Overnight Canoe, Kayak, Raft + Camp - Buchanan to Alpine

Looking for a relaxed, beginner-friendly overnight paddle without biting off more than you can chew? The Buchanan to Alpine trip is the shortest overnight option on the Upper James River — just 10.5 miles over two easy days — making it the perfect introduction to multi-day paddle camping in Virginia.

Day 1 is a gentle 6-mile float from the Twin River Outfitters shop in Buchanan down to the private Arcadia Campground (River Mile 43.5), taking roughly 2–3 hours of paddling. You'll encounter 5 rated Class II rapids along the way, impressive mountain views, and a remote wilderness feel that belies just how manageable the paddle is. That leaves you with plenty of afternoon time to set up camp, explore, fish, or simply relax riverside before nightfall.

Day 2 is an even shorter 4.5-mile paddle from Arcadia to the Alpine take-out — just 1 to 1.5 hours on the water. The Arcadia to Alpine section is renowned among fishing enthusiasts and is listed as a top smallmouth bass stretch in multiple Virginia fishing guides. Your guides will pick you up at Alpine at 10:30 AM.

This trip is especially well suited to families with younger kids, fishing-focused groups wanting to take their time working each rapid, or anyone wanting to ease into overnight river camping before tackling a longer route. All trips are self-guided with a detailed 20-minute safety orientation and river maps provided before you launch.

• Total: 2 days, 1 night | 10.5 miles of paddling
  
• Day 1: 6 miles | Buchanan to Arcadia Campground | Approx. 2–3 hours paddling
  
• Day 2: 4.5 miles | Arcadia to Alpine take-out | Approx. 1–1.5 hours paddling
  
• Return shuttle pick-up at Alpine: 10:30 AM on Day 2
  

1. Check in at Twin River Outfitters, 640 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA 24066.
   
2. Free parking available at the shop. The trip launches from the Buchanan riverfront location.
   

Overnight stop: Arcadia Campground, 1800 Arcadia Rd., Buchanan, VA 24066 (River Mile 43.5). Porta potties on site. No potable water — 5-gallon water jugs provided.

Take-out: Alpine take-out (River Mile 48). Return shuttle pick-up at 10:30 AM — last pick-up, no exceptions.

• Minimum age: 6 years old
  
• All participants must be able to swim without the aid of a life jacket
  
• Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  
• Maximum weight per person: 325 lbs (147 kg)
  
• Canoe total passenger + gear weight limit: 800 lbs (363 kg)
  
• Kayak weight limit: approximately 300 lbs (136 kg)
  
• Minimum 2 people required per party — solo paddlers not permitted
  

• Canoe, kayak, or raft (when river levels permit)
  
• Paddles & U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
  
• Overnight stay at Arcadia Campground (River Mile 43.5)
  
• Return shuttle from Alpine take-out back to Buchanan shop
  
• Detailed river maps
  
• 20-minute pre-trip safety orientation and trip briefing
  
• Dry bags & dry boxes
  
• 5-gallon water jugs
  

• Food & meals for the trip
  
• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, cookware)
  
• Firewood (available for purchase at campground)
  
• Gratuity — never expected, but always appreciated
  

• Clothing that can get wet — synthetic or wool only, no cotton
  
• River sandals, water shoes, or old tennis shoes (footwear required — feet will get wet)
  
• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
  
• Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad
  
• Camp stove, cookware & easy-to-prepare food for 2 days
  
• Cooler
  
• Reusable water bottle
  
• Rain gear & extra set of clothes (no cotton)
  
• First aid kit & any personal medications
  
• Toilet paper & hand sanitizer
  
• Waterproof camera (company not responsible for damaged or lost items)
  
• Fishing gear — this section is renowned for smallmouth bass
  
• Signed liability waiver (download in advance)