THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Float 16.5 miles of the Upper James River from Buchanan to Back Run over two days, paddling Class II rapids by day and glamping on private riverside campsites by night. For experienced paddlers who want technical water with civilized evenings, this route pairs Appalachian scenery with comfortable camping.
Float 16.5 miles of the Upper James River from Buchanan to Back Run over two days, paddling Class II rapids by day and glamping on private riverside campsites by night. For experienced paddlers who want technical water with civilized evenings, this route pairs Appalachian scenery with comfortable camping.
Book with Twin Rivers Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
711 ratings
Operated by Twin Rivers Outfitters · Buchanan, Virginia
On the Upper James River in southwest Virginia, the Glamping 2-Day /1- Night Buchanan to Back Run Campground, camping at Arcadia offers a compact wilderness escape that balances active paddling with comfortable riverside nights. Launch from the TRO shop in Buchanan and follow 16.5 miles of river over two days—6.5 miles to Arcadia campground on day one, and roughly 9.5 miles to Back Run campground on day two—through mixed currents, riffles, and a string of Class II rapids that wake your strokes and test your boat control.
The river here cuts through Appalachian ridges carved from sandstone and shale; steep forested banks frame sweeping mountain views and occasional limestone outcrops. Expect sections of steady current interrupted by playful whitewater that responds to seasonal runoff: higher water makes rapids punchier and eddies more dynamic. The route feels remote because much of the shoreline is private land and public campsites are spaced out, so each takeout feels earned.
What makes this trip special is the glamping element at Arcadia: new private campsites on the river that bring creature comforts to an otherwise wilderness-style transit. You still do the work—navigating technical water, recovering a swamped boat, and carrying gear short distances—but evenings are gentler: a controlled campfire option, raised sleeping platforms or roomy tents (as provided), and the soft hush of the James after dark.
This is an un-guided trip. Twin River staff and TRO provide pre-trip orientation, dry bags, a shuttle between Back Run and the shop, and optional extras like gear shuttle and dehydrated meals. Participants must be competent paddlers able to read currents, perform basic rescues, and enter and exit the river independently; the outing is not suitable for solo bookings or those unable to manage Class II features. The operator enforces weight and group-size limits for safety.
Practical rhythm: arrive at the TRO shop for check-in and safety briefing, pack provided dry bags, shuttle to the put-in, paddle six-plus miles to glamp at Arcadia, then self-launch for the longer day to Back Run with flexible shuttle pickup times (2, 3, or 4 p.m.). Bring layered clothing, rain protection, sun and bug defense, and plan for changing river conditions.
Booking details: minimum age is 6 with a required party size of at least two; group sizes run 2–24. Cancellations require 96-hour notice unless Trip protection is purchased (24-hour cancellation). This adventure is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for participants over 350 lbs—plan accordingly. Bring sunscreen.
No. This is an un-guided trip; Twin River staff provide orientation and shuttle service but do not accompany guests on the river.
You must be able to navigate Class I–II rapids, perform basic rescues, and recover a boat without outfitter assistance.
TRO offers shuttle pickup from Back Run to the shop with selectable pickup times (2, 3, or 4 p.m.).
Minimum age is 6; all participants must be able to paddle and camp in the wilderness.
Meals are not described as included; dehydrated meals are available for purchase at the shop for $8–$12 each.
Cancellations require 96-hour notice unless Trip protection was purchased, which allows 24-hour cancellation.
Twin Rivers Outfitters, located in Buchanan, Virginia, is a river outfitter specializing in canoe and kayak trips on the James River and surrounding waterways. The business offers a range of experiences from self-guided boat rentals to guided multi-day canoe camping trips and short day paddles. Trip options include full-day boat rentals ("Rent and Go") for experienced paddlers, multi-mile guided runs such as the 5-mile Springwood to Buchanan and 6-mile Buchanan to Arcadia trips, and extended 3-day/2-night itineraries from Buchanan to Glasgow and Glen Wilton to Buchanan. Overnight adventures feature private camping sites, supplied gear on selected multi-day trips, and options to end trips at vehicle take-out points. Several trips include safety orientations and all required equipment; the 5-mile and 10.5-mile options specifically note gear and safety briefings, and the 10.5-mile trip provides a scenic shuttle return. For campers, Gala River Front Campground on a working dairy farm offers drive-in and paddle-in access, picnic tables, and fire rings at Sites #8 and #12. Short overnight trips, such as the 2-day/1-night Buchanan to Alpine and Eagle Rock to Buchanan runs, combine fishing, class II rapids, and private camping. Trip lengths and difficulty range from beginner-friendly Class I riffles to Class II rapids, making options suitable for families, anglers, and experienced paddlers. Reservations and specific trip details, including gear lists, difficulty ratings, and take-out times, are available from the outfitter in Buchanan, Virginia.
Book with Twin Rivers Outfitters