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Overnight Canoe, Kayak, Raft + Camp - Buchanan to NBS
Pricing
All prices per person. Maximum 2 person per canoe.
One person per kayak
One person per kayak
Description
Overnight Canoe & Kayak Camping Trip on the Upper James River — Buchanan to Natural Bridge Station
Ready to step it up from the classic Eagle Rock trip? The Buchanan to Natural Bridge Station route is a fantastic 2-day, 1-night paddle that delivers a great mix of fun rapids, impressive mountain views, a remote wilderness feel, and reliable current — making it one of the more engaging intermediate overnight options on the Upper James River.
This trip features slightly more challenging water compared to the Eagle Rock to Buchanan route, particularly in higher water levels, making it ideal for paddlers who have already completed one of the introductory overnight trips and are ready for more excitement. Day 1 is a 3-hour paddle from Buchanan downstream to the private Back Run Campground (River Mile 53.3) near Natural Bridge Station. After a night riverside, Day 2 brings a 4.5-hour paddle to complete the journey, with your guides meeting you at the take-out for the return shuttle at 3:00 PM.
Along the way you'll pass through Class I and Class II whitewater, scenic river cliffs, and remote backcountry sections of the Upper James that feel like a world apart — all within easy driving distance of Roanoke and Lexington. All trips are self-guided with a 20-minute safety orientation and detailed river maps provided before you launch.
Duration
- Total: 2 days, 1 night
- Day 1: Approx. 3 hours paddling | Buchanan to Back Run Campground (River Mile 53.3)
- Day 2: Approx. 4.5 hours paddling | Back Run Campground to Natural Bridge Station take-out
- Return shuttle pick-up: 3:00 PM on Day 2
Location / Where to Meet
- Free parking available at the shop. The trip launches from the Buchanan riverfront location.
- Overnight stop: Back Run Campground, 1019 Gilmore Mills Road, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 (River Mile 53.3). Porta potties on site. No potable water — 5-gallon water jugs provided. Reserved exclusively for Twin River Outfitters livery customers.
- Return shuttle pick-up: 3:00 PM on Day 2 at the Natural Bridge Station take-out.
Ages & Requirements
- 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)
- Prior paddling experience recommended — features more challenging rapids than introductory routes
- Minimum 2 people required per party — solo paddlers not permitted
What's Included
- Canoe, kayak, or raft (when river levels permit)
- Paddles & U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
- Overnight stay at private Back Run Campground (River Mile 53.3)
- Return shuttle from 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
Not Included
- 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
What to Bring / Wear
- 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)
- Signed liability waiver (download in advance)
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Twin Rivers Outfitters
FAQs
How does this trip compare to the Eagle Rock to Buchanan route?
The Buchanan to Natural Bridge Station trip features slightly harder rapids compared to the Eagle Rock 2-day trip, especially in higher water levels. It's the recommended next step for paddlers who've already done the Eagle Rock route and want more of a challenge. If this is your first overnight river trip, consider starting with the Eagle Rock to Buchanan or Buchanan to Alpine route first.
Are the trips guided?
No — all trips are self-guided. You'll receive a thorough 20-minute safety orientation and detailed river maps before launching, but no staff will be on the water with you.
What rapids will we encounter?
This route features a mix of Class I and Class II rapids, with some sections that become more challenging at higher water levels. Named rapids on this stretch include the Cement Tower and Old Dam rapids. You should be comfortable with Class II water before attempting this route.
What is the return shuttle pick-up time on Day 2?
The return shuttle pick-up is at 3:00 PM on Day 2. This is a firm deadline — please plan your Day 2 paddle to arrive on time.
What is the Back Run Campground like?
Back Run is a private, primitive riverfront campground reserved exclusively for Twin River Outfitters livery customers — not open to the general public. It has 6 sites, each with a fire ring, picnic table, and level tent pad. Porta potties are available. No potable water on site; 5-gallon water jugs are provided. Firewood is available for purchase. Quiet hours are 9pm–8am.
Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
Yes — tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves, and cookware are not included. Food and drinks are also not included.
What is the weather and river level policy?
Trips run rain or shine unless there is a severe weather event or unsafe conditions. Trips will not launch when the combined air and water temperature is under 100°F (38°C), water temperature is under 55°F (13°C), or when river levels are outside safe limits. Full refunds are issued for outfitter-initiated cancellations.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted but not strongly recommended. They must remain on a leash and under your direct control at all times.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — advance reservations are required for all trips.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the river. It is permitted only in moderation at the campsite when consumed responsibly.
Is glass allowed on the river?
No — glass and styrofoam are not permitted on the James River.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund with 4 days advance notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in cases where Twin River Outfitters cancels the trip due to high water levels or severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances as deemed appropriate by the Outfitter. No refunds provided with less than 4 days advance notice provided. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
640 Lowe Street
Buchanan, VA, 24066
US
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