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Twin River Outfitters is making plans to open a primitive campground this spring in the Gilmore Mills area along the James River near Natural Bridge.
A paddle sports business based in Botetourt County, Twin River Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts for short river excursions. Owned and operated by brothers Daniel and John Mays, the business has a network of three other riverfront campgrounds and offers multi-day paddling/camping excursions.
The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 23 approved a special exception permit for the Mays to operate the sixsite campground on a 6.4-acre tract of land located on the south side of Gilmores Mill Road (Va. 708), about three-quarters of a mile east of Shafer Lane (Va. 608). The property is adjacent to James River Depot, a primitive campground approved in 2020, and is in an agricultural and general uses (A-2) zoning district.
Each campsite is to have a level tent area, picnic table and fire ring with flip-top grill. The campground will be served by two porta- potties, trash receptacles and firewood storage. Sites are to be approximately 75 to 100 feet apart and situated in the tree line above the river. Future plans include upgrading three of the sites for “glamping.”
Conditions attached to the special exception permit include having no more than 15 vehicles or 50 people at the campground at any given time. Most of the patrons will arrive at the campground by river, though there may be occasional gatherings of people who drive to the campground. Access to the property by road utilizes a CSX railroad crossing that must be kept clear of obstructions.
The permit requires that campers be informed that the campground is within a 100-year flood hazard area. The campground must be closed to paddle-in customers when the river rises above 6 feet on the U.S. Geological Survey gauge and to drive-in customers when the river rises above 8 feet on the USGS gauge.
