James River State Park - Memorial Day Weekend camping and river tripping

May 23rd - 26th three nights @ the Canoe Landing Campground Group Site
(replacing the Douthat Lodge stay trip that VA State Parks ruined for us)

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or tent camp on the banks of the historic river or at Branch Pond. James River received the International Dark Sky Park designation in 2019 and is ideal for stargazing.

Canoe Landing No tent pads. Rooftop tent friendly. Limited anchoring ability for hammocks.

There are primitive restrooms and drinking water is unavailable in the primitive campgrounds, but potable water is available at four of the five picnic shelters. Canoe Landing is the only campground on the river. Please note that primitive sites do not have electricity.

Options:
7 mile hike in the park
10 mile hike from the James River Footbridge ( 1 hr away Big Rocky Row)
7 mile Otter Creek Hike ( 1 hr away James River Visitors Center)
Kayaking and tubing
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/james-river-livery
several wineries
stargazing
group dinners

will plan more as get closer
cost depends on how many sign up but doubtful will be more than $25 unless < 10 attend