New River Campground and Canoe

For Virginia residents seeking an authentic, riverside camping experience with direct access to water adventures, New River Campground and Canoe in Independence, VA, offers a compelling option. This "nice old school campground" provides a straightforward and classic outdoor escape, particularly appealing to those who love spending time on the water. If you're looking for a campsite where the New River is your backyard and outdoor recreation is just steps away, this local gem promises a memorable visit.

New River Campground and Canoe is renowned for its prime location right on the banks of the ancient New River. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river flowing, stepping out of your tent or RV, and being moments away from launching a canoe, kayak, or tube for a leisurely float. While it embraces a more traditional camping style, it provides essential amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. Guests often highlight the beauty of the riverfront sites and the convenience of being so close to water activities.

While some visitors have noted occasional noise from nearby trains and trucks, and varying experiences with noise enforcement, many find these aspects do not detract significantly from the overall charm of the campground. The focus here is on the natural surroundings and the unparalleled access to the New River, making it a perfect base for exploring this iconic waterway and the surrounding Virginia landscape. Let's dive deeper into what makes New River Campground and Canoe a popular choice for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

New River Campground and Canoe is strategically located at 3745 New River Pkwy, Independence, VA 24348, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of the New River, a defining feature and primary draw for the campground. Independence, located in Grayson County, is part of Southwest Virginia, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, mountains, and rivers.

The campground’s position offers excellent accessibility for visitors from across Virginia. It's close enough to main roads to be easily reached, yet set far enough along the parkway to provide a genuine "getaway" feel. The convenience of a gas station and a restaurant "right up the road" from the campground adds to its practicality for campers. Furthermore, its proximity to the New River National Park and "Trail Explorer" (likely referring to the New River Trail State Park's unique rail-trail excursions) makes it an ideal base for exploring significant regional attractions.

The riverside location means beautiful views are a given, making it a picturesque spot to set up camp. While there might be some ambient noise from passing trains and trucks, many campers find this to be a minor aspect of the overall experience, especially given the prime river access.

Services Offered

New River Campground and Canoe provides a range of services centered around both camping comfort and river-based recreational activities. Their offerings are designed to make your stay enjoyable and your river adventures seamless.

• Campsites: The campground offers various sites, with a particular highlight on the "beautiful" sites along the river. These spots are noted as "spacious" and "easy to back in" for RVs.
• Canoe Rentals: As part of its name, the campground provides canoe rental services, allowing easy access to the New River for paddling.
• Kayak Rentals: Kayaks are also available for rent, offering another popular way to explore the river.
• Tubing Services: For a more relaxed river experience, tubing services are offered, allowing guests to float leisurely down the New River.
• Shuttle Services: To facilitate river trips, shuttle services are provided, transporting campers upstream for their float back to the campground.
• Bathrooms and Showers: The bathrooms are described as "generally clean and kept up well," with showers being "dated but clean, and it has hot water." This indicates functional and acceptable facilities for campers.
• Camp Host: The presence of a "very helpful and friendly" camp host, such as Mike mentioned in a review, contributes significantly to a positive guest experience.
• Convenience Store/Gas Station Nearby: A gas station and restaurant located "right up the road" offer easy access to supplies and dining options.
• Pet-Friendly: While not explicitly stated in reviews, most old-school campgrounds are generally pet-friendly, though leash rules would apply.

Features / Highlights

New River Campground and Canoe offers several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Virginia:

• Direct New River Access: This is the paramount highlight. Being located directly on the New River provides unparalleled opportunities for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, directly from the campground.
• Beautiful River Views: The sites along the river offer picturesque views, enhancing the overall camping experience and providing a serene backdrop.
• "Old School Campground" Charm: For those who appreciate a more traditional, less resort-like camping experience, its "old school" charm is a significant draw, focusing on the basics of outdoor enjoyment.
• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the "spacious" sites, which allow for comfortable setup and more privacy compared to some other campgrounds.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff/Host: The positive mention of the camp host, Mike, being "very helpful and friendly," indicates a welcoming atmosphere and responsive service.
• Proximity to New River National Park: This close proximity offers campers an easy way to explore a significant national park unit, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
• Close to Trail Explorer: The mention of "Trail Explorer" being "close, too" suggests easy access to the unique rail-trail excursions on old railway tracks, providing a distinct and fun activity.
• Hot Showers: The availability of hot water in the showers, despite being dated, is a crucial comfort for campers after a day of outdoor activities.

Promotions or Special Offers

As an independent or "old school" campground, New River Campground and Canoe might not feature elaborate, widely publicized promotions. However, it's always advisable for North Carolina residents interested in booking to:

• Contact Directly: Call the provided phone numbers ((336) 372-8793 or +1 336-372-8793) to inquire about any seasonal discounts, special rates for extended stays, or group bookings.
• Inquire about Package Deals: Given their canoe, kayak, and tubing services, it's worth asking if they offer any bundled packages that combine camping with river rentals.
• Check for Off-Season Rates: Campgrounds often have lower rates during less popular times of the year, so inquire about potential off-season discounts if your travel dates are flexible.

Direct communication with the campground staff will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on any available offers.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or to learn more about New River Campground and Canoe, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 3745 New River Pkwy, Independence, VA 24348, USA

Phone: (336) 372-8793

Mobile Phone: +1 336-372-8793

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or if you're planning a group trip, to confirm site availability and to inquire about their canoe, kayak, and tubing services. Speaking directly with the staff can also clarify any questions you might have about noise levels or specific site features.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Virginia residents, New River Campground and Canoe offers a compelling and convenient outdoor escape, particularly for those who love water activities. Its prime location directly on the New River in Independence means that a genuine riverside camping experience, complete with easy access to canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, is just a manageable drive away. This proximity makes it an ideal choice for spontaneous weekend trips or longer family vacations without the hassle of extensive travel.

The "old school campground" charm appeals to those seeking a no-frills, authentic camping adventure, while the spacious sites and functional amenities like clean, hot showers ensure a comfortable stay. The added value of onsite canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals, along with convenient shuttle services, makes planning a day on the river incredibly simple and enjoyable. Furthermore, its closeness to the New River National Park and the unique Trail Explorer attraction provides ample opportunities for exploring beyond the campground.

While there might be occasional noise, the overall experience of beautiful river views, friendly staff, and unparalleled access to water-based fun makes New River Campground and Canoe a perfect local getaway. It allows Virginians to embrace the natural beauty of their state and create lasting memories right in their own backyard.