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There are picnic tables throughout the park and camping areas but the main picnic area is off of Green Hill Pond road and features many tables and grills on a hillside that overlooks the James River and many surrounding farms.
There are 6 reservable picnic shelters throughout the park. They are all ADA accessible, seat approximately 50 people and are open air with a wooden roof and concrete floor. Grills, restrooms, and drinkable water are located nearby most of them. In addition there is a slightly smaller picnic shelter in the Branch Pond area that has a chimney and outdoor fireplace.
On the beautiful James River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park now offers complete canoe livery services. Spend a day on the river, or bring your camping gear and enjoy several fun filled days. (Camping reservations are highly recommended - call 1-800-933-PARK.)Forget something? Not a problem. The Livery Store sells a wide variety of camping and paddling supplies. Merchandise includes fishing tackle, night crawlers, camp fuel and lantern mantles, even river shoes for the whole family. Food, snacks, ice cream, slush puppies, soda, t-shirts, hats, souvenirs and much more are available.
Other Activities At James River State Park: Hiking, Camping, Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Canoeing And Kayaking
Click here to return to the destination overview for James River State Park, or check out other great Virginia outdoor destinations that offer access to Picnicking.
Just Horsing Around at Virginia State ParksNancy Heltman
I had one of those dream childhood experiences - I had my own horse. In my memories my horse, named King (yes, after the horse in the National Velvet TV series) looked like the TV King or Black Beauty or Flicka of some other beautiful stallon. |
Friends of James River State ParkFoJRSP
James River State Park is named for its 3 mile riverfront on the beautiful James River. |
CALLING ALL FAMILIES! COME OUT AND PLAY THIS SUMMER WITH COCA-COLA AND THE NATIONAL PARKSCoca-Cola North America
"America Is Your Park" campaign offers families across the country an opportunity to be active and support their favorite park |
Virginia State Parks Youth Corps Receives National AwardJim Meisner, Jr.
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Hey Teachers---We Can Bring the Outdoors IN!Staci Martin
As the department stores tout their "Back to School" sales and teachers begin filling out their plan books, Virginia State Parks is gearing up for the 2010 OUTREACH PROGRAM season. |
Virginia State Parks Continue Record High Visitation Through Independence Day WeekendVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia State Parks continued the year-long trend of record attendance with an Independence Day weekend attendance of 266,739, a 22 percent increase over last year’s previous record-high of 218,889. |
Virginia State Parks Receives 101 Outdoor AwardsNancy Heltman
For the eighth consecutive year, the 35 Virginia State Parks operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation have been recognized by ReserveAmerica as among the nation’s best. |
James River State Park has help from Mechanicsville Riding ClubJaimie Lomasney
The Mechanicsville Riding Club has embraced the Tread Lightly! concept and is working with James River State Park to promote a good conservation ethic with all visiting equestrians. |
Celebrate America's Birth on the Wilderness RoadMichael Brindle
Independence Day, an American holiday through and through! A perfect excuse to gather the family and have a cookout, vacation on the beach, or visit one of the many historic areas in Virginia as we celebrate the birth of our great country! |
Signing up for a free membership on Virginia Outdoors has benefitsVirginia State Parks
A new program has been developed to encourage membership on Virginia Outdoors.com and with the Virginia Association for Parks. |
Outdoor Enthusiasts Love Holliday Lake State ParkZoe Rogers
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love Holliday Lake State Park. The park is nestled in the heart of Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. |
The Irish are Coming to Smith Mountain Lake State ParkShellie Anne - State Park Visitor
Our cousins arrived in Virginia from cold blustery Ireland (Yes summertime in Ireland!) just in time to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake State Park. |
Take Dad to a Virginia State Park for Father's DayNancy Heltman
Maybe because I'm a girl but I always had trouble figuring out what to get my father for a gift. After all, you can only have so many ties. |
Have you planted a tree for Virginia State Parks yet?Paula Hill
For the past 2 years, along with your help, Odwalla has made a commitment to America's state parks by donating money to help plant trees. |
Volunteers NeededNancy Heltman
There are so many things we do better in Virginia State Parks because of our loyal and large cadre of volunteers. |
The To-Do List ChallengeStaci Martin
Last month, I challenged readers to make a "Virginia State Parks To-Do List" by visiting our events website at www.virginiastateparks.gov/ and selecting five things to do at Virginia State Parks. |
Virginia State Parks kicks off summer season with record high visitationVirginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks had a record-setting Memorial Day weekend with new highs in attendance and revenue, and even website traffic. |
Clean the Bay Day 2010Nancy Heltman
Saturday, June 5th is the 22nd Annual Clean the Bay Day sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. |
Start voting for Virginia to receive trees donated by Odwalla's Plant a Tree program!Kristen Uerz
Start voting for Virginia to receive trees donated by Odwalla's Plant a Tree program! |
Welcome to Virginia State Parks!Kristen Uerz
Planning a trip to your local State Park? If so, be sure to pick up the newest copy of the Park Visitor Welcome Kit. |
Focus is on the customerAmy Atwood
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season for those of us in Virginia State Parks. |
Free Trees for State Parks!!Kristen Uerz
Today's society is more connected than ever between Twitter, Facebook, and that Blackberry you never let out of your sight. Even helping the environment has gone hi-tech. |
Happy 40th Birthday Earth Day!Nancy Heltman
For Earth Day, America's State Parks offer the following birthday card. |
Virginia State Parks Geocaching Wildlife AdventureKristen Uerz
Although I myself am new to geocaching, I would like to get the word out about a new and fun geocaching game that all Virginia State Parks will be launching on March 29, 2010 that will run until December 15, 2010. |
Spring in Virginia State ParksNancy Heltman
In honor of the start of Spring, here are a few pictures to wet your appetite for a visit to a Virginia State Park. |
Alternative Spring Break Volunteered at James River State ParkJaimie Lomasney
Twelve college students from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and seven college students from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia chose to volunteer |
The Gradual AwakeningMichael Salotti
After a couple active snow storms this winter, the weather appears to be taking a turn for the better. |
Women’s Wellness Weekend Caters to Mind, Body & SpiritZoe Rogers
Women are looking for affordable vacations where they can leave their hectic lifestyles behind. |
State park and natural area preserve officers receive state accreditationNancy Heltman
Conservation Officers with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation this week received accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. |
Your Next Family ReunionNancy Heltman
Virginia's State Parks have always been fantastic family vacation spots. The parents can relax and unwind from their normally busy vacations while the kids enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or a variety of programs offered at the park. |
Helping WildlifeTom Cervenak
I started working for Virginia State Parks in 1986 and in a long career have had the chance to get up close with wildlife and working on enhancing it. |
Have you Volunteered Lately?Tom Cervenak
I just read a story that in the toughest of times, Americans are volunteering at a record rate. |
Soaring with the EaglesTom Cervenak
I just went to check out the "Eagle Cam" that is set up at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on an active nest. This is really cool and several school groups were checking it out for education. |
Fight For Your ParksTom Cervenak
With shrinking budgets across our nation, one of the first things that is thought of to be cut is our parks. |
Don't Have a Camping Trailer?Tom Cervenak
I've done a lot of tent camping in my days and still do, but every now and then I want the camping experience without the tent camping part. |
Connecting Children with NatureTom Cervenak
Technology has been great in many ways, for instance I'm using it this very moment to communicate to an entire audience of people I don't really know. |
Camping at Virginia State ParksTom Cervenak
I've been camping at a lot of Virginia State Parks, some by myself, some with a dozen or so Boy Scouts and leaders. |
Time for FishingTom Cervenak
Almost all Virginia State Parks have some sort of body of water associated with them. |
One of my favorite hikes!Tom Cervenak
Spring has to be close now and as soon as we start having a few days in the 60's and 70's there will be a rush to get out to our great Virginia State Parks. |
An Interview with Del. Clay Athey: Should we close state parks?Dan McDermott - Warren County Report
Del. Athey says he does not support Gov. Robert McDonnell’s plan to close state parks and says it would not save money because they are profitable. |
Alternative Spring Break Group Coming to James River State ParkJaimie Lomasney
A trip to the beach or manual labor doing work around a Virginia State Park? That is the choice 19 college students are making for their spring break this year. |
2010 Ad Campaign for Virginia State ParksNancy Heltman
This year's theme is: "I Love Virginia State Parks." I thought you would all enjoy seeing the two television spots. |
CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009Jaimie Lomasney
Claytor Lake State Park added to the increase in visitation with 268,472 visitors in 2009, up 19,450 visitors from 2008. |
NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009Jaimie Lomasney
New River Trail State Park added to the increase in visitation with 960,096 visitors in 2009, up 8,104 visitors from 2008. |
DOUTHAT STATE PARK ADDS TO ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR 2009Jaimie Lomasney
Douthat State Park added to the increase in visitation with 205,654 visitors in 2009, up 10,090 visitors from 2008. |
It's Showtime!Tom Cervenak
Virginia State Parks kicked off the promotional show season with the Washington Camping and RV Show (Jan. 15-17) at the Dulles Expo Center. |
Arizona Loses State TreasuresNancy Heltman
Arizona sold a dozen state buildings on a lease back arrangement just this week to try and make up their $2 billion deficit. On Friday the decision was made to close 21 of the 30 state parks to help close the gap. |
2009 Marks Record Virginia State Park AttendanceNancy Heltman
One aspect of the recession is that tight pocketbooks send families looking for lower cost vacation alternatives. |
Wanted - A Few Good Men and WomenNancy Heltman
The Virginia State Parks Office of Volunteer Services is part of the Operations Section that I manage. |
Staying on Our Game in the Off Season, Part IIStaci Martin
This is the second of a four-part series about what we do in parks during the off-season, Part II |
Most State Parks Report Camping Increase in 2009RVBusiness
A survey done by the NASPD (National Association of State Park Directors) have shown some great results. |
Start Planning Now for a Family Reunion VacationPat Eastwood
Unfortunately, with all the traveling, shopping, cooking, and general hustle and bustle of the season, families are often too busy to really connect with each other during the holiday season. |
FOCUS For Excellence Customer Service AwardsPaula Hill
Each year all state park employees participate in the Virginia State Park's FOCUS for Excellence customer service training program. |
A World of Thanks to our VolunteersNancy Heltman
I have mentioned before that we are deeply indebted to our volunteers in Virginia State Parks. |
Staying on our Game in the Off Season: Part 1Staci Martin
This is the first of a four-part series about what we do in parks during the off-season. |
Virginia State Parks Staff Recognized for ExcellenceNancy Heltman
Our Agency held two employee recognition events in the last month to honor employees who have made special contributions to Virginia State Parks. |
Give the Gift of Virginia State ParksNancy Heltman
If you are a shopping hater like me, or have folks on your gift list that love Virginia State Parks, we have cyber options for you! |
Winter Hiking at Holliday Lake State ParkSarah Lankford
With a few basic preparations, you and your family can enjoy winter hiking at Holliday Lake State Park or any state park in Virginia. |
Holiday Events at Virginia State ParksNancy Heltman
This year, Virginia State Parks has 13 of their State Parks offering special programs to celebrate the holiday season. |
What Will Your Children Remember?Nancy Heltman
Nancy Heltman of Virginia State Parks was a guest blogger for Bethe Almeras' Grass Stain Guru today. Here's the content. http://bit.ly/XYvuT
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How the West Was Won - Part VTom Cervenak
Take time to read highlights from Tom's visits and to five state Parks on the far west side of the state. This is the last in the series of five articles. |
Fishing and Fun, For the FundTom Cervenak
Each year State Park employees, some family members, volunteers and friends of parks get together on the Eastern Shore at Kiptopeke State Park for a very important event, The State Parks Benevolence Fund Fishing Tournament and Raffle. |
How the West was Won-Part IVTom Cervenak
Tom takes time to share highlights of his visits to Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, Wilderness Road State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park and Hungry Mother State Park. |
Are You a Budding Les Stroud?Nancy Heltman
False Cape State Park invites the entire family for a fun-filled weekend of hiking and exploring Virginia’s Outer Banks while discovering tricks and tips on how to survive in the wilderness. |
Winter Activities!Stephanie Allen
Staunton River State Park is excited to announce that it will be keeping four cabins open year round starting this winter. |
Are You a Lark or an Owl?Nancy Heltman
Regardless of whether you are a lark or owl, False Cape State Park has a kayak program right up your alley during the month of October. |
The Best of Virginia State Parks - Forrest GladdenVirginia State Parks
State Parks Director Joe Elton talks with staff from Virginia’s National Award Winning State Parks. |
Virginia Association for Parks Web Site RennovationJohnny Finch
Johhny Finch, President, Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP) announces rennovation of VAFP website, its new companion virginiaoutdoors.net and dates and location for the 2010 Spring Conference. |
The Treasure Chest of the CommonwealthVSP
Explore what the Virginia State Parks have to offer. |
Civilian Conservation CorpsVSP
A look back at how jobs were created through the building of America's State Park System. |
National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept 26th, 2009Luanne Lochner
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. |
Fall at Virginia BeachNancy Heltman
Virginia Beach is a great destination year round and First Landing State Park makes an excellent base for visiting that resort city and the surrounding cities. |
How the West Was Won Part IITom Cervanak
Although the smallest Virginia State Park, the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park is packed with facinating historical treasures worth taking the time to explore. |
Apple Day at Douthat State ParkJaimie Lomasney
Apple Day, a Celebration of Appalachian Heritage at Douthat State Park is just around the corner on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton elected President of the National Association of State Park DirectorsJim Meisner
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton was elected president of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) at the NASPD annual meeting this week. |
National Association of State Park Directors Honor Individuals for Enhancing ParksVirginiaOutdoors
National Association of State Park Directors Honor Individuals for Enhancing Parks |
The Adventures of Virgil S PossumVirgil S Possum
Virgil S. Possum explores the Virginia State Parks and tells tales of his adventures. |
Trail QuestPaula Hill
Virginia State Parks soon to launch a great new program “Trail Quest – Explore Virginia State Parks One Step at a Time”. |
Summer Stargazing at Belle Isle State ParkNancy Heltman
Summer is the best time of year for star gazing, programs available at Belle Isle State Park. |
Annual Back to School Beach Bash at Douthat State ParkVASP
A day of fun in the sun is had at the annual Back to School Beach Bash at Douthat State Park. |
Information Stations in VA State ParksImperial Multimedia
In August of 2007, the Virginia State Parks successfully completed the launch of the nation’s first and most ambitious electronic interpretive information program specifically designed for visitors to a State Park system.
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Virginia State Parks Camping Made EasyVirginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks Camping Tips |
Managing Land in the Piedmont of VirginiaPiedmont Environmental Council
Managing Land in the Piedmont of Virginia for the Benefit of Birds and Other Wildlife
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Director Designate Jon Jarvis Testifies At Confirmation HearingNPS Digest
Director designate Jon Jarvis testified at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources yesterday morning. The text of his opening statement follows. |
The Monarch ButterflyMichael Salotti
Butterfly found in Virginia State Parks |
State Parks Offer Moonlight Canoe ToursKevin Wallenfang
Several state parks offer moonlight canoe tours throughout the summer, offering a fun evening of nature and the stars. |
Roots in BranchesLorraine Eaton
Canoist Lillie Gilbert takes an active roll in sharing knowledge about the coast backwaters of Virginia that she works to protect. |

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