NATURAL BRIDGE STATION BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
A Two-Night Backcountry Weekend: Camp, Shuttle, and a 16‑Mile Float from Buchanan
A car‑camp first night, a full day paddling 16.2 miles of mostly class I–II rapids, and a second night at a private campground — this guide lays out the logistics and what to expect.
A Two-Night Backcountry Weekend: Camp, Shuttle, and a 16‑Mile Float from Buchanan.
This overnight camping package pairs a relaxed campsite stay with a full‑day river paddle: guests car‑camp at Back Run Campground the first night, are shuttled to Buchanan for a 16.2‑mile float of mostly class I–II rapids, then return to the private campground for a second night under the stars.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Full‑day 16‑mile river paddle
The centerpiece is a 16.2‑mile river paddle from Buchanan back to Back Run Campground, a full day on the water through mostly class I–II rapids that typically takes six to seven hours to complete.
Scenic mountain corridors
The float traverses stretches framed by mountain views, offering consecutive river miles of Appalachian landscape as you work downstream toward camp.
Private campground access for two nights
The package includes access to a private Back Run campground where guests car‑camp the night before and after the paddle for a relaxed weekend basecamp.
What the day feels like
What the weekend feels like
Arrive and set up camp the first afternoon or evening at Back Run Campground, gather for an early shuttle the next morning, then spend a full day paddling 16.2 miles of mostly class I–II rapids back to your campsite before a final morning checkout on day three.
THE ROUTE
Full‑day 16‑mile river paddle
The centerpiece is a 16.2‑mile river paddle from Buchanan back to Back Run Campground, a full day on the water through mostly class I–II rapids that typically takes six to seven hours to complete.
THE VIEWS
Scenic mountain corridors
The float traverses stretches framed by mountain views, offering consecutive river miles of Appalachian landscape as you work downstream toward camp.
THE CAMP
Private campground access for two nights
The package includes access to a private Back Run campground where guests car‑camp the night before and after the paddle for a relaxed weekend basecamp.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this weekend is best for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The package is a 1‑day/2‑night weekend: a car‑camp night before and after a full‑day float. The river segment is 16.2 miles and typically takes six to seven hours to complete.
The operator location is 1019 Gilmore Mills Road, Natural Bridge Station VA 24579; all participants must complete liability waivers and payment prior to check‑in.
The trip includes equipment rental, a safety orientation, and access to private campground land; gear is provided as part of the package.
This is an unguided outing: participants must be able to paddle and recover boats independently and be capable of camping in the wilderness for two days; solo bookings are not permitted and parties must include at least four people.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the river float?
The river segment is 16.2 miles and typically takes six to seven hours to complete.
Is this a guided trip?
No — the trip is UNGUIDED; participants must be able to paddle and recover a boat without outfitter assistance.
When and where do we meet for the shuttle?
Twin Rivers staff pick up your group at Back Run Campground at 9:00 AM and shuttle you to the Twin River Shop in Buchanan; the operator address is 1019 Gilmore Mills Road, Natural Bridge Station VA 24579.
What is included in the trip package?
The package includes equipment rental, a safety orientation, and access to private campground land; all necessary gear is provided with the trip.
Who can book this trip?
You must have at least four people to book; solo paddlers are not permitted. Participants must be able to paddle, navigate class I–II rapids, recover a boat on their own, and camp in the wilderness for two days. The trip is not recommended for anyone over 350 lbs.