Spend a weekend in Richmond, Virginia, is still an authentic Northeastern experience, involving plenty of historic sites, fun shopping, dining, and tourist attractions. As one of Virginia’s best cities steeped in history, urban culture, and nightlife (and not too far from Virginia’s Best Music Festivals for fans of the latter), the fact that it has scenic parks, nature spots and trails to enjoy the fresh air and scenery is not abnormal – many metropolises do, after all.
However, right in the heart of bustling downtown Richmond is scenic Sharp’s Island, which is also home to recreational assets, public art, ecological and geological wonders, and historical significance. Of course, it’s just another small island off the coast of a quintessential American city – not serious. Where is it?
What makes this one-acre islet appealing isn’t just its natural beauty, long and fascinating stories from the past, and outdoor activities; no, this hidden Richmond gem is the only place where camping is legal – and campers can enjoy the island’s sandy beaches, wooded interiors and natural splendor all to themselves.
What is Sharp’s Island Richmond, Virginia?
Richmond’s Sharp Island is an acre of granite and sand surrounded by water. It sounds unassuming, but there’s more to this modest description. Richmond is not exactly one of Virginia’s Least Populated Cities – a fact that makes many city dwellers in search of escape and a quick vacation in the middle of nature. Where is the nearest and most accessible oasis to do just that? Of course, Sharp Island.
This small islet is a prime natural spot with its pretty views, sandy shores, lush forest and bustling wildlife, all backed by the sounds of the flowing river – a haven to retreat from the hectic urban sprawl of Richmond. Where Piedmont meets the coastal plain along the James River – with the north-south rapids bisecting the island – this pint-sized patch on Richmond’s map offers fantastic fishing, especially for spring, when the shad and striper race takes place.
There is also a Sharp Island Airbnb, which visitors can reserve. According to Sharp’s Island reviews, the hospitality and camping experiences are highly rated, making this place one of Richmond’s top attractions for tourists and locals alike.
What Is The History Of Sharp’s Island, Richmond, Virginia?
Sharp’s Island got its name from the Sharp family of Richmond, who owned the location as early as the 1850s. a flood. The property’s old brick foundation, visible on the island and in Sharp Island photos, is now the only remnant of the family home.
Can you camp at Sharp’s Island?
Indeed, this historic one-acre island is the only place to camp in Richmond. Camping on Sharp’s Island offers adventurers the chance to enjoy a whole private island experience, rest under the stars and soak up the atmosphere – just a stone’s throw from the bright lights and bustling streets of the Richmond skyline, which they can gaze at from the island (imagine the sights of Richmond at night!)
Given its location, this beautiful spot offers some of the best island camping Virginia has to offer, where adventurers can choose their own campsite: a sandy shore or a verdant forest (or anywhere that takes their fancy). Perhaps best described as Richmond’s response to Cape Cod campsite (or any other of best camping spots in america), Sharp’s Island is a must for any traveler looking for peaceful natural sites, oddly yet beautifully situated in the middle of a big city.
How much does it cost to camp at Sharp’s Island in Richmond?
- Sharp Island Campground Prices: From $53 per night (not including canoe, kayak or camping gear rental)
Guests booking through the site’s Airbnb will currently pay per person per night. According to Sharp’s Island Airbnb reviews, canoes are available to rent, but no camping gear — guests must bring their own tent. The island has an A-Frame cabin and a tent platform for camping. Visitors can reach the island by going to Ancarrow’s Landing by boat or canoe/kayak from the trail just below the Mayo Bridge.
All in all, this patch is the ultimate way to get back to nature despite being in the bustling heart of the city. There are no luxuries, showers, hot water or the like; it’s camping in every sense of the word – in its rawest form (yes, in the middle of Richmond!) Yet isn’t that part of the adventurous experience?
What to do on Sharp’s Island, Richmond, Virginia?
Of course, escaping to the island to savor its refreshing outdoors, natural beauty, scenic shorelines and forested sections is the order of the day. Taking a camera is essential, especially to capture the beautiful views of the sky as it paints the Richmond cityscape with vibrant, ever-changing colors throughout the day and night. However, besides the typical pastimes of nature appreciation and photography, what is there to do on Sharp’s Island? The answer: a little!
While strolling around the islet is what most visitors undertake when discovering its lands, fishing is also a fun pastime, particularly in the spring when the fish action becomes more prolific, such as the shad and the aforementioned striptease track. Plus, rafting and kayaking downriver are also epically popular activities among island thrill-seeking guests — luckily, the Airbnb host offers them for hire. Plus, when summer rolls around and the river rises and levels, dozens of gorgeous pools appear along the banks, perfect for lounging around (which the Airbnb host also offers for rent!)
If all that heart-pounding fun seems a bit too much, there’s always boating and wildlife (especially bird) watching on the more relaxing side. To complete the sublime image of camping in nature (despite being in the center of Richmond), fire pits are also available – sending embers into the sky as the sun sets over downtown in the distance. Also, another interesting site to discover on the island is the small free library (essentially, a small shelf that campers can help themselves to), as well as the huge metal sculpture dubbed “The Angler” .
Where is Sharp’s Island in Richmond Virginia?
- Sharps Island Richmond Address: Richmond, Virginia, 23219, USA
- Sharp’s Island, Richmond, VA Contact Information: 37.5285, -77.4363
How to get to Sharp Island?
It’s no camping car travel; it’s wild, open to the elements, and therefore perfect for getting back to nature – but how do people get to the island without their trusty vehicle? There is no public transportation or easy access to Sharp’s Island; the good old method of travel before cars and motorboats is the way in these parts. The easiest way to access the island is by boat, kayak, or canoe, the latter two of which can be rented from the site’s Airbnb host if they can’t bring their own.
Boaters are recommended to travel to the island from Ancarrow’s Landing in Richmond. They can park their vehicle in the gravel parking lot on the south side of the Mayo Bridge, cross the street with their boat, and drive it down to the water. Alternatively, it is also possible to paddle to Sharp’s Island when the water in the river is low – the distance to be covered is around 75 metres.
Are pets allowed at Sharp’s Island in Richmond, VA?
According to the Airbnb Sharp’s Island page, pets are welcome with their owners. However, as with most campsites, leashes are advised as wildlife roam the area.
Tips for Camping on Sharp Island
Camping at Sharp’s Island is easily one of the best things to do in Richmond, VA, and is ideal for anyone looking for a memorable vacation in the great outdoors. weekend in Virginia. To make the trip go smoothly, future visitors can take these tips into account before packing their camping bags:
- Visitors must reach Sharp’s Island on their own, but the site’s Airbnb host offers kayak and canoe rentals.
- The rocks at the western end of the island are a perfect area with surreal views and a relaxing soundtrack of the running river – take a thick tent mat or sleeping bag to camp here, as the rocky ground is hard (but worth the atmosphere and the vistas!)
- Driftwood is found along the shore of the island, so campers do not need to bring their own firewood.
- Of all the things not forget to put in a camping baga fire starter comes to mind for this trip!
- Sharp’s Island reviewers advised campers to bring a tool for chopping wood and trimming overgrown foliage that could affect tent or hammock setup.
- After 5 p.m., crossing the water to and from the island can be difficult. Visitors are advised to arrive earlier and avoid crossing after this time as water levels can drop significantly which could cause kayakers to deviate from rocks and rapids.
- Bring binoculars – bird watching on the island is amazing!
- Parking before heading to the island can be tricky, so arrive earlier than necessary to allow time for a safe and legal parking spot.
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