River Bend Campground

Welcome to River Bend Campground, a pristine and highly-rated camping destination nestled within the beautiful Powhatan State Park in Central Virginia. For those in the Commonwealth seeking an exceptional outdoor escape, River Bend is consistently highlighted as one of the prettiest and best-maintained campgrounds on the East Coast. It offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and rustic seclusion, providing a serene setting for tents, RVs, and a unique 'glamping' experience in its spacious yurts.

As a key feature of Powhatan State Park, this campground capitalizes on the diverse natural habitat of the historic James River area, which spans over 1,565 acres of open fields, upland pine, and mature hardwood forests. Campers are immediately immersed in a quiet, peaceful environment, designed with privacy in mind. Visitors often remark on how private and well-spaced the campsites are, with one traveler noting, "All sites are very private," setting a high standard for a relaxing Virginia getaway.

Whether you are a seasoned RV enthusiast, a family looking for a comfortable tent site, or an adventurer planning a multi-day paddle along the James River, River Bend Campground offers the infrastructure and natural beauty to support your trip. The park’s commitment to providing excellent recreational opportunities, especially for **hiking, biking, and equestrian use**, makes it a true outdoor hub in the heart of Virginia. While the main campground (River Bend) is set back from the river, the wider State Park offers multiple access points to the historic waterway, ensuring the river remains central to the park experience.

The campground provides a full-service experience, ensuring your focus can remain on enjoying Virginia's great outdoors. Cleanliness is a point of pride, with visitors frequently praising the "immaculately clean" facilities, including the bathhouse, which provides a welcome level of comfort after a long day on the trails.

River Bend Campground is conveniently located within the northwest corner of Powhatan County, Virginia, right on the historic James River. It is situated at 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139, USA.

The park's location makes it an ideal destination for residents of Central Virginia, being only a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Richmond, yet providing the feeling of true wilderness seclusion. The **Powhatan State Park** acts as a crucial link between civilization and nature, filling a need in Central Virginia for a state park with both day-use and overnight facilities on the James River.

Accessibility within the campground itself is well-managed. The facility includes a designated **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot**, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all visitors. Getting around the park is made easy by the presence of numerous multi-use trails, which are perfect for **bicycles or scooters**, especially for families with **Good for Kids** ratings. Vehicle parking is straightforward with **On-site Parking** available, and most RV sites can accommodate equipment up to 60 feet long, with **Electric (20/30/50 amp) and Water hookups** available at the main sites. The only notable point for accessibility is the trash disposal, as the main dumpsters are located outside the campground loop in the overflow parking area.

River Bend Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free camping trip for all visitors, from tent campers to large RVs.

• Full Hookup Campsites: The main River Bend Campground offers 29 spacious sites equipped with both **electric and water hookups**, accommodating equipment up to 60 feet long.
• Tent-Specific Sites: Dedicated **Tent Sites** are available, including a **canoe-in/hike-in primitive campground** (9 sites) accessible via the James River, perfect for the true wilderness seeker.
• Yurt Rentals: The park features three recreational yurts in the main campground, offering a 'glamping' option with comfortable, clean, and spacious interiors, large wooden decks with seating, a picnic table, and a designated fire-ring.
• Immaculately Clean Bathhouse: A modern facility in the campground loop provides **flush toilets and hot showers**, which guests consistently praise for their cleanliness and maintenance.
• Laundry Facilities: A **Laundry** facility is conveniently located at the River Bend Campground bathhouse.
• Campfire Areas: Every site, including the yurts, comes with a **fire-ring** with a cooking grate and a wooden bench, ideal for evening cooking and relaxation.
• Ice for Sale: **Ice bags are available for $3** at the park office (cash recommended for quicker service).
• Sanitary Services: The park includes a **Sanitary Dump Station** for RV and trailer use near the main campground loop.
• Recreational Programs: The State Park hosts various **nature and history programs**, educational opportunities, and family-friendly events throughout the year.

The appeal of River Bend Campground extends far beyond its clean sites and good location; it is defined by its unique recreational features and commitment to the Virginia outdoors.

• Premier Paddling Destination: The park is clearly designed for canoeing and kayaking, with about 2.5 miles of James River waterfront and multiple car-top boat slides for easy access to the river.
• Extensive Multi-Use Trail System: The park features miles of well-marked hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through varied habitats, providing excellent opportunities for exploring the upland forests and wildlife observation.
• Quiet, Private Campsites: Campers consistently highlight the spaciousness and privacy of the sites, with good distance between other campers, offering an ideal setting for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
• Comfortable Yurt Experience: The yurts are a major highlight, described as spacious, clean, and well-maintained with large decks and indoor seating, bridging the gap between a tent and a cabin.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is **Good for Kids**, with amenities like a **playground**, and the trail system is excellent for children to use bicycles and scooters safely.
• Connectivity: Despite the secluded feel, **Verizon cell phone service was reported to be 5G with 2 bars**, making it possible for visitors who need to stay connected or work remotely.
• Off-Season Access: The **canoe-in campground** (primitive sites) is open **year-round**, offering Virginia's outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the park even in the quieter months.

For reservations, general park inquiries, or to speak with a staff member, please use the following contact information for Powhatan State Park and River Bend Campground.

Address: 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139, USA

Phone: (804) 598-7148

Mobile Phone: +1 804-598-7148

Reservations for the campground and yurts can typically be made through the Virginia State Parks reservation system.

Choosing **River Bend Campground at Powhatan State Park** is choosing the gold standard for state park camping in Central Virginia. It is a destination that delivers on its promises of natural beauty, cleanliness, and diverse recreation.

For the dedicated Virginia outdoor enthusiast, the unparalleled access to the **James River** for paddling and the extensive network of **hiking, biking, and equestrian trails** provides endless opportunities for exploration. The park's design is heavily geared toward active recreation, making it a perfect basecamp for adventure along the historic river corridor.

However, the biggest reason to choose River Bend is the **quality of the camping experience** itself. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a meticulously cared-for environment. With **private, spacious sites** and **full electric/water hookups** for RVs up to 60 feet, comfort is guaranteed. The fact that the **bathrooms and laundry facilities are consistently rated as 'super clean'** elevates the entire stay, providing the kind of worry-free experience that seasoned travelers deeply appreciate. For Virginia families, the yurt accommodations offer an easy and exciting way to introduce the camping lifestyle. It is a testament to the quality of the Virginia State Parks system, consistently ranking as one of the best campgrounds along the East Coast. If you are looking for a beautiful, quiet, and amenity-rich outdoor retreat near the James River, River Bend Campground is the clear choice.

River Bend Campground

4616 Powhatan State Park Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139, USA