Powhatan State Park Shelters Campground

Open — The shelters are open year-round for reservation. Park hours are dawn to dusk daily, and the park office operates 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

About

Powhatan State Park's three picnic shelters provide excellent day use facilities for groups, parties, and family reunions in northwest Powhatan County along the James River. Each shelter features picnic tables and a large charcoal grill within a scenic natural setting. Shelters 1 and 2 are positioned in the park's upland area, surrounded by grass and woods more than a mile from the river, with convenient access to restrooms and an accessible playground. Shelter 3 offers a more secluded riverside location near the boat slide launch, providing a waterfront experience for groups. The shelters are available for reservation year-round and can be rented from 8:00 a.m. to dusk for all-day use. All three shelters are accessible via gravel pathways from nearby parking areas, with Shelters 1 and 2 featuring extended picnic tables and smooth concrete floors for accessibility. The park itself encompasses 1,565 acres of diverse habitat, including upland hardwood forests and open fields, with about 2.5 miles of James River frontage. While the shelters lack electricity and water hookups, and generators are not permitted, guests can enjoy the park's 12 miles of multi-use trails, three car-top boat launch slides, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities during their visit.

Directions

From west of Richmond: Take I-64 west to exit 167 for VA-617 toward Oilville/Goochland. Turn left onto State Route 617/Oilville Road, then right onto US-250W for 0.8 miles. Turn left onto State Route 632 Fairgrounds Road for 3 miles, then left onto State Route 634 Maidens Road. At the stoplight, continue straight onto Route 522 (Maidens Road) for 1.9 miles to Route 617 west (Old River Trail). Turn right and go 1.5 miles to the park entrance on the right.

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