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James River Depot

99%
·
· Glasgow, Rockbridge, Virginia · 30 acres
Hosted by Wendy O.
5 tent sites
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Near Shenandoah National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Rockfish(South).
Best tent-sites: 3rd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Best in Virginia: 3rd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad.  A great place to enjoy some R and R.  We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property.  A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.Narrow entrance is marked with a sign, James River Trail. Drive over the tracks and through the hayfield to find your slice of wooded, riverfront camping.  All sites are primitive with one shared portable toilet.   All sites have a picnic table and fire pit with a grate. There are two active railroad lines; one on each side of the river. They do run through the day and night and are obligated to whistle when approaching our crossing.  I have my camp listed as dispersed but all 5 sites are labeled: I treat it first come, first choice.  All sites are on the river! I can't accept or allow RV's or trailers. Zoning restrictions-sorry. Firewood is available at $10 per wagon load.   We are very close to the Jefferson National Forest where you can find great hikes like the Belfast trail fondly called Devil's Marbleyard. We are also just a few miles from the Natural Bridge State Park.
What to expect
Tent site
Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.
6 guests max per site
Campfires allowed
Firepit, private
Toilet available
Portable toilet. No toilet in winter months
Pets allowed
Off leash. Please limit dogs to two per site. We have found some dead fawns recently and attribute their death to dogs. Please keep your dog with or near you as there are small critters that we don't want to stress out or disturb.
Picnic table present
No potable water
Bring your own water, purify from river or stream
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
There is a metal grate at each site. We built them high- about 21/2 feet off of the ground. Great for pots and slower cooking when you have a hot or big fire.
No wifi

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 12:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 9 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout
Reviews
99% Recommend688 ratings · 531 reviews
James River Depot offers a blend of peace and activity, with campsites nestled between a river and railway. The scenic views, friendly hosts, and spacious sites make it a favorite for campers and their pets. While the presence of trains is noted, many find it part of the charm. The area is perfect for those looking to unwind by the river or explore nearby attractions.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
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Alexandra H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent
So peaceful and beautiful! I actually really liked hearing the trains passing throughout the night.
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Jamie A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
James River Depot was a nice clean and secluded spot on the river. The host was communicative on the Hipp Camp site.
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Sam W.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
Tent
The James River Depot, managed by Wendy, is truly a slice of heaven. It offers the perfect balance of privacy while still providing ample space for outdoor activities. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the easy river access make it an ideal spot for camping. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, this place has it all. I highly recommend the James River Depot for anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience!
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Yvng X.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Tent · Group trip
Great spot right on the river, was a very enjoyable time camping here
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Jack N.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2024
Super peaceful campsite!
Tent · With pets
We loved camping here, since we were the only people there because of the weather, we picked spot number 5. It was so peaceful and secluded. The pup we had with us loved it too! He was able to run around, play in the water, and curl up next to us for the fire. Great camping spot with spectacular views. The owner was also extremely nice! Definitely will go again and we highly recommend it! This campsite is in between two active railroads (you can see them). They are very loud at night but we did just fine when we got used to them! Overall 10/10!
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Kaitlyn M.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Excellent and low key!
Tent
Campsites are as advertised - nestled between an active railway and a river. Incredible ambient noise, excellent mountain views and stars at night. No potable water or power (as advertised) so be ready to rough it and disconnect. 5 min drive to Natural Bridge State Park. Extremely dog friendly. 10/10, will come back.
Location
Glasgow, Rockbridge, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Monacan and Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) First Nations according to
To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Wendy O.

Joined in August 2018
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.