Summer is finally here, and there is no better way to cool off than on the water! To make planning your next adventure seamless, we have put together the ultimate guide to the best James River outfitters in Virginia. Whether you are looking to rent a kayak in Richmond, take a scenic river tube ride in Scottsville, or explore a quiet tributary in the watershed, these local experts have you covered.
Read on to find the perfect river outfitter in the Upper, Middle, and Lower James River regions to get you safely on the water this summer! Numbered in order from upstream to downstream.
P.S. Before you grab your paddle, it pays to “know before you go” by checking our weekly James River Watch conditions map for the latest water quality updates every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Upper James River Watershed
- Middle River Outfitters – 121 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Middle River Outfitters offers guided fly fishing float trips and wade trips on the James River, plus fly fishing lessons and gear guidance. - Douthat State Park – 14239 Douthat State Park Rd., Millboro, VA 24460
Douthat State Park offers boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats) on its 50-acre stocked lake, along with a sandy swimming beach, camping, and cabin rentals. - Twin River Outfitters – 100 Main Street, Buchanan, VA, 24066
Twin River Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, rafts, and river tubes for day trips, as well as multi-day paddle-camping trips with shuttle service and gear included. - James River Runners (Scottsville) – 10092 Hatton Ferry Rd, Scottsville, VA 24590
James River Runners rents tubes, kayaks, canoes, rafts, and inner tubes for trips on the James River in Central Virginia, plus riverside camping at the James River Runner Campsite and fishing access. - James River Reeling and Rafting (Scottsville) – 265 Ferry St, Scottsville, VA 24590
James River Reeling & Rafting rents tubes, kayaks, canoes, and rafts for self-guided trips on the James River, with included shuttle service, private changing areas with hot showers, free secure riverside parking, and optional camping packages. - Appomattox River Company – 614 North Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901
Appomattox River Company rents kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand-up paddleboards for self-guided trips on the Middle James River with free on-site parking and included shuttle service.
Middle James River Watershed
- Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing – Goochland County, VA
Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing offers guided full-day float trips and wade trips on the James River near Eagle Rock, VA, targeting smallmouth bass, with gear, handmade meals, and beverages included. - Powhatan State Park – 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
Powhatan State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals for paddling the park’s 2.5-mile stretch of the James River, plus a large riverfront beach, picnic areas, and 7 miles of multi-use trails. - Riverside Outfitters – 325 S. 14th St. Richmond, VA 23219
Riverside Outfitters offers guided whitewater rafting trips, self-service tube rentals with shuttle service, and guided flatwater kayaking. - RVA Paddlesports – 1511 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
RVA Paddlesports offers guided whitewater rafting trips, guided kayaking and SUP flatwater tours, instructional classes, youth camps, and boat and gear rentals for experienced paddlers. - KingFish Boat Rentals – 9680 Osborne Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23231
KingFish Boat Rentals offers pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for exploring the James River. - Current Culture Guide Service – Richmond
Current Culture Fly offers guided fly fishing float trips on the James River, fly fishing instruction and casting lessons, and a flyship carrying gear, flies, and apparel. - Waterfront RVA – 415 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Waterfront RVA offers kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided experiences like downriver paddling and sound baths, for a low key-urban paddling option on the James River.
Lower James River Watershed
- Chippokes State Park – 695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA 23883
Chippokes State Park offers seasonal ranger-led guided paddling programs for canoe tours on Lower Chippokes Creek or kayak tours on College Run Creek. - James City County Marina – 2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
James City County Marina offers year-round kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and bike rentals; boat slips and jet ski slips with water/electric; marine-grade ethanol-free fuel; a double-wide boat ramp and paddlecraft launch area; a marina store with bait, tackle, and snacks; restrooms and showers; and seasonal pontoon boat tours. - Windsor Castle Park – 705 Cedar Street, Smithfield, VA 23430
Smithfield Parks & Recreation operates a self-service kayak rental kiosk at Windsor Castle Park with 8 single kayaks available 7 days a week. - Deep Creek Landing Marina – 120 Deep Creek Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Deep Creek Landing Marina rents single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddleboards for paddling on Deep Creek or the James River.
“Offerings, hours, prices, and trip availability may change. Please contact each outfitter directly before visiting.”
Don’t forget to ‘Know Before You Go’ and visit our James River Watch conditions map before hitting the water!