Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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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.

Amazing sunsets make this a very special place, Belle Isle State Park in Virginia

Spectacular sunsets make this a very special place

Beautiful Belle Isle State Park in Virginia has many surprises in store

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. 

A great place to enjoy a picnic at Belle Isle State Park in Virginia

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 at Belle Isle State Park, Virginia

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

View marsh life from the boardwalk to the river at Belle Isle State Park, Virginia

Explore marsh life from the platform over the river

Everyone can enjoy Belle Isle State Park, this is a handicap accessible viewing platform

Handicap accessible viewing platform

There is so much to explore at Belle Isle State Park in Virginia

There is so much to see at this amazing park

Belle Isle State Park: It's 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.

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 at Belle Isle State Park, Virginia

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 - from Belle Isle State Park

Virginia is rich in history

Marsh periwinkles, a key member of the local estuary ecosystem at Belle Isle State Park, Virginia

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.

Another free perk is you can borrow an explorer park pack at Belle Isle State Park, Virginia

Another perk at Virginia State Parks is that you can borrow an explorer park pack to learn more about the wildlife and nature around you. These are free of charge and available to use for the day at every park. Supplies are limited so ask at the Park Office or Visitor Center.

For more photos and video of our day trips to Virginia State Parks and regional historical sites, follow us at our Facebook page "Virginia Through Our Eyes." At Belle Isle State Park we took 4 videos of 1 min or less, eagles coming and going from nest, and then some soothing videos of how peaceful the place is.

Stay tuned to Bob and Kevin's series to learn some cell phone photography tips, these images were all taken with a cell phone camera, and we are excited to have them get to know Virginia one park at a time.


Did you know you can visit any Virginia State Park for free using a pass obtained at your local library? Go here for the details.

Learn more about overnight accommodations at Belle Isle State Park by clicking here, or calling 800-933-7275.

Posted August 5, 2016 | Updated June 30, 2018

 

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (August 06, 2016 09:58:10 AM): Our parks a by law developed by a public master planning process. The 2011 update can be found here http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/document/mp4biexecsum.pdf. The current plan still shows only the one campground. We have close to a billion dollars of unfunded development already in master plans with no clear funding source. In fact our unfunded maintenance projects on what we already have is scary. So I don't see another loop anytime in the near future. The infrastructure including roads and bathhouse make it a much larger project than it seems. We have both a local Friends group and a statewide organization that helps raise awareness of our needs. If you email me at nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov I can send you some information

Nina (August 06, 2016 09:08:19 AM): We discovered Belle Isle in the early stages when getting a campsite was no problem. Now everyone has discovered this gem and it's hard to get a site. It would be awesome if they would expand the rv sites so more people can stay.

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