James River Depot
"First come first served" isn't ide
First come first serve policy meant no designated camp site.
When the group checking out didn't pack up their site until 530pm on the day I arrived (noon check in) I was left to setup camp by the river access, thinking it was a campsite (fire ring, picnic table).
Every campsite was occupied when I arrived so I figured, that must be my site.
Would be much better to reserve actual site numbers so that you can call if someone is in your site. Impossible to do that when you don't know what site is yours.
Ended up wasting the majority of my first day and night setting up then moving my campsite when I saw the family leave site #1 at almost 6pm on the day I checked in.
Probably won't return unless I get a free night or some kind of guarantee that I'll be able to use the site for the full time I paid for.
Shae C.recommendsApril 1, 2024
James River Depot
Just go ahead and book it!
James River Depot was amazing!! Highly recommend. Campsite was well maintained, firewood access with a very fair price, spaced out enough for privacy and the river access was perfect. Very close to lots of hiking trails and the natural bridge. The train does train things throughout the night but that didn’t bother us but something to note. Lots of local businesses around if you want to be out and about, a huge field to run with your dog in and cozy campsites for settling down for the day. Couldn’t ask for a better set up. If you’ve been thinking about booking just go for it!
Alex R.recommendsMarch 31, 2024
James River Depot
We stayed at site 4. It was a beautiful location! Lots of birds & easy access to river where we could wade in! Firewood was appreciated, though not super seasoned, so we had a smoky fire. Porta potty was clean! Several picnic tables were a nice bonus.
The sites were not as private as I expected. We could see both groups next to us (though maybe less visible when greenery fills in) & hear one group pretty well. Sites 2 & 3 had a direct line of sight to one another. We’ll definitely be back, though know what to expect better now!
Kevin S.recommendsMarch 31, 2024
James River Depot
Beautiful escape from the city
Pros:
- The river is gorgeous. Such a cool spot to camp at, looking at the river all day, and hear the water when falling asleep.
- Peaceful, and the other folks in the nearby sites were respectful of space and noise output.
- Bonfire + wood on site to purchase.
- Starry nights!
There really weren't any negatives. The only thing that startled me was the train that came by around midnight. It was a bit loud and woke us up. But besides that, I actually liked the train during the day. It was cool to see them coming through!
Would stay here again. Definitely a nice place to get back into nature.
Jack B.recommendsMarch 26, 2024
James River Depot
I camped here while on a solo road trip across the country and it was the perfect place for me to set up a tent and zonk out and have some peace and quiet after driving all day. Having the whole place to myself was awesome, and I even found some unburnt firewood already in my fire pit! Campground is in close proximity to all kinds of interesting things too. Would definitely recommend.
Stacy M.recommendsMarch 25, 2024
James River Depot
Great spot on the James! Private, beautiful and on the riverfront!