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New River Junction

4.3
·390 reviews·Blacksburg, United States

Experience the thrill of tubing down the New River, camping by its scenic banks, and exploring nearby natural wonders.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for tubing and cooling off

CrowdHigh
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view from campsite

New River Junction

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for tubing and cooling off

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of tubing down the New River, camping by its scenic banks, and exploring nearby natural wonders. Reddit

4.3
(390 reviews)

"The river float was very relaxing and the falls were fun. Definitely recommend this! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

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. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New River Tubing

New River Tubing

New River

Float down the scenic New River, with optional thrilling rapids and falls for an adventurous ride.

TikTok
Camping by the River

Camping by the River

New River Junction Campground

Enjoy picturesque campsites right on the New River, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

Reddit
Cascade Falls Hike

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.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Tubing Logistics

Planning a tubing trip on the New River? You'll need to arrange transportation. Bring your own tubes (mesh bottoms and pillows are recommended!) and plan to shuttle a car to your exit point. Companies offer rentals and shuttles, but DIY is possible if you have two vehicles. Reddit

Camping & Amenities

New River Junction offers a more basic camping experience with limited, though functional, bathhouses and no sewer hookups at sites. Internet is poor. It's ideal for nature lovers seeking a quiet escape, especially during VTech game weekends. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for tubing and cooling off
Crowd
High
When
VTech game weekends
Why
Convenient for game attendees
Crowd
Medium
When
Green river days
Why
Ideal for families with small children
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We’re in the burg….Good Times on the river with our peeps💙💙 #newriverjunction #blacksburg #beautifulviews #tubing #baseballfam #travelbaseball #baseballlife #virginiatech #lasttourney
@josiehunt9
18 likes • 892 views

Bring Your Own Tubes

Consider tubes with mesh bottoms and pillows for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the river. Reddit :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. Reddit :car:

reddit.com

Tubing on the New River

reddit.com

Your favorite Blacksburg summer activities?

Limited Wi-Fi

Expect very poor internet connections; embrace the digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit :iphone:

Basic Bathrooms

Bathhouses are basic and can be outdated. Tubers have a separate shower facility. Reddit :shower:

reddit.com

Cute date ideas in Blacksburg???

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. Reddit :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. Reddit :car:

Limited Wi-Fi

Expect very poor internet connections; embrace the digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit :iphone:

Basic Bathrooms

Bathhouses are basic and can be outdated. Tubers have a separate shower facility. Reddit :shower:

Fishing Hotspot

The New River is a great spot for fishing, with reports of catching smallmouth bass. Reddit :fishingpoleand_வத:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(390 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Fun tubing and falls
Friendly staff
Spectacular river views

What People Dislike

Outdated bathrooms
Poor internet

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. Reddit If you're coming from out of town, GPS coordinates or specific road names will be helpful for navigation. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Being situated along the New River, you can expect to see various riverine wildlife. Birdwatching is also popular in the area. Reddit

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. Reddit

Besides tubing, visitors enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking. The nearby Cascade Falls offers a beautiful hiking opportunity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

The closest dining options will be in Blacksburg, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. It's about an 8-mile drive. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For a comfortable stay, bring all your groceries, snacks, and beverages. Consider easy-to-prepare meals for camping and plenty of water for tubing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The river itself, especially during tubing, offers dynamic photo opportunities. Campsites with river views and the nearby Cascade Falls are also picturesque. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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). Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

New River Junction is a fantastic spot for families seeking outdoor adventure. The New River offers tubing opportunities suitable for all ages, especially on 'green days' when the rapids are gentler for younger children. Reddit Camping right by the river provides a memorable experience, allowing kids to explore and play in nature. The nearby hike to Cascade Falls is also a great family-friendly activity. Reddit Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited on-site.

🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers

For fishing enthusiasts, the New River is a prime location. Anglers have reported success catching smallmouth bass, making it a rewarding spot for a day of casting lines. Reddit Beyond fishing, the campground's riverside setting is perfect for those who appreciate nature. Birdwatching and simply enjoying the sounds of the river are key attractions. The limited amenities and poor internet encourage a deeper connection with the natural environment. Reddit

🚗 Budget Travelers

New River Junction can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you bring your own tubing equipment. Camping fees are generally reasonable, and by packing your own food and avoiding paid tours, you can keep costs down. Reddit The DIY approach to tubing, involving a car shuttle, saves money compared to commercial outfitters. It's an excellent choice for those who prioritize outdoor experiences over luxury accommodations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the New River for Tubing

Tubing on the New River is a signature experience at New River Junction. Visitors often bring their own tubes, with recommendations for those featuring mesh bottoms and pillows for added comfort. Reddit The key logistical challenge is transportation: you'll need to arrange a car shuttle. This typically involves parking one vehicle at your intended exit point and driving another to your starting location. While commercial outfitters offer rentals and shuttles, many travelers successfully manage this DIY. Reddit

When planning your float, consider the river's conditions. 'Green days' indicate lower water levels, making the rapids more manageable and suitable for families with younger children. Reddit The river offers a mix of relaxing stretches and more exciting sections, including 'The Falls,' which provide a thrilling element to the tubing adventure. Reddit Always check local conditions and be prepared for varying water speeds and depths.

Camping and Campground Amenities

New River Junction provides a more rustic camping experience, appealing to those who prefer a natural setting over luxury amenities. Campsites are situated along the New River, offering scenic views and direct access to the water. Reddit While the natural beauty is a major draw, be aware that the facilities are basic. The bathhouses are described as limited and sometimes outdated, with a separate shower facility available specifically for tubers. Reddit Internet connectivity is notably poor, so expect a digital detox. This makes it an ideal spot for escaping the everyday and immersing yourself in the outdoors.

Proximity to Virginia Tech and Local Attractions

New River Junction's location is a significant advantage for certain visitors. It's a mere 8-mile drive from Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech. This makes it a popular choice for those attending football games or other university events, offering a more nature-oriented stay close to campus. Reddit

Beyond the university, the area boasts natural attractions. A short drive (about eight miles) leads to the trailhead for a beautiful hike to Cascade Falls, a highly recommended excursion for those looking to explore the surrounding landscape. Reddit This combination of river activities, camping, and nearby natural wonders makes New River Junction a versatile destination.

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