Jun 12, 2025 - Things to Do

Where to tube the James River near Richmond

Karri Peifer

Three women float in tubes on the James — Grab a tube and hit the James. Image: Courtesy of Riverside Outfitters

Plenty of locals know you can kayak, paddle board and white water raft on the James River, but one can also just get in a tube and float.

Why it matters: Temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s or above for the rest of the week, so drifting peacefully in some water might be all we can handle.

Zoom in: Here are some of the best places to drop in and tube on the James in or near Richmond, according to Friends of the James River Park. All are on the Southbank.

The Wetlands, in Stratford Hills.
Pony Pasture, also in Stratford Hills.
Riverside Meadows, west of Pony Pasture.
Huguenot Flatwater, the other side of Huguenot Road in South Richmond.

Looking for something outside of the city? Try doing Powhatan State Park to Maidens in Goochland (or vice versa), which will give you about a 3-4 hour float time, per the county.

No tube? No problem.

Riverside Outfitters offers a rent-and-ride package Friday through Monday for $44 a person, including the tube.

You park at Pony Pasture and Riverside Outfitters picks you up to drop you off for a two-to-three-hour float time up river.
Then you just ... drift back to your car.

Want to get out of town?

James River Runners and James River Reeling & Rafting also offer rent-and-ride packages about an hour and half west of Richmond.

🧠 Be smart: Check conditions before you go. If the river is above 5 feet, use caution. Friends of the James River Park has the latest water temperature and river levels.

Plus, one should always wear shoes in the river.
And since this is Richmond, make 100% sure before you tube that there's no sewage flowing into the river like last year.

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Where to tube the James River near Richmond

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