Riverside Glamping: A 3-Day Paddle from Glen Wilton to Buchanan
33 mile trip
The river arrives like a page turner: sudden, cool, and promising something you didn’t know you needed. You shove off from a low, gravel ramp just upstream of Glen Wilton, shoulders remembering the first stroke, and the James eases you into its rhythm. There’s an early quiet—cardinals calling from laurel, sunlight striping the water—and the current, patient as a guide, nudges you downstream. Over the next three days the river will open and narrow, flatten and riffle, and you’ll move through geology and history stitched along its banks: sandstone bluffs, relics of old mills, the occasional farmhouse watching its reflection like a neighbor at a kitchen window.
Trail Wisdom
Pace the Long Day
Break the 17-mile day into segments—plan for midriver rest stops to avoid fatigue.
Bring a Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Wall tents and cots are provided, but a warm, compressible sleeping bag ensures comfortable nights.
Protect Electronics
Use the provided dry bags for phones and cameras; water and spray are constant companions.
Reserve Early for Peak Foliage
Fall trips book quickly—reserve your glamping site and boat well in advance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet gravel bars for lunch and short swims
- •Riverside views from small footpaths near the upgraded campsites
Wildlife
Belted kingfisher, White-tailed deer
Conservation Note
Trips use private land access to reduce pressure on public sites—pack out all trash, use provided fire rings, and avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation to protect river habitats.
This stretch of the James River supported mills and ferry crossings in the 19th century and still reveals stone foundations and old transport corridors along its banks.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cool paddling days
Challenges: variable water levels, possible muddy launches
Spring brings higher flows and blooming banks—good for lively paddling but check conditions and boat availability.
summer
Best for: long daylight, warm nights
Challenges: midday heat, insect activity
Summer offers stable conditions and warm evenings; bring sun protection and insect repellent for comfortable afternoons and campfires.
fall
Best for: fall foliage, crisp mornings
Challenges: colder nights, busy weekends
Fall is ideal for color and cooler paddling, but book early and pack warmer layers for night temperatures.
winter
Best for: quiet riverscape, clear light
Challenges: cold water hazards, limited services
Winter trips are possible but require cold-weather gear and awareness of hypothermia risk; check outfitter availability.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sleeping bag (rated to 20°F/ -6°C)Essential
Compressible warmth for nights in the wall tent.
Dry bag (20–40L)Essential
Keeps clothes and electronics dry in the boat.
Quick-dry clothing and waterproof layersEssential
Layering for changing temps and splash protection.
Lightweight camp shoes
Comfortable for camp use and short shore walks—easier than hiking boots after a day on the water.
Common Questions
How difficult is the paddling each day?
Days are 7.8, 17, and 8.5 miles respectively; the middle day is the longest and requires steady pacing but is manageable for moderately fit paddlers with basic stroke skills.
What does the trip price include?
Price covers boat rental (kayak, canoe, or raft when available), paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, dry bags, 5-gallon water jugs, river maps, private camping access, deluxe campsite accommodations, and required shuttles.
Do I need previous overnight paddling experience?
No previous overnight experience is required; a safety orientation and group pacing make the trip accessible to first-timers with moderate fitness.
Are meals provided?
Meals are not included; optional camp kitchen rental is available so you can prepare food at camp—bring your provisions and cooking plan.
What is the minimum group size?
For safety, Twin River Outfitters requires a minimum of two people per reservation.
Can I bring my own boat?
Check with the outfitter—private boats may be allowed but shuttles and logistics are coordinated through Twin River Outfitters and included gear simplifies the trip.
What to Pack
Sleeping bag (warmth); dry bag (protect gear); layered clothing (variable temps); personal food and water (meals and snacks)
Did You Know
The James River runs roughly 348 miles from the Appalachians to the Chesapeake Bay, making it one of Virginia’s longest waterways and a historic transportation corridor.
Quick Travel Tips
Book shoulder-season dates early; bring layers for cool mornings; label everything and secure gear in dry bags; confirm shuttle pickup times with the outfitter
Local Flavor
After your trip, grab a hearty breakfast at a local diner in Buchanan or a riverside cafe in nearby Glasgow; seek out locally sourced trout or barbecue and ask locals about the river’s best fishing holes to connect with the community.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) ~1–1.5 hours drive; Trailhead/launch near Glen Wilton/Iron Gate; Driving from Roanoke ~60 miles; Cell service: spotty along the river—expect gaps; Permits/Access: Private land access provided by outfitter; minimum 2-person booking required.
Sustainability Note
This river corridor benefits from responsible use—pack out all trash, use existing fire rings, avoid single-use plastics when possible, and respect private land access agreements to keep riverfront camps open.