Overnight Canoe, Kayak, Raft + Camp - Eagle Rock to Buchanan

Overnight Canoe & Kayak Camping Trip on the Upper James River — Eagle Rock to Buchanan

Escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains on this spectacular 2-day, 1-night paddle camping adventure on the Upper James River. Your guides will shuttle you 22 miles upstream to the Eagle Rock public boat landing, where you'll set off downstream through one of Virginia's most scenic river corridors — paddling the entire length of the Upper James Virginia Scenic River section before floating back to the Buchanan riverfront shop where your car is parked, making for a seamless, no-hassle finish.

This trip covers approximately 22 miles over two days, featuring over 25 easy Class I rapids and a handful of fun Class II rapids — the perfect mix of gentle floats, exciting water, and everything in between. The river winds through remote wilderness sections framed by stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, dramatic river cliffs, and stretches of undeveloped shoreline that make it feel like you have the whole river to yourself. Along the way, keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, white-tailed deer, river otters, and a rich variety of other wildlife that call the James River home.

On Day 1, you'll paddle downstream and pull off at your private overnight campsite at Horseshoe Bend Campground (River Mile 29.1), a riverfront primitive campsite reserved exclusively for livery customers. Set up camp, build a fire, and enjoy an evening under the stars with the sound of the river as your backdrop. Day 2 brings a relaxed morning paddle back to the Twin River Outfitters shop in Buchanan — ending right where your car is parked, with no return shuttle needed.

This is one of the most popular routes on the Upper James River and an ideal introduction to multi-day paddle camping in Virginia — accessible enough for paddlers with basic canoe or kayak experience, yet scenic and wild enough to feel like a true backcountry adventure.

Duration

• Total trip: 2 days, 1 night — approximately 22 miles of paddling
  
• Day 1: Paddle to Horseshoe Bend Campground (approximately half the trip distance)
  
• Day 2: Paddle back to Buchanan shop
  

Location / Where to Meet

Check in at Twin River Outfitters, 640 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA 24066.

Overnight stop: Horseshoe Bend Campground, 6869 Narrow Passage Rd., Buchanan, VA 24066 (River Mile 29.1). Porta potties available on-site. No potable water at campsite — water jugs provided.

Ages and Requirements

• Minimum age: 6 years old
  
• All participants must be able to swim
  
• Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  
• Maximum weight: 325 lbs (147 kg) per person
  
• Canoe total passenger and gear weight limit: 800 lbs (363 kg)
  
• Kayak weight limit: approximately 300 lbs (136 kg)
  

What's Included

• Canoe, kayak, or raft (when river levels permit) rental
  
• Paddles & U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
  
• Shuttle from Buchanan shop to Eagle Rock put-in
  
• Detailed river maps
  
• Pre-trip safety orientation and trip briefing
  
• Overnight stay at private Horseshoe Bend Campground (River Mile 29.1)
  
• Dry bags & dry boxes
  
• 5-gallon water jugs
  

Not Included

• Food & meals
  
• 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 fabrics only, no cotton
  
• River sandals, water shoes, or old tennis shoes (footwear required — your feet will get wet)
  
• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
  
• Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad
  
• Camp stove & cookware
  
• Easy-to-prepare food & snacks 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
  
• Dry bags for valuables (provided, but personal dry bags recommended)
  
• Signed liability waiver (download in advance)