Powhatan State Park

Introduction

Powhatan State Park is located on the historic James River in the northwest corner of Powhatan County. The park features three car-top boat slides that provide access to the river, as well as a variety of wildlife habitat, ranging from open fields to upland hardwood forests. A full-service campground, a primitive canoe-in/hike-in campground, a group campground, multi-use trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic shelters, and a playground are also available.

Although the historic James River has been around for centuries in Powhatan County, Virginia, Powhatan State Park is a relatively new addition to its shoreline. In 2003, the park’s development was entrusted to the Departments of Juvenile Justice and Conservation and Recreation. Since then, the park has filled a need in central Virginia for a public outdoor space where visitors can come and relax for a day or bring their RV for a full weekend in the comfortable campground.

Guests can paddle along the river, fish from the shore, or take a dip in the cool waters while admiring the scenic views of the tree-lined river. Miles of trails wind through the park, inviting visitors to explore on foot or horseback in search of birds and other native wildlife. The area surrounding the park also has plenty of activities for the entire family. Bear Creek Lake State Park, Pocahontas State Park, and Twin Lakes State Park are all within an hour’s drive of Powhatan and make excellent day trips. You’ll also pass through picturesque towns with restaurants, breweries, vineyards, and historic sites.

Powhatan State Park Camping

River Bend Camp

RVers will appreciate Powhatan State Park’s modern camping facilities. Twenty-nine RV-friendly sites with electrical and water hookups, fire rings, lantern hooks, and picnic tables are available for vehicles up to 60 feet long. In the campground, there is a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as a dump station. The campground is open from March to December, and while reservations are required, your site may not be assigned to you until you arrive at the park and check in to the campground.

Group Camp

If you’re camping with a large group, Powhatan State Park can accommodate you. For large groups looking to tent camp, a four-site campground is available. The campground has pit toilets and water spigots and can accommodate a total of 24 campers. Reservations are required and can be made online in advance.

Yurts

Consider renting a yurt if you want to enjoy the conveniences of RV camping while also reconnecting with nature. With no electricity, you’ll feel at one with nature while still having access to modern conveniences such as a bed, a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Each yurt has its own water spigot, and restrooms with showers are nearby. Guests must bring their own bed linen and sleeping bags. The yurts sleep up to three people and are available for rent from March to December. Reservations are necessary.

Primitive Camp

Powhatan State Park has eight primitive campsites for those looking for a backcountry camping experience. These locations require visitors to hike or canoe in from the James River. The hike-in sites have a parking lot only 0.2 miles away, and all have pit toilets. The primitive campsites are open all year and can be reserved in advance.

Activities in Powhatan State Park

Picnicking

In addition to the private picnic tables at each campsite, the park has three large picnic shelters for rent. Shelters one and two are located in the park’s grassy, wooded area, near restrooms, a playground, and a parking lot. Shelter three is on the riverbank, with pit toilets and a parking lot nearby. If you want to rent a shelter for a group, party, or reunion, keep in mind that there is no electricity and generators are not permitted in the park. Reservations can be made ahead of time.

Park’s Events

Whatever time of year you visit Powhatan, there will be some kind of event, park program, or festival going on. These unique programs will entertain the entire family, from history hikes to snake feeding demonstrations. The annual Batteau Festival takes place along the James River in June. If you visit the park at the right time, you might see replicas of these old cargo vessels floating down the river. Check with a park ranger to see what events will be taking place at the park during your camping trip.

Hiking

Powhatan State Park has over 12 miles of trails to explore. Whether you want to get out of the campervan for a few hours or spend the entire day exploring, there’s a trail for you. Coyote Run is the park’s longest and most difficult trail, measuring just over two miles. Consider the River Trail for a less strenuous hike. This one-mile trail follows the river (as the name suggests) and connects to the Gold Dust Trail and the Turkey Trail.

Boating

The James River runs through the park for 2.5 miles, making Powhatan the ideal location for a day on the water. Because of the fall foliage that completely surrounds the river, paddling in the fall is an especially enjoyable experience. There are two canoe slide launches available, but if you want to tow your boat behind the rig, you’ll need to head a few miles north of the park to a Department of Game and Inland Fisheries boat launch. You can float two miles downstream from Launch A and exit at Launch C, or you can pay a small fee to retrieve your vehicles if you decide to float outside of the park. There are no rentals available at the park, so you must bring your own watercraft.

Fishing

Pack the fishing poles and tackle box into the Sprinter and head to Powhatan State Park for some great fishing. Although fishing on the James River’s banks can be difficult due to the high bluffs, it doesn’t mean you won’t catch a keeper. Canoe fishing is your best bet, and there are two launches in the park. The most common catch is smallmouth bass, but other species in the river include spotted and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, and various types of sunfish.

Horse Riding

Bring the horses to Powhatan State Park if you want to see the park on horseback without a windshield to obstruct your view. The park has nine miles of horseback riding trails, as well as plenty of extra parking for your trailer and vehicle. Six of the park’s ten trails are suitable for horseback riding. The Campground Trail is ideal for a quick and easy ride. Coyote Run and Pine Trail are both good options for a longer hike. Whatever trail you choose, you will not be sorry for spending time with your horse.