Belle Isle State Park

You may have heard of the farm-to-table concept. But have you heard of table-to-park? Well, that is what takes place when you head straight to a state park after eating a delicious Thanksgiving lunch. Yes, I definitely made that up, but if you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving tradition, you may want to check this one out. This plan offers the convenience of being able to enjoy a homecooked meal with family and friends and setting up a campsite all on the same day. By doing this you'll also be all ready to fully participate in Opt Outside the following day. Plus, if your birthday happens to be Thanksgiving weekend like mine is, this plan provides a fun way to continue the celebration into the weekend!

As our second consecutive year to go camping on Thanksgiving weekend, it was another great experience. Tip: Read about the previous Thanksgiving trip to Staunton River State Park here. 

Three unique aspects stood out to us at Belle Isle State Park. Situated on the Rappahannock River in the Northern Neck of Virginia, this park is a mix of wetlands, farmland, and forest. And it is beautiful!

1. The Rappahannock River is so clear! If it weren’t for the chilly weather and the fact winter is right around the corner, I would have been in that water. It looked so inviting as we enjoyed the view from the small sandy “beach” near the picnic and playground area. We want to return when it’s warm enough for kayaking and playing in the water.

2. It is so quiet and peaceful! I don’t know if it was the time of year, the way the various areas of the park are spread out, or the mix of cornfields surrounded by water almost everywhere you turn, but the atmosphere was definitely tranquil. Tip: Bring bikes. We just brought the kids’ bikes and wish we had brought ours. Every trail permits bike riding. Plus, with the flat terrain and the way the park is laid out, we could have biked everywhere instead of driving.

3. The campsites are spacious and private! The size of the sites and the numerous surrounding trees also contribute to that peaceful quality. This was probably the best state park campground that we’ve stayed in so far. Not only are the sites great, but the loop is nicely paved, and the bathhouse feels new and clean.

Less than a two-hour drive from the central Virginia area where we live, Belle Isle will be a park we revisit for sure.

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Belle Isle State Park - Lancaster, VA

Equipment: Travel Trailer

Date: Thanksgiving Weekend 2023

Weather: Sunny and cold (campfires were not permitted due to a fire ban - Tip: Bring a propane or electric heater when camping during a burn ban so that you can still enjoy sitting together outdoors.)

Kid-Friendly: Yes (ours were ages 11 and 9)

Dog-Friendly: Yes (we have a large dog and a small dog)

Site: 10

• Water/Electric

• Pull-through (very deep and wide)

• Level (no leveling was required - this was especially nice since we arrived in the dark)

• Gravel

• Partial shade due to leaf-less trees (would be very shady during summer)

• Lots of trees on site

• Many good hammock trees

• Semi-close to bathhouse

• Paved roads

Bathhouse:

• 4 external shower rooms 

• Very nice and clean

• Dishwashing station and laundry room

Cell Service: Spotty (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

Click here to watch highlight reel.

• Rappahannock River

  • Beautiful river with clear water

  • Boat ramp

  • Canoe/kayak launch (very cool ADA kayak launch)

  • Universally-accessible boardwalk, fishing pier, and observation pier (Tip: Look for the huge bald eagle's nest!)

  • Neat sandy shoreline near playground and picnic area

  • Canoe-in primitive campground

  • There are no guarded swimming areas at this park

• Visitor Center

  • Very nice visitor center

  • Holiday ranger-led activity (macrame Christmas ornaments)

Area Highlights:

• None that we explored, but we drove through the cute towns of Tappahannock and Warsaw on the way to and from

Park Hikes:

• Porpoise Creek to Watch House to Neck Fields to Brewer's Point Canoe-in Campground  -  4.4 miles out and back

• Parked at picnic/playground area

• Took part of the side loop trails on the way back (Brewer's Trail and the eastern part of Neck Fields Loop)

• Easy, flat, wide trails

• Waterviews

• Campground Spur to Mud Creek to White Oak Swamp Loop to Bluebird to Creek Landing Rd. to Campground - 2.75-mile loop

  • Easy, flat, very wooded for most of the hike

  • Waterviews

Tip: Pick up a hiking guide at the kiosk next to the camp store, with trail descriptions and wildlife to look for. All of the trails permit bikes and most allow equestrian.

Area Hikes:

• None that we explored

Other Campsites:

• Campground is one loop with 29 spacious sites and a bunkhouse

• With the exception of sites 29 and 30 which are very far from the bathhouse, we would stay at any of the sites

• Sites 8-14 are pull-through with many trees in between the sites

• Sites on the outer part of the loop back up to woods

• A few of the sites are closer together and would be great for camping with friends: 1 and 2, 4 and 5, 24 and 23, 27 and 26

• No cabins or yurts at this park, but two nice guest houses for rent, Bel Air Mansion (for 6 people) and Bel Air Guest House (for 8 people), located on a 33-acre peninsula with views of the river (also available for weddings and other events)

Things to Do Next Visit (Because There's Just Never Enough Time!):

• Kayak (we'd like to return when it's warmer and go kayaking)

• Ride bikes (we'd like to explore more of the trails)

• Run trails (the flat terrain is great for easy trail runs)

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