New River Junction
Experience the thrill of tubing down the New River, camping by its scenic banks, and exploring nearby natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for tubing and cooling off
New River Junction
Best Time
Perfect for tubing and cooling off
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of tubing down the New River, camping by its scenic banks, and exploring nearby natural wonders.
"The river float was very relaxing and the falls were fun. Definitely recommend this! "
Bring Your Own Tubes
Consider tubes with mesh bottoms and pillows for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the river. :inflatable_tube:
Car Shuttle is Key
If tubing independently, plan to shuttle a car to your exit point to drive back to your starting spot. 🚗
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 390 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New River Tubing
New River
Float down the scenic New River, with optional thrilling rapids and falls for an adventurous ride.
Camping by the River
New River Junction Campground
Enjoy picturesque campsites right on the New River, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
Cascade Falls Hike
Near New River Junction
An eight-mile drive leads to a beautiful hike to Cascade Falls, a perfect addition to your trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tubing Logistics
Camping & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Tubes
Consider tubes with mesh bottoms and pillows for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the river. :inflatable_tube:
Car Shuttle is Key
If tubing independently, plan to shuttle a car to your exit point to drive back to your starting spot. 🚗
Tubing on the New River
Hello! Does anyone know what to do for tubing down the new river? I have my own tubes and I know you need to park a car where you want to exit the river so you can drive back to the starting point, but does anyone know where you start? Not sure where to go to put the tubes in…
Your favorite Blacksburg summer activities?
Some of my favorite memories in Blacksburg were during the summer, and fortunately I'll be able to stay again for this upcoming session. I was thinking about making a list of things to do and wanted /r/VirginiaTech's input. What are some of your favorite things to do during…
Limited Wi-Fi
Expect very poor internet connections; embrace the digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings. :iphone:
Basic Bathrooms
Bathhouses are basic and can be outdated. Tubers have a separate shower facility. 🚿
Cute date ideas in Blacksburg???
Anyone have any good recommendations?
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Tubes
Consider tubes with mesh bottoms and pillows for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the river. :inflatable_tube:
Car Shuttle is Key
If tubing independently, plan to shuttle a car to your exit point to drive back to your starting spot. 🚗
Limited Wi-Fi
Expect very poor internet connections; embrace the digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings. :iphone:
Basic Bathrooms
Bathhouses are basic and can be outdated. Tubers have a separate shower facility. 🚿
Fishing Hotspot
The New River is a great spot for fishing, with reports of catching smallmouth bass. :fishingpoleand_வத:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the fun tubing experience on the New River, with many enjoying multiple trips down the rapids and falls. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the spectacular river views from campsites, are consistently praised. While the basic amenities like outdated bathrooms and poor internet are noted downsides, the overall natural beauty and quiet atmosphere make it a highly recommended destination for a relaxing outdoor getaway.
"We thoroughly enjoyed a weekend camping on the New River. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The tubing was very fun. We went four times!!! The Falls were very exciting. Unbelievably, the campground was very quiet in the evening times, probably because of the extensive strict rules which we did appreciate. The only downside would be very poor internet connections and outdated bathrooms. There is one woman’s bathroom and one men’s bathroom. There is a shower in the women’s room, but it did not work, and I believe they have It turned off during the day when the tubers are present because there is a separate shower for tubers. Only thing missing is a coffee bar! Thank you again so much, and we will be back. We did go purchase own tubes and they were very nice with the mesh on the bottom and the pillows. I would also recommend that.💕🫶🏻🙏🏻"
MICHELLE RICHER
"We had a great time on the river today. The staff was all so polite and helpful. We took 4 trips down the river and through the falls. The river float was very relaxing and the falls were fun. Definitely recommend this and the tube upgrade was well worth it."
Andy Radcliffe
"My girls and I had a great time camping here. Our campsite was clean and easy to access. The views to the New River were spectacular and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. If we are back in the area, we will be sure to stay here again!"
Hunter Westfall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New River Junction is located near Blacksburg, Virginia. For tubing, you'll need to plan your access point. Many visitors drive their own vehicles and shuttle one car to their desired exit point. If you're coming from out of town, GPS coordinates or specific road names will be helpful for navigation.
Public transport options to New River Junction are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you're in the Blacksburg area, but confirm availability for the specific location.
The best way to get to the starting point depends on your chosen route. If you're not using a commercial outfitter, you'll need to drive to your desired put-in location. Many Redditors suggest scouting potential starting points beforehand.
New River Junction is approximately an 8-mile drive from the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, making it a convenient spot for students and visitors attending games.
The closest major airport is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), which is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive from New River Junction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you bring your own tubes, you generally don't need to purchase 'tickets' in the traditional sense for access to the river. However, if you rent tubes or use shuttle services from a company, there will be associated fees.
Operating hours can vary, especially for specific services like tube rentals or showers. It's best to check their official website or call ahead, particularly if you plan to visit during off-peak seasons or weekdays.
Yes, New River Junction offers camping facilities. Campsites are located along the river and are popular for weekend getaways. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or VTech game weekends.
There may be fees associated with camping or using specific facilities like showers. If you are just accessing the river for tubing with your own equipment, there might not be a direct 'entrance fee' to the river itself, but check local regulations.
Information on online booking for campsites can be found on their official website or through reservation platforms they partner with. It's advisable to secure your spot early, especially for popular dates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy tubing down the New River, experiencing both relaxing floats and exciting rapids, including 'The Falls.' The specific route depends on your put-in and take-out points.
Yes, there is a separate shower facility specifically for tubers. The main bathhouses may have showers, but they can be limited or out of order.
Being situated along the New River, you can expect to see various riverine wildlife. Birdwatching is also popular in the area.
Absolutely! Families enjoy camping and tubing here. The river's rapids are suitable for smaller children on 'green days' (lower water levels). The proximity to Cascade Falls also adds to family appeal.
Besides tubing, visitors enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking. The nearby Cascade Falls offers a beautiful hiking opportunity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there isn't a coffee bar or extensive dining service available directly at New River Junction. Visitors often bring their own food for camping and picnics.
The closest dining options will be in Blacksburg, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. It's about an 8-mile drive.
Campfires are generally permitted, but always check for any fire bans or restrictions in place. Most campsites are equipped for cooking with personal grills or camp stoves.
While there might not be a full-service store, some basic supplies might be available. It's advisable to bring all your essentials, including food and drinks, from Blacksburg.
For a comfortable stay, bring all your groceries, snacks, and beverages. Consider easy-to-prepare meals for camping and plenty of water for tubing.
📸 📸 Photography
The river itself, especially during tubing, offers dynamic photo opportunities. Campsites with river views and the nearby Cascade Falls are also picturesque.
It's risky to bring electronics tubing. If you must, use a waterproof case and a secure lanyard. Many opt to leave devices at their campsite or in a car.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and river shots. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the action of tubing.
The bends in the river, the rapids, and the area around Cascade Falls are prime spots. Look for elevated points along the riverbanks for wider scenic shots.
A waterproof camera or a reliable waterproof phone case is essential. If you're serious about photography, consider a drone for aerial shots (check regulations).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit