{"id":4374,"date":"2019-07-14T19:41:13","date_gmt":"2019-07-14T23:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/art-rageous.net\/artrageousblog\/?p=4374"},"modified":"2024-12-30T01:16:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T05:16:02","slug":"camping-at-james-river-state-park-july-11-13-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/art-rageous.net\/artrageousblog\/?p=4374","title":{"rendered":"Camping at James River State Park, July 11-13, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After doing many, many day trips to James River State Park, we were finally able to camp there! We left for the park a little before noon on Thursday, July 11th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In addition to numerous “primitive” sites for tent campers throughout James River State Park, there are 31 water\/electric sites in Red Oak campground. The camp host was in site #13, and we had reservations for a “non-specific” site in Red Oak, rather than a specific site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we arrived, we were given a map that showed the open campsites, and we were told we could pick out whichever one we liked best. I asked if we’d have to drive back to the front gate to let me know which site we’d chosen, but the ranger said the camp host would let them know. Cool!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ALL of the sites were nice–and HUGE–and we opted for site # 16 which was near the bathhouse. It had a long driveway, and it was very level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once we were set up, it felt nice to sit in the shade of the awning; it was SUCH a hot and humid day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wayne had just a bit of signal for his phone (Sprint) and I had none (AT&T) so we went to the visitor’s center to pick up a few things and to take advantage of their Wi-Fi. We always enjoy looking at their exhibits, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I’ve taken a picture of this sign each time we’ve visited James River State Park, and it has become one of my favorite quotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Strong storms were in the forecast–no surprise, given the heat and oppressive humidity–and clouds were building ominously in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All along the river at Dixon Landing, the leaves on the trees were turning upwards (which is often a sign of a coming storm), so we decided to head back to our campsite. Soon we could hear thunder, and the wind started to pick up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We’d originally planned to cook dinner outside, but it was so very nice to have the option to cook and eat inside of our trailer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After the worst of the storm was over and we’d cleaned up the kitchen, we sat outside under the awning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n