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Sharp's Island

97%

· Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia

1 acre hosted by Andy T.

1 tent site

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Boat-in

This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Andy is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we had love to have you add your own story to this island's long history! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak (it's super easy). Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs. Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starter's, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs. Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more! (You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak!)

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Paddling

Swimming

Natural features

Beach

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

97%

62 ratings · 46 reviews

Bert G.recommends

August 28, 2024

Sharp's Island

There is nothing else like it

I absolutely love this place and Andy is a pleasure to deal with. I've camped here like 5 times since they turned it into a camping spot and every time has been a blast. It may be challenging for some less advernturous people to get their gear over to the island. You need to come in by some kind of watercraft (be it canoe, paddle board, kayak, or john boat). But for those that are capable it's worth the effort. It's so cool to be surround by nature but in the heart of the city at the same time. Truly magical place worth experiencing.

Doris T.recommends

August 18, 2024

Sharp's Island

I loved camping at Sharp's Island. It was so cool to be camping in such a natural setting in the middle of the city. Thank you Andy for having a vision to create a little slice of paradise and sharing it with other people.

Tim R.recommends

August 12, 2024

Sharp's Island

Great host! Future trip in the work

I'm so grateful to Andy for his warnings and understanding about the high water brought on by Hurrican Debbie! It was not possible to paddle to the site with the rapids raging. Looking forward to making the trip when the James is ready for me.

James H.recommends

July 29, 2024

Sharp's Island

I loved staying at Sharps Island. My boys enjoyed fishing, kayaking and sleeping in the new cabin!

Chris M.recommends

July 7, 2024

Sharp's Island

Great spot! Andy has been making improvements to the island lately, clearing brush to make room for campsites, upgrading the toilet and including wag bags, and most notably adding the cabin and west-facing bar. We look forward to staying here every year and will definitely be coming back!

Amber N Olivia C.recommends

July 2, 2024

Sharp's Island

Amazing secret and venture island

The island is amazing - and Andy is awesome! It’s not an urban legend - you can camp on an island right in the middle of the city.

Location

Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Powhatan First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking