We are also close to the Natural Bridge State Park.  There are 2 active railroads on either side of the site.  You will hear trains through the day and night, but the campsites are well spaced and the river provides an awesome sound for sleeping.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table

Reviews

98%· 955 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    This campsite offers a peaceful escape with easy access to the James River, providing ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and stargazing. Campers appreciate the spacious, well-maintained sites that provide privacy and direct river views. However, the sound of passing trains is a common theme, noted as both charming and occasionally disruptive at night. Despite this, the campsite consistently receives praise for its serene environment and the friendly, accommodating host.

  • Nancy R.

    Tent camped with pets, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    We adore this place! Great access to the river and soothes the soul from city living

  • James S.

    Tent camped with kids, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Easy river access, big sites with plenty of room, good drainage, and kept clean. Trains come through on both sides which our family thought was cool. Quiet (other than trains every couple hours)

  • Joshua M.

    Tent camped, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    I loved it. Beautiful place and even more beautiful scenery. Removing my bad weather coverage right before I left for the weekend was my only complaint with the site.

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Amenities

  • Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site
  • Portable toilets
  • Potable waterAt some sites
  • Picnic tables
  • No showers
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No trash disposal
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • 2WD accessible at some sitesPark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff leash.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll head straight to your site upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFlexible at some sites; Moderate at the others. Full refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 12pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowBook up to 9 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 2 days' notice. Minimum stay 1–2 nights depending on the site. Stay up to 29 nights depending on the site.

Extras

  • Firewood Bundle$15.00 per itemFill up a small wheelbarrow with wood for your site. Wheelbarrow holds between 12 to 15 pieces of wood. All wood (split & unsplit) is outside site #4.
  • Cornhole Boards$10.00 per itemWant to play some cornhole? 1 set available. $10 is for 24 hours- can rotate on a busy weekend. Please protect bags from rain, they are the real deal-corn.
  • Yoga $50.00 per itemThe price is for your group. Enjoy a private class in the field. I'll bring the mats. I've been teaching for about 12 years and own a studio in Lexington. Message to be sure I'm available before purchasing.

Location

Glasgow, Rockbridge, Virginia, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Wendy O.Joined August 2018100% response rateResponds within an hour

Frequently asked questions

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