POWHATAN STATE PARK
Powhatan State Park is located in the northwest corner of Powhatan County on the historic James River. The park has three car-top boat slides accessing the river as well as diverse wildlife habitat, from open fields to upland hardwood forests. Other amenities include a full-service campground, a primitive canoe-in/hike-in campground, a group campground, multi-use trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic shelters and a playground.
Powhatan State Park was the vision of many in the Powhatan County community and several members of the general assembly. In 2003, 1,565 acres were transferred from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the development of a park. It is meant to fill a need in central Virginia for a state park with access to the James River and with day-use and overnight facilities.
Recreational yurts are a modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter. Functionally speaking, they're a cross between a tent and a cabin. The park has three yurts in the main campground. Each yurt has a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire-ring with cooking grate. Reservations are required. Parking for two vehicles is allowed.
River Bend Campground has 29 campsites with electric 20/30/50 amp and water hookups for various equipment tents, popups and RVs up to 60 feet long. The campground offers no river views. All sites are available for site-specific reservations. The campground is open from the first Friday in March to the first Monday in December. The campground has a bathhouse with restrooms with hot showers. Sites have fire-rings, picnic tables and lantern holders.
Primitive - A canoe-in or hike-in campground, accessible by the James River, has nine primitive sites no electricity or water and is open year-round. Those sites can be reserved by calling 800-933-7275. Some are held for walk-in or canoe-in only park staff cannot guarantee the availability of those sites prior to your arrival. Up to six guests and two camping units are allowed per site. Sites have one 12 x 12 pad with a picnic table and grill and one 16 X 16 pad with a lantern hanger. The campground has a composting toilet but no bathhouse. There's also a parking lot .2 miles away campers may hike with gear to the campground.
Group Camp - The park has a four-campsite campground for tents only. It's for clubs, scout troops and large family events and accommodates up to 24 campers total. There's a restroom without running water, but there are two water spigots in the area. The River Bend Campground bathhouse is about .5 miles away. Call the park at 804-598-7148 before making a reservation to ensure that this campground is suitable.
Enjoy fishing in the James River, where you can catch smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish and channel catfish. Canoe access is available.
Powhatan State Park is located near Henrico, Midlothian and Powhatan
The park has about 9 miles of bridle trails. Horse trailer parking is available 0.5 miles past the playground area in the equestrian trailhead parking lot. Come prepared to clean up after your horses in the parking area and pack it out with you. Also, state law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report for each horse.
The park has three large picnic shelters. Each has picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. None has electricity or water. Parking fees are not included with the shelter rental fees and must be paid upon entering the park. The shelters have no electricity, and generators are not permitted. As throughout the park, alcohol is allowed only in private areas e.g., in a cabin or camping unit and areas covered by permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Shelter 1 is surrounded by grass and woods in an upland area of the park, more than a mile from the river. It is about 100 feet from a restroom and an accessible playground, and 40 feet from a parking lot. The land around the shelter is flat, and a gravel path leads from the parking lot sidewalk.
Shelter 2 is surrounded by grass and woods in the upland area of the park, more than a mile from the river. It is about 75 feet from a restroom and an accessible playground, and 40 feet from a parking lot. The land around the shelter is flat, and a gravel path leads from the parking lot sidewalk.
Shelter 3 is next to the river near the boat slide launch. The shelter is within 300 feet of a restroom no water and small parking area. There is additional parking 500 feet away. The area around the shelter is flat and wooded. A gravel path leads from the parking area to the shelter.
Picnic shelters are available by reservation by calling the Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK.
In this particular location, biking opportunities abound. However, cyclists should be aware that trails vary in difficulty and terrain.
The park offers over 15 miles of multi-use trails suitable for cycling enthusiasts. Yet caution is advised as some paths can be challenging due to steep inclines or rough surfaces.
For those seeking a leisurely ride, the River Trail provides an easy route with scenic views along the James River bank. Still remember safety precautions while enjoying nature's beauty.
Mountain bikers may prefer more rugged routes like Gold Dust trail but must remain vigilant about potential hazards such as roots and rocks on these tracks.
Families might enjoy Turkey Neck Loop - it's relatively flat making it ideal for younger riders yet supervision remains essential at all times during their adventure.
Remember always wear helmets when riding bikes here; your safety comes first! Also respect other users by keeping speeds under control especially around pedestrians or horseback riders sharing same pathways.
Lastly ensure you're prepared: carry water bottles, snacks if needed plus repair kits just in case any bike issues arise unexpectedly during your journey through our beautiful outdoors area!
The park has about 12 miles of multi-use trails through various habitats, including field edge, upland pine forest and mature hardwoods. The trails provide excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.
Birding enthusiasts can spot various species such as the Prothonotary Warbler, Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birdlife including Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers along riverside areas. In forested regions, one might see Eastern Towhees or Northern Cardinals. Birdwatchers may also encounter Barred Owls in wooded sections at night.
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