Double Shoals Campground

For Virginians passionate about outdoor adventure, especially those who love biking, kayaking, and immersing themselves in the serene beauty of a state park, Double Shoals Campground presents an ideal destination. Nestled within the expansive New River Trail State Park near Galax, this campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying convenient access to one of Virginia's most beloved multi-use trails. If you're looking to plan a memorable overnight trip, whether it's your first bike-packing excursion or a familiar return to the peaceful sounds of the New River, Double Shoals Campground offers a well-positioned and welcoming spot.

This article will provide an in-depth look at Double Shoals Campground, from its strategic location along the New River Trail to the essential services and remarkable features that make it a top choice for local outdoor enthusiasts. We'll explore why this campsite is perfectly suited for those who appreciate a blend of accessibility and a genuine connection to the wild.

Double Shoals Campground is a primitive campsite specifically designed to cater to users of the New River Trail State Park. It's not a drive-up RV park with full hookups, but rather a more traditional camping experience, requiring a short hike or bike in. This focus makes it particularly appealing to "bike/kayak campsite" users, as highlighted by a satisfied customer. The campground is strategically placed to serve as a convenient overnight stop for those traversing the 57-mile New River Trail, which is known for its flat, well-maintained path and scenic beauty.

The New River Trail State Park itself is a linear park following an abandoned railroad right-of-way. It parallels the New River for 39 miles and also an historic canal system. The park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and canoeing. Double Shoals Campground fits perfectly into this recreational landscape, offering a designated, safe, and comfortable place to rest and recharge amidst an extended outdoor journey. The campsite emphasizes a semi-secluded experience, allowing campers to feel connected to nature without being completely isolated.

Double Shoals Campground is located within the New River Trail State Park, specifically near Galax, VA 24333, USA. This placement is one of its most significant advantages for adventurers. The campground's address places it directly on or very close to the New River Trail, making it highly accessible for those exploring the trail by bike, on foot, or by kayak.

Galax, Virginia, is a charming city known for its vibrant music scene and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities in the Blue Ridge Highlands. While the campground offers a feeling of being "tucked away," its location near Galax means campers aren't entirely isolated from services. Visitors can easily access the town for resupplies or to explore local attractions before or after their camping trip.

Accessibility to the campsite itself is a key point, as it's designed for "hike in" or "bike in" access. One reviewer noted it as an "easy hike in, easy as in flat, no climbs or descents, well maintained wide and smooth path." This description is crucial for planning, especially for bike campers, as it confirms the trail's suitability for various bicycle types, including hybrids with 700/32 tires, and suggests that "as long as trail dry it is hard packed and could even have 28 tires." This makes it highly accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

For those arriving by car, there will typically be designated parking areas at various access points to the New River Trail State Park, from which campers can then proceed to Double Shoals. It's essential to check the park's official guidelines for specific parking instructions and trail access points leading to the campground.

Double Shoals Campground, true to its primitive nature within a state park, offers essential services designed to support a comfortable outdoor experience without extensive amenities:

• Port-a-Johns: The campground provides "Port a Johns," which are explicitly praised by a reviewer as "surprisingly clean" and having a "trash can nearby." This is a significant convenience for primitive camping.
• Trash Receptacles: As mentioned, trash cans are available near the Port-a-Johns, allowing campers to properly dispose of waste and maintain the cleanliness of the site.
• Access to Potable Water (off-site): While there is no direct potable water at the Double Shoals campsite itself (campers "need to bring your own water or way to purify River water"), the New River Trail "well maintained with potable water at a few stops" along its length. This means campers can refill water at designated points along their journey.
• Designated Campsites: The campground offers specific sites, providing a structured place to set up camp. While "semi secluded spot" indicates some privacy, it's still part of a designated camping area.
• Well-Maintained Trail Access: The access path to the campsite is described as "well maintained wide and smooth path with benches every mile or so," enhancing the overall camping and trail experience.

It is crucial for campers to be self-sufficient with water at their specific campsite and to plan for appropriate purification methods if relying on river water.

Double Shoals Campground stands out due to several key features that enhance the primitive camping experience, particularly for trail users:

• Ideal for Bike and Kayak Camping: Explicitly mentioned as "perfect bike/kayak campsite," it caters directly to those exploring the New River Trail by bicycle or the New River by kayak. Its location directly on the trail facilitates easy transitions between activities and camping.
• Semi-Secluded Setting: The campsite offers a "semi secluded spot," providing a sense of privacy and connection with nature, which is highly valued by campers seeking an escape from crowded areas.
• Direct Trail Access: Being within New River Trail State Park means immediate and convenient access to the entire 57-mile multi-use trail, perfect for long rides, walks, or runs.
• Clean and Convenient Facilities: The "surprisingly clean" Port-a-Johns and nearby trash cans significantly improve the comfort level of primitive camping.
• Scenic Beauty of New River Trail: The campground is set amidst the natural beauty of the New River, offering picturesque views and the soothing sounds of the river. The trail itself is renowned for its scenic vistas.
• Year-Round Appeal: One reviewer mentioned camping in "26° and snowing," indicating that the campground offers a worthwhile experience even in colder, less conventional conditions, appealing to hardy adventurers.
• Accessible Trail for Various Bikes: The trail's condition is described as "hard packed and could even have 28 tires," making it suitable for a wide range of road and hybrid bikes, not just mountain bikes. This broadens its appeal to many cyclists.

As a state park campground, Double Shoals generally operates under a fixed fee structure determined by Virginia State Parks. It is less common for state park campgrounds to run frequent promotions or special offers compared to privately owned commercial campgrounds. However, Virginia State Parks often have specific booking windows, potential discounts for Virginia residents or state park pass holders, and sometimes offer package deals with other park activities or events.

Prospective campers should visit the official Virginia State Parks website or contact the park directly to check for the most current reservation rates, any potential off-season discounts, or information on annual passes that might offer value for frequent visitors. Booking campsites in state parks, especially popular ones like those along the New River Trail, is highly recommended in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

For inquiries about Double Shoals Campground, reservations, or general information regarding New River Trail State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: New River Trail State Park, Galax, VA 24333, USA (Note: This is the park's general address; the campground is located within it.)

Phone: (276) 699-6778

Mobile Phone: +1 276-699-6778

It is always best to verify specific campground details, access instructions, and reservation policies directly with the park staff or through the official Virginia State Parks website.

For residents of the Virginia region, especially those in Southwest Virginia, Double Shoals Campground offers an exceptional and highly suitable camping experience. Its prime location directly on the New River Trail State Park means unparalleled access to one of the state's premier multi-use recreational pathways. This makes it an ideal spot for "bike/kayak campsite" adventures, allowing locals to seamlessly integrate their outdoor passions with an overnight stay.

The campground's primitive yet well-maintained nature, with surprisingly clean Port-a-Johns and trash facilities, provides a comfortable entry point for those new to primitive camping or a reliable spot for seasoned adventurers. The ease of access – a "flat, no climbs or descents" path suitable for various bike types – ensures that a wide range of Virginians can enjoy this experience, regardless of their fitness level or equipment.

The "semi secluded spot" offers the peace and quiet that many seek in a natural retreat, allowing for true relaxation by the river. Even in challenging weather, as one reviewer attested, the experience is "well worth it," highlighting the enduring appeal of this natural setting. Double Shoals Campground is not just a place to sleep; it's an integral part of the New River Trail adventure, perfectly tailored for Virginians who love to explore their state's beautiful outdoors by bike, kayak, or on foot. It’s an accessible, authentic, and rewarding escape right in our own backyard.