Posted August 5, 2016 | Updated June 30, 2018

We recently had the pleasure of discovering the wonders of Belle Isle State Park. We have a lofty goal of visiting all the state parks this year, and this one is an easy day trip from both Richmond and Northern Virginia or DC.

Of the few that are in the Northern Neck region of Virginia, this one has many things going for it.

Spectacular sunsets make this a very special place

Beautiful Belle Isle State Park in Virginia has many surprises instore

The parks westward orientation makes for evenings of amazing sunsets. Its position on the Rappahannock River makes it part of the Chesapeake Bay tidal region, so it is a haven for both osprey and bald eagles, as well as having a healthy blue heron population. 

We had a picnic after some nice hikes and got to watch a pair of bald eagles coming and going from their platform nest just offshore. This is the only nesting pair of bald eagles we've seen use an offshore platform in all of our state park visits this year. Osprey were fishing all day as well, but had nests further away in the distance. What a treat!

Truly notable about Belle Isle State Park is the nice job they've done with handicap accessibility. There's a parking lot with a wooded picnic area immediately abutting it, and a boardwalk that follows the edges of the marshes. The views are great and perfect for watching sunsets in the evening. 

The perfect place to enjoy a picnic and then wander down the boardwalk

Bring a picnic or charcoal and cook out on the pedestal grill at the picnic area

Explore marsh life from the platform over the river

Handicap accessible viewing platform

There is so much to see at this amazing park

You can take a stroll along the Rappahannock River 

One of many blinds for birders, strategically located around waterways for wide views of spring and autumn migrations

These marshes are heavily trafficked by migratory birds in both spring and fall, so a perfect place for watching waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors pass through the area.

I can't think of a single thing that can compete for just $4 for the entire family. That's less than half the price of a movie ticket!

If you choose to camp for many days, you can use this park as a home base for day trips into an area of Virginia rich in history.

Many of America's most historical figures were born in this area of Virginia. After enjoying the region's history you can return to the park and unwind in the cool Rappahannock River breezes, and watch the bald eagles and osprey make their last fishing flights of the evening against the setting sun.

Virginia is rich in history

Vultures and marsh periwinkles (key members of the local estuary ecosystem)

Helpful Hint: "My Tide Times" is a free app uses GPS location to determine when tides are high and low. It just locates nearest water to your current location.