Belle Isle State Park

I continue to be delighted with the VA State Parks. This one was no exception. The sites here are large and flat and very secluded. You either can't or barely can see your neighbor. Belle Isle is on the Rapahannock River. The campground itself would be a long walk to the river. A bike is recommended. Facilities were well kept. The one thing different this time were the Camp Hosts. They were great! They brought us firewood (which is .50 a log), checked us in. In general, just very accommodating. Additionally, they do boat rentals at this park (john boats and skiffs). We rented the skiff which ran great and made for an awesome day on the river. They had it all setup and ready to go. They recommended where to fish, and also sold supplies. One thing I can confirm from the other posters were that the mosquitos where prevalent. I have AT&T cell service and it was spotty.

We're a year into our Airstream Experience, and Belle Isle is our favorite state park campground in Virginia so far. Weekend warriors, we try to hit one camping experience per month, within a 4 hour drive of our Gainesville, VA location, for a long weekend. This park has everything we look for in a good campground - not too easy to get to (keeping the sites available for 'serious' campers, it's off the beaten path), spacious sites and friendly camp hosts, access to water for our kayaks, and trails for our bikes and walks with our dogs. Almost every site is completely level, with water and electric. Dump station is clean and easy to access. Rangers are local and knowledgable - sent us into the local town with a recommendation for great local food, and they were right (Car Wash Cafe - Kilmarnock - get crab cakes and any homemade dessert). And while this campground is right on the Rappahanock River, it's away from major development, but close enough to if you want to get back to civilization for the toothpaste or bug spray you forgot. Highly recommend, hope to see you there. (Rate per night includes the $5 transaction fee and tax for 4 nights)

We stayed at Belle Isle State Park over Memorial Day weekend. We snagged a spot at the last minute! The park itself is on the Rappahannock river but the campground is not. It is a small campground and the sites are basically off one loop. There are some long pull thrus, and the rest of the sites are back-in. All the sites have plenty of space and trees between sites so you have privacy. There is 30/50 amp electric and water. A dump is available as well. Even though the campground was full, it was pretty darn quiet. Most of the activities take place around the park which is huge. There is a small beach, playground and two places to put in boats. One for larger boats and one for smaller ones. It's a great place for bike riding, walking or jogging as the park roads are quiet. Within a short drive, there are wineries and restaurants. We had some excellent fried oyster tacos and raw oysters at The Dog and Oyster winery in Irvington, Va. Also, make sure and have and/or pickup some fresh Chesapeake Bay crabmeat. We would definitely stay here again. We stayed here in a motorhome. The rate listed is a little deceiving as we received a night free from a Virginia State Park rewards program.

We paid $30 per night instate camping fee plus a one time $5 registration fee. Out of state campers would pay $35 plus the fee.

Campsites were large with a lot of trees and vegetation between sites providing privacy. Sites on the outside of the loop are back in with sites in the center of the loop being pull through. Sites 21, 22, and 25 backed in farther providing more privacy. A few sites are close together "buddy sites" by design so that groups can camp close to each other. Each site included a gravel drive, 30 and 50 amp electric, water, picnic table, and fire ring. The bath house was new/modern with a laundry, dish washing sink, and showers. The showers were particularly nice.. each shower had a private dressing area with a bench, towel rack, and several hooks. There is a dump station in the campground. Campground was very dark at night... perfect for star gazing.

Firewood is sold by campground host for .50/stick or log. There is a camp store with regular hours Thurs - Sun. If you need anything from the store at other times you can contact the office or a ranger and they will open the store for you. We rented a kayak by contacting the park office and a ranger met us at the store to arrange for the rental.

Park has rentals for SUP, canoe, kayak, motor boats, and bicycles. Interpretive programs are scheduled on weekends including canoe trips. The park is located on the Rappahannock river.