Sharp's Island

97%

51 reviews

· Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia · 1 acre

Hosted by Andy T.

Tent site

· 12 guests max

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Andy is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Boat-in

This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.

NEW IN 2025: There is a beautiful cabin for guests to use. Sleeps 5 easily. Also new is the outdoor kitchen and bar. Check out @sharpsislandrva on Insta to see pics! 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. There is no bridge to Sharp's Island, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak. It's super easy. 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 would love to have you add your story to this island's long history! 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 oodles of great swimming holes along the banks; 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!)

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

12 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit. There's plenty of driftwood to burn on the island, and we've got a nice metal waiting firepit for you.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Do we offer indoor plumbing on Sharp's Island? No, but we're a couple rungs up the ladder from digging a hole in the ground! Our custom groover is now out on the island with a pop-up privacy shelter to go with it. The 5-gal bucket inside is lined with a Hefty bag and some kitty litter. Now you're camping in style!

Pets allowed

Off leash. Dogs welcome!

No drinking water

Bring your own water, purify from river or stream

No showers

Bathe in river or stream

Pack it out

This does include any deposits made to the toilet!

Cooking equipment absent

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 12:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Access: By boat

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Wheelchair access

Max 4 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Tentrental

$20.00

One North Face 4-person tent and one 6-person REI tent available

Firewood bundlegood

$16.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire. Same size as what you'll find at a convenience store.

Sleeping bagsrental

$15.00

Two L.L. Bean sleeping bags rated down to 20 degrees and two rated down to 40 degrees.

Reviews

97% Recommend67 ratings · 51 reviews

Sharp's Island offers a unique camping experience right in the middle of the city, providing a serene escape with stunning views and ample space to explore. Visitors appreciate the attentive host, Andy, who ensures a safe and enjoyable stay, often by providing guidance on navigating the river currents. The island features amenities like a grill, cabin, and tent platforms, making it a comfortable spot for both camping and recreational activities like fishing and kayaking. While some reviews mention challenges with parking arrangements and river access, campers generally find the effort worthwhile for the peace and nature the island offers.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Patrick M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Sweet Adventure on Sharp's!

Tent · Group trip

We had a blast camping out on Sharp's Island! It was a spontaneous adventure and I'm so glad we were able to book. The island is such a cool spot, we had amazing sunset views and ample room to set up. Andy is a great host, and I'd definitely recommend staying here! The canoe ride over isn't very far and is safe, and Andy will tell you (and like other reviews have said) just pay attention to the tides and river water levels! If you can, time your crossings closer to high tide when the current isn't as strong. If the river is high and it's low tide, paddling to the island can be more of a workout!

Julia C.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Thank you!

Tent · Group trip

Such a great experience and a WONDERFUL host. So helpful and was so kind. We had so much fun and we will be coming back. 100/10

Terry W.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Fishing trip

Tent

Enjoyed the stay at Sharps Island. Location was perfect for fishing all three days we were there. Caught plenty of shad and catfish. We will be back.

Macklin H.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Great Spot

Tent · Group trip

The space was an awesome and unique spot, with a city view that you really can’t get anywhere else! Will be returning to enjoy the countless amenities such as the grill and the cool cabin design. If you forget pillows the couch cushions make good substitutes.

Amber N Olivia C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent

It was a magical island stay with a great view of the city and totally private

Bert G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

There is nothing else like it

Tent · With pets

I absolutely love this place and Andy is a pleasure to deal with. I've camped here like 5 times since they turned it into a camping spot and every time has been a blast. It may be challenging for some less advernturous people to get their gear over to the island. You need to come in by some kind of watercraft (be it canoe, paddle board, kayak, or john boat). But for those that are capable it's worth the effort. It's so cool to be surround by nature but in the heart of the city at the same time. Truly magical place worth experiencing.

Location

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