Branch Pond Campground

Open — Open year-round for primitive camping. Drinking water is not available at the campground but is accessible at four picnic shelters throughout the park. Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 1 p.m.

About

Branch Pond Campground is one of three primitive camping areas at James River State Park, offering 7 tent-only sites in a quiet, wooded setting approximately two miles from the historic James River. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground is part of a 1,561-acre park nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, featuring rolling grasslands, quiet forests, and 3 miles of river shoreline. The park offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including 22 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The James River is renowned for smallmouth bass fishing, and the park also features three freshwater ponds. As an International Dark Sky Park since 2019, the location is ideal for stargazing. Additional park amenities include cabins, a visitor center with gift shop, picnic shelters, boat launches, and universally accessible facilities including a fishing pier and Green Hill Pond Trail. James River State Park is a trash-in, trash-out facility. Potable water is available at four of the five picnic shelters throughout the park, though not at the primitive campgrounds themselves. Primitive restrooms are located at the campground. The park's rich history includes Monacan Indian settlements and the historic James River bateau trade, with interpretive programs offered on weekends during peak season.

Directions

From U.S. 60 West, turn right onto Route 605 (Riverside Dr.) at the James River Bridge. Travel seven miles, then turn left onto Route 606. The park entrance is at 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA 24553. Branch Pond Campground is located within the park.

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