BUCHANAN RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Glamping the Upper James: 16.5 Miles of Class II Flow from Buchanan to Back Run
A two-day, one-night self-guided paddle that pairs multi-hour runs through Class II rapids with new riverside glamping at Arcadia.
Glamping the Upper James: 16.5 Miles of Class II Flow from Buchanan to Back Run.
Adventure brief
Glamping the Upper James: 16.5 Miles of Class II Flow from Buchanan to Back Run
This two-day paddle glamping trip on the Upper James River threads steady current and a handful of Class II rapids through mountain scenery, finishing each day at private riverside glamping sites—an ideal mix of sustained paddling and comfortable wilderness camping.
On the Upper James River in southwest Virginia, the Glamping 2-Day /1- Night Buchanan to Back Run Campground, camping at Arcadia offers a compact wilderness escape that balances active paddling with comfortable riverside nights. Launch from the TRO shop in Buchanan and follow 16.5 miles of river over two days—6.5 miles to Arcadia campground on day one, and roughly 9.5 miles to Back Run campground on day two—through mixed currents, riffles, and a string of Class II rapids that wake your strokes and test your boat control.
The river here cuts through Appalachian ridges carved from sandstone and shale; steep forested banks frame sweeping mountain views and occasional limestone outcrops. Expect sections of steady current interrupted by playful whitewater that responds to seasonal runoff: higher water makes rapids punchier and eddies more dynamic. The route feels remote because much of the shoreline is private land and public campsites are spaced out, so each takeout feels earned.
What makes this trip special is the glamping element at Arcadia: new private campsites on the river that bring creature comforts to an otherwise wilderness-style transit. You still do the work—navigating technical water, recovering a swamped boat, and carrying gear short distances—but evenings are gentler: a controlled campfire option, raised sleeping platforms or roomy tents (as provided), and the soft hush of the James after dark.
This is an un-guided trip. Twin River staff and TRO provide pre-trip orientation, dry bags, a shuttle between Back Run and the shop, and optional extras like gear shuttle and dehydrated meals. Participants must be competent paddlers able to read currents, perform basic rescues, and enter and exit the river independently; the outing is not suitable for solo bookings or those unable to manage Class II features. The operator enforces weight and group-size limits for safety.
Practical rhythm: arrive at the TRO shop for check-in and safety briefing, pack provided dry bags, shuttle to the put-in, paddle six-plus miles to glamp at Arcadia, then self-launch for the longer day to Back Run with flexible shuttle pickup times (2, 3, or 4 p.m.). Bring layered clothing, rain protection, sun and bug defense, and plan for changing river conditions.
Booking details: minimum age is 6 with a required party size of at least two; group sizes run 2–24. Cancellations require 96-hour notice unless Trip protection is purchased (24-hour cancellation). This adventure is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for participants over 350 lbs—plan accordingly. Bring sunscreen.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
Key stops and what to expect from launch to pickup along the two-day route.
Arrival & check-in at TRO shop
All customers arrive promptly at the designated check-in time, complete liability waivers and payment prior to check in, receive rental dry bags and a trip orientation with a map and river safety briefing.
Launch from TRO boat landing
Walk down to the boat launch behind the shop and begin the river float; launch from the TRO boat landing in Buchanan for the first-day paddle.
Paddle to Arcadia campground (Day 1)
Paddle approximately 6.5 miles on day one to Arcadia campground and camp overnight at the operator’s glamping site on private land.
Self-launch from Arcadia (Day 2)
Day two is a longer paddle of about 9.5 miles (roughly a 4–5 hour paddle) from Arcadia to Back Run campground.
Pickup at Back Run & shuttle return
TRO staff will pick you up at Back Run and shuttle the group back to the shop; pickup at Back Run can be scheduled for 2:00, 3:00, or 4:00 PM.
This trip is UNGUIDED; participants must be competent paddlers able to navigate Class II rapids, recover a boat on their own, camp in wilderness for two days, and meet party-size and weight restrictions.
What the day feels like
How the trip feels on the water
The trip unfolds as a focused two-day river journey: an arrival and orientation at the outfitter, a morning launch from the shop, a day of steady current punctuated by Class II rapids to an Arcadia glamping site, then a longer second day’s paddle that finishes at Back Run where staff collect the group and shuttle back to the shop.
THE RIVER
Extended paddling with lively Class II rapids
Expect multi-hour paddling across two days with several fun Class II rapids; the water is slightly more technical when levels are higher, rewarding paddlers who want steady moving water rather than calm floats.
THE SETTING
Mountain views and a remote-wilderness feel
Stretching 16.5 miles over two days, the route runs through striking mountain country and a remote riverside atmosphere that keeps the focus on the river and the landscape.
THE CAMP
New glamping sites on private land at Arcadia
After the first day’s paddle, groups camp at newly developed glamping accommodations on private campsites at Arcadia campground for a comfortable riverside night.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
After check-in you will be issued rental dry bags to pack gear; pack all personal gear into those bags and place them in the shuttle vehicle or boat as directed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and how many miles do we paddle?
The trip is two days and one night covering 16.5 miles total: about 6.5 miles on day one and about 9.5 miles on day two.
Is this a guided trip?
No — the trip is unguided; customers must be able to paddle and navigate up to Class II rapids and recover a boat on their own without aid of the outfitter.
What are pickup options at the end of the trip?
Pickup at Back Run campground can be scheduled for 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 4:00 PM, when TRO staff will shuttle you back to the shop.
How many people are required to book?
You must have at least two people in your party to book; solo paddlers are not permitted.
Are there weight limits or other health restrictions?
The trip is not recommended for anyone over 350 lbs; participants must be able to paddle and camp in the wilderness for two days.
Do I need to complete paperwork or payment ahead of time?
Yes — you should complete liability waivers and payment prior to check in.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:42:05.135Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.