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Big Island South

92%

· Scottsville, Fluvanna, Virginia

100 acres hosted by James S.

2 tent sites

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Primitive camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Boat-in

This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.

The Premier Overnight Float Trip Campsite on the Middle James River - Boat in Only---No onsite parking or hiking in. 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. Both campsites are 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.

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Paddling

Swimming

Natural features

River, stream, or creek

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92%

38 ratings · 15 reviews

David W.recommends

April 30, 2024

CampSite 1 So Channel River Rt

Big Island South

If you enjoy overnight canoe trips Big Island offers an ideal spot for camping. This is a canoe in site only. While the area is a bit rocky there are enough areas with small river rock that with a thermorest/sleeping pad offer good tent sites. The view up river to the west is superb. Ample wood for a nice campfire and you can fish and swim/ wade right from camp. With the number of folks that paddle and overnight this section of river it’s nice to know you can reserve this site and have a guaranteed river side campsite. Note that approaching and leaving the site there are a number of class 1-2 ledge type rapids that in low water require some navigating. We had a great trip and will reserve this site again.

Max J.recommends

July 24, 2023

CampSite 1 So Channel River Rt

Fantastic offering, and thankful to have this campsite as an option!

Charlie D.recommends

June 21, 2023

Big Island on the Middle James

Awesome Island Camping!!!

Amazing camping!! It felt like we had the entire river to ourselves as late afternoon arrived and the flow of kayaks and canoes slowed down. Plenty of space for tents and exploring, great shallow swimming pools for our kids, and lots of shade during the hottest part of the day. We will definitely be back! Word of warning - read and pay attention to the instructions on STAYING LEFT when you leave the island. There are lots of rocks and some tricky rapids in the center.

Beth C.doesn't recommend

June 5, 2023

Big Island on the Middle James

DON'T GO unless you know the area!!

Long story short...there were rapids & rocks galore & after 5 hours we never found the campsite! We ended up going back upstream towards the boat ramp & found a small place to camp for the night since it was starting to get dark out! Only go here if you're familiar with the area & comfortable maneuvering through rapids & huge rocks! When we tried to call the host we got no answer... multiple times! Let a message & got no return call.

John L.recommends

June 4, 2023

Big Island on the Middle James

Great experience

Had a great time staying here! I will definitely book again when the time comes.

Chris G.recommends

May 24, 2023

Big Island on the Middle James

Peaceful and Private

Beautiful stretch of river. Had a small group paddle trip from Scottsville to Bremo Bluff, and stayed here overnight to break up the trip. Campsite was peaceful with great spots to set up multiple tents. Very peaceful with great fishing and swimming right from the "beach" on the island. Saw an incredible amount of wildlife (Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Turtles, and much more). Saving this campsite to my list to stay again!

Location

Scottsville, Fluvanna, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Monacan and Occaneechi First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by James S.Joined in May 2018

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