No. This is an UNGUIDED trip; participants must be able to paddle and navigate Class II rapids and recover boats without outfitter assistance.

What are the age limits and group size?

Minimum age is 6; maximum age 99. Trips require at least two people and groups can be 2–24 participants.

Are meals or gear included?

Rental dry bags are provided and dehydrated meals are available for purchase; full meals and many amenities are not included—check with the shop for specifics.

What are the shuttle and extras costs?

A gear shuttle is available for $15 per person; firewood and dehydrated meals are available for additional fees.

What should I do if I can’t paddle Class II?

This trip is not recommended for those uncomfortable with Class II water—consider a guided alternative or a flatter section of the river.

What is the cancellation policy?

Standard policy requires 96-hour notice unless trip protection was purchased; with trip protection you can cancel up to 24 hours prior.

Glamping the Upper James: 2-Day Buchanan to Alpine River Escape

On the Upper James River near Buchanan, Virginia, the Glamping 2-Day / 1-Night trip from Buchanan to Alpine combines sustained river running with private-site glamping, offering an immersive two-day paddle through mountain valleys and runnable Class II rapids. Launch from the TRO boat landing behind the shop for a concise orientation, then push downstream toward Arcadia campground. Expect roughly six–six-and-a-half miles on day one and about four-point-five miles on day two, with total distances that vary by route and water level. This is an UNGUIDED experience for paddlers comfortable handling Class II features and independent boat recovery. The Upper James here slices through folded Appalachian ridges, exposing rocky ledges, shallow riffles, and occasional sandstone outcrops. Banks are dominated by oaks and maples, and riffle-fed pools attract belted kingfishers, turtles, and white-tailed deer. Arcadia campground’s new glamping sites bring creature comforts to an otherwise remote overnight: raised platforms or sheltered tenting near the shoreline give you room to dry gear and cook beside the river. Logistics start at the TRO shop where guests complete waivers, receive dry bags, and join a safety briefing; Twin River staff run shuttles and handle pickups (Alpine pickup windows are typically 10:30–11:30 AM). Trips require at least two people, are not wheelchair accessible, and are not recommended for participants over 350 pounds. What makes this run special is the blend of continuous paddling and one night on private land: you get runnable whitewater and sweeping mountain views without a long backcountry approach. The trip compresses canyon-style river character into a manageable weekend and the glamping site lets you recover in comfort. Practical planning matters: bring a Coast Guard–approved PFD, a sturdy paddle, layered clothing, waterproof storage, and a small repair kit. Extras at the shop include a gear shuttle ($15/person), firewood for a fee, and dehydrated meals. Seasonality affects character—spring flows make rapids rowdier, summer brings warmer water and bugs, fall adds crisp air and color, and winter trips require careful preparation and confirmation with staff. For paddlers seeking self-reliant river travel paired with one night of off-grid comfort, this Upper James glamping run is a rare, practical option within easy reach of Buchanan.