South River at Crimora Park

This grassy access to South River is open to bank fishing and hand-launching boats in the Crimora Park on Crimora-New Hope Road (Rt. 612) in Crimora. The parking lot is about 100 yards across a flat yard from the river. The park includes river-side picnic areas, and up on the hill you will find a community center, restrooms, playground, picnic shelters, and ball fields.

Staying as Safe As Possible:

River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including:

1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need

2) Wear your life preserver

3) Wear closed-toe secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times

4) Don't drink water from the river

5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia)

6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river

7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever.

8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans.

9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark.

10) Avoid wild animals

11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds.

12) Fish and boat with a partner

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for South River at Crimora Park and 8,000 other beaches.