James River State Park

James River State Park This Dark Sky Park lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of the James River. Vulgar language. B. Sexual content. C. Hate speech or symbols. D.
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Hike, bike and enjoy shoreline with boat launches and a fishing pier. Choose from primitive, equestrian and full-service campgrounds, cabins and lodges. DCR's social media activities are intended to present agency matters of public interest to clients, businesses and visitors. DCR encourages users to submit questions and comments but asks users to remain civil and on topic.

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🌠 New Moon Astronomy Viewing returns this weekend.🔭 Our volunteer astronomers will have telescopes available for an up-c...
09/01/2026

🌠 New Moon Astronomy Viewing returns this weekend.

🔭 Our volunteer astronomers will have telescopes available for an up-close view of planets and galaxies, but you may also bring your own telescope to explore these amazing wonders of the night sky with our knowledgeable staff as your guide.

📅 Sept. 5
🕛 8:30-10 p.m.
🎟️ Free (standard parking fee applies)
😶‍🌫️ A presentation will be available in the case of cloudy conditions
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-01-09-15-13-41-044696-hsg

🎉 Exciting news for this year’s Rooftop Tent Rally, presented by the Friends of James River State Park. We're adding two...
08/31/2026

🎉 Exciting news for this year’s Rooftop Tent Rally, presented by the Friends of James River State Park. We're adding two fun activities to the weekend lineup: a toddler Strider bike race and a chili cook-off.

Whether your little one is ready to zoom across the finish line or you’re confident in your secret chili recipe, there’s a place for everyone to join in the fun. 🌶️

Here's what else you can look forward to:
⛺ Gear demos and workshops
🥾 Outdoor activities
🔥 Community campfire
🎶 Live music

📅 Oct. 15-18
🎟️ $155 for Thursday-Sunday; $135 for Friday-Sunday
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/jr-rooftop-rally

‼️ Rooftop tent not required. Ground tents and camping trailers under 15 feet are welcome.

Save the date! We're celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a special Stewardship Stroll. 🚶‍➡...
08/28/2026

Save the date! We're celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a special Stewardship Stroll. 🚶‍➡️

📅 Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 Canoe Landing
🚙 NPLD is a fee-free parking day

🥾 This 2-mile family-friendly walk leads you through open meadows alive with birds, pollinators and native wildflowers, then down along the scenic shoreline of the James River.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in trail stewardship through trash collection and corridor clearing. ♻️ Gloves, bags and loppers will be provided. Even a small effort makes a big difference in keeping our habitats healthy.

ℹ️ Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-08-17-14-33-53-307970-tba

🌟 Calling all Girl Scout Troops! 🌟Join us for Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend, Sept. 11-13. 💚 Spend the weekend exp...
08/27/2026

🌟 Calling all Girl Scout Troops! 🌟

Join us for Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend, Sept. 11-13. 💚 Spend the weekend exploring the outdoors, discovering new adventures and making lasting memories with your troop.

ℹ️ Learn more: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/girl-scouts

We hope to see you this weekend for the Native American Cultural Drum Dance, presented by the Yapatoko Drum & Dance Grou...
08/26/2026

We hope to see you this weekend for the Native American Cultural Drum Dance, presented by the Yapatoko Drum & Dance Group.

Through traditional drumming, dance, stories and shared history, the group will offer an inspiring look into their rich Native American heritage. Come ready to listen, learn and join the rhythm as we celebrate culture, community and tradition together.

📅 Saturday, Aug. 29
🕛 6-7 p.m.
🎟️ Free (standard parking fee applies)
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-06-30-14-55-30-493579-zye

📷 Yapatoko

⛺ Curious to know what it's like to attend the Rooftop Tent Rally. Check out what Katherine has to say about this annual...
08/24/2026

⛺ Curious to know what it's like to attend the Rooftop Tent Rally. Check out what Katherine has to say about this annual event, presented by Friends of James River State Park. She's been coming with her husband and three kids since day one!

"Our favorite part of the Rooftop Tent Rally is hard to narrow down to just one thing. We love reconnecting with friends we've made over the years, stepping away from daily routines and spending time with people who enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.

Checking out everyone’s rigs always gives us new ideas for our own setup. The location is wonderful too whether we're walking along the river or hiking or riding up to the Tye River Overlook, we always end up with great family photos.

The RTTR is low-key, laid-back and incredibly welcoming. There’s never a shortage of friendly people to talk with or learn from. It’s very much a come as you are atmosphere, where everyone gets along and feels right at home."

📅 The 10th annual Rooftop Tent Rally will be held Oct. 15-18. Learn more and purchase your ticket today at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/jr-rooftop-rally.

Gear up, campers! ⛺ The 10th annual Rooftop Tent Rally, presented by the Friends of James River State Park, will be held...
08/17/2026

Gear up, campers! ⛺ The 10th annual Rooftop Tent Rally, presented by the Friends of James River State Park, will be held this October.

Join us for a weekend of camping, camaraderie and outdoor adventure with fellow rooftop‑tent enthusiasts from across the region.

📅 October 15-18
🎟️ $155 for Thursday-Sunday; $135 for Friday-Sunday
📍 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/jr-rooftop-rally

Whether you're a seasoned overlander or trying out rooftop camping for the first time, this is the perfect chance to connect, explore and enjoy one of Virginia’s most beautiful state parks.

We can’t wait to welcome you back for another great Rally!

‼️ Rooftop tent not required. Ground tents and camping trailers under 15 feet are welcome.

Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend of adventure, community and the great outdoors? Join us at James River State Park for the 10th Annual Rooftop Tent Rally, where nature enthusiasts, overlanding pros and camping newcomers come together to celebrate the joy of rooftop tent camping in one of V...

The Native American Cultural Drum Dance, presented by the Yapatoko Drum & Dance Group, is just two weeks away. Through t...
08/14/2026

The Native American Cultural Drum Dance, presented by the Yapatoko Drum & Dance Group, is just two weeks away.

Through traditional drumming, dance, stories and shared history, the group will offer an inspiring look into their rich Native American heritage. Come ready to listen, learn and join the rhythm as we celebrate culture, community and tradition together.

📅 Saturday, Aug. 29
🕛 6-7 p.m.
🎟️ Free (standard parking fee applies)
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-06-30-14-55-30-493579-zye

📷 Yapatoko

Come watch the Perseids Meteor Shower with us this weekend. As an International Dark Sky Park, we offer exceptionally da...
08/13/2026

Come watch the Perseids Meteor Shower with us this weekend. As an International Dark Sky Park, we offer exceptionally dark skies, making us the perfect spot to view this popular shower, which can produce 30 to 50 meteors an hour at its peak.

📅 Aug. 15
🕛 9-10 p.m.
📍 Shelters 3 and 4
🎟️ Free (standard parking fee applies)
😶‍🌫️ If it’s cloudy, we will still offer a presentation
ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-01-04-14-50-42-814103-w2h

Volunteer astronomers will bring their telescopes, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. Chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Explore the park’s different ecosystems that provide habitats for an array of unique mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians...
08/12/2026

Explore the park’s different ecosystems that provide habitats for an array of unique mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds with our Habitat Hike!

📅 August 14, 21, 28
🕥 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
📍 Green Hill Pond

We will look at pond, stream, grassland, wetland, forest, and riparian habitats, discussing what makes each of them unique. As we wander, we will also search for and identify the plants and animals that call these unique habitat home.

The hike is approximately 1.25 miles long hike over mostly flat, even terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and your curiosity!

ℹ️ https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-06-22-11-59-01-327321-7uk

Address

104 Green Hill Drive
Gladstone, VA
24553

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 7pm
Tuesday 6am - 7pm
Wednesday 6am - 7pm
Thursday 6am - 7pm
Friday 6am - 7pm
Saturday 6am - 7pm
Sunday 6am - 7pm

Telephone

+18009337275

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