With temperatures on the rise, finding fun ways to cool off becomes a highlight — and necessity —of this time of year. And for those with a knack for water, this list is for you. The following compilation highlights some of the best natural lazy rivers in Virginia as well as local outfitters that will help make your trip a safe and memorable one. So get ready to slather on some sunscreen, kick back, and enjoy the gorgeous outdoor scenery all while keeping cool. You’ll quickly discover that when it comes to summer activities, tubing in Virginia belongs at the top of the list.

1. James River State Park
James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Dr, Gladstone, VA 24553, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Head to James River State Park and you'll find the ideal spot for some good ol' fashioned tubing. There are a few stretches available, one of the most popular being the area between Bent Creek and the canoe landing. Tubes and gear are available for rent. For more information on planning your trip to James River State Park for some incredible river tubing in Virginia, visit the Virginia DCR website.
2. Tubing the James near Charlottesville
10092 Hatton Ferry Rd, Scottsville, VA 24590, USA
Arthur Grant/Google Local
James River Runner is one of several companies that offers an amazing tubing experience on the James River. This stretch near Charlottesville is approximately three miles and takes 2-4 hours to complete depending on water levels. For reservations and more, visit the James River Runner website.
3. The Shenandoah River near Luray
Luray, VA 22835, USA
Shenandoah River Outfitters/Facebook
Shenandoah River Outfitters offers relaxing excursions along the Shenandoah River near Luray which is one of the best lazy rivers in Virginia. In addition to tubing and kayaking, visitors can also opt to stay overnight at one of the nearby campgrounds or cabins offered by the company. For reservations and more, visit the Shenandoah River Outfitters website.

Take a look at this video by @Activityauthority:

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4. Tubing the New River Junction in Blacksburg
2591 Big Falls Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
Virginia-Maryland College/flickr
New River Junction offers tubing services from the family-owned campground. After floating down the river for about a mile, tubers can enjoy a free shuttle ride for another go-round. Tubing in Virginia never looked so good! For reservations and more information about availability, visit the New River Junction website.
5. The Maury River/Upper James River
640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066, USA
Twin River Outfitters/Facebook
Just 20 miles north of Roanoke, the Maury and Upper James River enjoy ideal tubing conditions. Twin River Outfitters offers tubing rentals for a peaceful trip along the tree-lined rivers. In addition to tubing, visitors can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking. For reservations and more, visit the Twin River Outfitters website.
6. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River
8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
Front Royal Canoe/Facebook
Near Front Royal, you can access the South Fork of the gorgeous Shenandoah River. As you're tubing down this legendary lazy river in Virginia on a relaxing tube, you're sure to feel a million miles away from it all. Front Royal Outdoors will help you organize your perfect float trip and will provide all the equipment you need. For reservations and more, visit the Front Royal Outdoors website.
7. Tubing the Clinch River
16642 E Riverside Dr, St Paul, VA 24283, USA
Clinch River Adventures/Facebook
The Clinch River happens to be the most bio-diverse river in the entire U.S., and you can enjoy its scenery first-hand with a float down the gentle rapids. Clinch River Adventures offers tubes for rent near St. Paul. For reservations and more, Clinch River Adventures website.

Take a look at this video by @VAStateParks:

For a little inspiration to get out there and enjoy the water, watch the brief video below which offers breathtaking aerial footage of New River Junction:

These are just a handful of places to go tubing in Virginia. Where are some of your favorite places to go tubing in Virginia? Feel free to share them with us! For related content, be sure to read about Virginia’s natural waterslide.

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Lazy Rivers In Virginia

Beth C. | June 29, 2020

Where can I go tubing in Virginia?

For tubing in Virginia, check out the following:

  • Tangent Outfitters on the New River
  • Adventure Mendota on the North Fork of the Hoston River
  • Riverside Outfitters on the James River near Richmond. This last location is truly for adrenaline junkies, as it's more a place for white-water rafting than a gentle float trip.

 

What is the hottest month of the year in Virginia?

Virginia is known for enjoying four distinctive seasons, and summer is no exception. From late May to September, you can expect consistently warm if not hot temperatures. The consistently hottest month of the year in Virginia is July, with August as a close second. One of the factors that make the weather in Virginia feel especially intense is humidity. The hottest day in recorded history in Virginia took place on July 15th, 1954 with the temperature reaching a scalding 115 degrees F. You can imagine that more than a few people went tubing or swimming that day!

What is there for kids to do in the summer in Virginia?

The following are some fun things for kids to do in the summer in Virginia:

  • Experience Virginia's beautiful landscape with a hike and kids can also learn about the unique flora and fauna.
  • Shenandoah National Parks and many of the state parks offer programs for little ones to get the most out of their explorations.
  • Virginia is also home to an impressive amount of zoos, museums, and kid-friendly cultural centers that provide hours of indoor entertainment.

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