The Small-Town State Park in Virginia Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

I would never argue that Virginia's most popular attractions, like Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Luray Caverns, are overrated. They're popular for a reason, and are certainly worth the trip if you've never seen them in person. That being said, there are many undiscovered places in Virginia that are equally impressive. James River State Park is a small-town state park in Virginia that flies under the radar, mostly because it's in a rural part of the state that most tourists miss.

Why James River State Park Stands Out in Virginia

Unlike Virginia's headliner destinations, James River State Park is in a remote, quiet part of the state. The nearest town is Gladstone, with a population of less than 2,000. Even at peak tourism, such as summer or fall, the state park retains a spacious, wide-open feel. Just because it's quiet, though, doesn't mean there's nothing to do around here. In fact, James River State Park is an outdoor lover's paradise, offering visitors direct access to one of the state's most scenic waterways.

What You'll Experience at James River State Park

With 3 miles of riverfront shoreline to explore, you'll have a front row seat to the beauty of the James River. Picture this: sitting at a picnic table by the river as a bald eagle soars overhead. Moments like this may be rare in our day-to-day routines, but at this quiet state park in Virginia, they're quite common. Some other magical park residents include river otters, white-tailed deer, raccoons, red foxes, turtles, and more. And thanks to the riverbank ecosystem and pine forests, the park is perfect for birdwatchers.

My advice for getting the most out of your park adventure? Take the James River Trail, a 4.7-mile pathway that meanders along the water. It's perfect for a hot day, as large parts of the mostly flat trail are under the shade of oaks and sycamores. Hikers love that this trail is mostly paved, doesn't require much incline, and even offers benches—and some swings!—for resting along the way. Pro tip: bring water shoes so you can wade in the water and cool off your feet.

Local Tips for Visiting This Small Town State Park

If you're inspired to spend more time in the park, you might consider camping. Choose a primitive campsite along the James River, and you can wake up to early morning fog lifting from the water, and a quiet that's only interrupted by wind in the trees and birdsong overhead. And at night, you'll get to enjoy some of the best stargazing in Virginia, as James River State Park is now a designated International Dark Sky Park.

If you're planning to visit in the summer, tubing is another must. There are few better ways to experience this park than by tubing right through it, but please note that you'll need to bring your own tubes and floating equipment as the park's livery is closed for the foreseeable future. Lastly, before going, be sure to check the official James River State Park page, where you'll find updates about hours, seasonal facility closures, and more. Unless otherwise noted on the website, the park is open every day between dawn and dusk. There's a parking fee for day use that ranges from $13 to $15, depending on the time of week.

So whether you're looking for lots of space to roam or perhaps just a quiet afternoon of solitude, you'll be grateful you explored this small town state park in Virginia. Love learning about Virginia's parks? Take a look at our ultimate guide to exploring Virginia's best state parks and see which one you should venture to next!