Take Your Camper to the Coast: Where to Camp in Virginia’s River Realmd

There’s something about waking next to the water. Here in Virginia’s River Realm, we’re well acquainted with the enchantment and constant inspiration of our local rivers, creeks and the Bay. One of the best ways to experience these beautiful waterways is by camping. You can get closer to the water when you stay at one of many campgrounds in the area. These campgrounds have secrets of their own including wild water parks, geocache adventures, live music, crabbing lessons and so much more.

Get up close and personal with nature at one of our local campgrounds and resorts. Wake up to the sounds of the water flowing along the banks and fall asleep exhausted from a day of fun with the family . . . .

Bethpage Camp-Resort

679 Brown’s Lane, Urbanna, VA
(804) 758-4349

Bethpage Camp-Resort has been voted the best RV Resort and Best National Park of the Year. When you visit, you’ll understand why. The resort features a lively water park with slides, fountains and more for the whole family. You can also enjoy the water swimming in the resort’s lake. Park your boat at the marina for easy access to sunset cruises and early morning fishing. Make sure you leave room after dinner at Urbanna Seafood and Raw Bar for mini golf and ice cream at COWTOPIA

__ Season:__ April 1 – November 15

Belle Isle State Park

1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA (804) 462-5030

Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the northern shore of the Rappahannock River. You and your family can explore tidal wetlands woven in between farmland and forests. The state park has an RV campground, three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motor boat and car-top launches. If you don’t want to bring the camoer or tent, Belle Isle also offers overnight lodging at Bel Air and the Bel Air Guest House for a truly unique and relaxing experience on the water. There are many ways to have fun in the park: universal access playground, boardwalk and fishing pier, and educational programs. Belle Isle is also close to area attractions like Stevie’s Ice Cream and Kilmarnock Town Centre Park. See our Belle Isle State Park weekend travel guide here.

Season: Year round Cross Rip Camp 503 Cross Rip Rd, Deltaville, VA
(804) 776-9324

Cross Rip Camp is a seasonal campground located on the Chesapeake Bay near the Intercoastal Waterway. You will wake up to 833 feet of shoreline on a freshwater pond and 1,186 feet of riprap and sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay. You’re just a few miles away from restaurants like Cocomo’s and attractions like the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park. Bring along your boat, which you can keep in a slip during your stay or year round.

Season: May 1 to November 6

Greys Point Campground

3601 Greys Point Rd, Topping, VA
(804) 758-2485

Located along the Rappahannock River, Grey’s Point Camp is surrounded by all things water. You’ll find water views everywhere you go, from the beach to the sundeck. Bring along your fishing pole and boat to enjoy prime fishing on the Rappahannock or in the Chesapeake Bay. The Campground is also bike friendly and kid friendly. Spend the day at the waterpark and playgrounds and nights playing cornhole and sitting by the fire. The whole family will be tired after your weekend by the river.

Season: April 1 – November 15

Bush Park Camping Resort

724 Bushy Park Rd, Wake, VA
(804) 776-6750

Enjoy a peaceful wonderland of nature and history while staying at Bush Park Camping Resort. Enjoy the Rappahannock River and Bushy Park Creek along with access to the Chesapeake Bay on the 97-acre campground, which was one of the original Churchill Farms known as Bush Park Farm. You and your family can spend the mornings on the water fishing and crabbing, afternoons by the family pool, and evenings back at the campsite cooking up your catch of the day.

Season: April 1 – November 15

Just two hours from Richmond or Hampton Roads, 3 hours from Washington DC, Virginia’s River Realm is a tourism destination along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary, the Rappahannock River. We invite visitors to explore delightful surprises, hidden gems and our friendly, small town spirit. The 465 miles of shoreline, eight great small towns, and hundreds of unique attractions will mesmerizes you to enjoy the wonder of a perfect oyster, the promise of a secret cove or back road and the pleasure of sharing a table with friends, a place where you can catch your breath, calm your mind & live your dreams

Written by Virginia’s River Realm for Virginia’s River Realm.