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 downrive
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.
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 11AM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Go straight to camp
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out Weeknight discount: 10% off
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Big Island on the Middle James in Virginia.
Places to see near Big Island South
7 Reviews
Great secluded stay with perfect campsite set up and plenty of firewood right at the spot. Will definitely stay there again.
This is a great campsite. Plenty of space, excellent views, and a nice riffle in the river adjacent to the site where we spent a few hours relaxing in the water. The ground is very rocky, so make sure to bring a sleeping pad or even small air mattress if you can fit it on your boat.
What an awesome spot! We arrived at the site on a Friday when the river level was about 6.5ft at Scottsville and we left at flows of about 5.5ft on Sunday. We had plenty of space to spread out and camp. Note, the ground can be pretty rocky (round river rock), so make sure you have a back pad. I'm sure at lower levels there is more sand to camp on, but most of the landscape (like you see in the pictures) is rocky. Still, I've camped on many islands, and this one was by far one of my favorite! Enjoy!!
James was very polite and responsive. Great site overall. Beautiful spot and scenery. Pay careful attention to where you are, for it would be easy to miss.
- Property
- Big Island South
- State
- Virginia
- Country
- United States
- $31/night
- 2 Sites
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