Posted May 10, 2017 | Updated August 20, 2019

If you live or work in the Williamsburg area, then you probably enjoy the outdoor scenery and sites of interest offered in Virginia's Historic Triangle. But even with so much right there in your own backyard, you still may wish to escape the crowds for the day and branch out a bit further and we've got just the ticket.

In Part 2 of this series we will present two more Virginia State Parks that offer affordable amenities and fun programs for the entire family, and offers ways to enjoy the water. 

If you like to fish, bike, bird watch or beachcomb then read on to see two more parks to explore on Virginia's beautiful waterways.

KIPTOPEKE STATE PARK

Beachcombing on the Chesapeake Bay at Kiptopeke State Park is a fun year-round activity

Two beaches and a fishing pier make this park a great day-trip destination

Kiptopeke State Park is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and offers recreational access to the fantastic Chesapeake Bay. With some of the most desirable birding locations to watch the great migration along the Atlantic Flyway. 

HISTORY

The fishing pier at Kiptopeke State Park was once a popular ferry terminus. In 1950 the terminus opened after the completion of a $2.75 million pier, promoted as the world's largest and most modern ferry pier. Ferry service ended in 1964 when the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was opened. 

CAST A LINE

The nine 1944 concrete ships located just offshore in 20 feet of water provide some of the finest fishing in the area. Kayak fishing around the ships may bring the angler some excellent fresh catches.

For those wishing to fish out to the water, but not in a kayak, then the fishing pier that is illuminated at night is the perfect solution. It has picnic tables and nice access to the water. And when the sun goes down the fish are drawn to the lights.

Click here to learn about the requirements to fish from the pier, and the park before you go. Or be sure to inquire at the park office before casting your line. This is a unique park and special fishing conditions apply.

RECREATION

There are two unguarded beaches if you want to cool off in the hot summertime, the south beach allows dogs on the beach if kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, also opportunities for crabbing, surf fishing and boating. The northern swim beach is nearly half a mile long and open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for unguarded swimming, no pets, fishing or canoes allowed on this beach.

There are five miles of biking and hiking trails to explore the park, and you may encounter wildlife like foxes, deer and plenty of birds. In season you can even rent a bike from the camp store.

Boy Scouts spend the day on the fishing pier at Kiptopeke State Park

Fishing pier at Kiptopeke State Park allows excellent access to great fishing

BONUS:

Kiptopeke's south end has some of the East Coast's most pristine upland maritime forest, and the chorus made by the small but mighty spring peepers can be almost deafening. The park's Taylor Pond is a freshwater pond and has two wildlife viewing blinds and native habitat gardens.

Bring your camera and binoculars as you may encounter some beautiful migratory species as they rest a spell in the pond, or stop for a nibble. In the fall songbirds and raptors frequent the area.

TRIVIA: Taylor's Pond is named after musician James Taylor and his wife Kim who donated the land to the park. The 26 acre addition to the park – acquired in late 2009 with funds from singer/songwriter James Taylor and the Virginia CZM Program to preserve habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife. The parcel was the last piece in a puzzle and connected existing park lands to the north, south and east.

Photography and wildlife viewing blind from Taylor's Pond

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Kiptopeke State Park.

Learn more about Kiptopeke State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is 1 hour 20 minutes' drive from Williamsburg, and the trip involves a toll bridge and a tunnel, for directions here.

BELLE ISLE STATE PARK

There are nature and wildlife program opportunities at Belle Isle State Park

We strive to make our parks accessible to all like this 1,000-foot boardwalk with observation deck

Belle Isle State Park offers seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides easy access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park allows visitors to explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests.

There are three picnic shelters, a playground, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motor boat and car-top launches. You can also rent a kayak or canoe to paddle in season, as well as bicycles, and motorboats.

BOATING

Belle Isle State Park offers fun guided canoe trips during the summer months. There is a ramp available for the motor boaters and car top launch area for canoes, kayaks and wind sails. If you are a boater then we encourage you to visit by way of water.

The motor boat area offers guests a picnic shelter, grills and restrooms. Docking is permitted during daylight hours.

Visitors can also enjoy the park's universal access playground, boardwalk and fishing pier.

PROGRAMS

Belle Isle State Park has some fascinating wildlife, nature and outdoor educational programs for all age groups. The park also hosts special events like Music by the River where you can pack a picnic, some chairs or a blanket and enjoy live music outside.

Enjoy hands-on excitement with special nature programs throughout the summer

Get out on the water by renting a canoe or participating in one of the paddling programs

TRIVIA: This Park is most often confused with Belle Isle which is a small 540 acre park in the city of Richmond. It is a city park, and an island that sits in the middle of the James River. This is another reason we always had the words "state park" every time we mention our parks. Richmond's Belle Isle was originally known as Broad Rock Island and it was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1607.

Belle Isle State Park is on the Northern Neck of Virginia. John Bertrand, a Huguenot, first acquired the property in 1692. The Downman family operated Belle Isle Plantation on the site throughout the 19th century

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Belle Isle State Park.

Learn more about Belle Isle State Park here to help plan your day trip. This park is just a 1 hour 35 minutes’ drive from Williamsburg, click here for a map. 

Just two more examples of unforgettable experiences to be had at Virginia State Parks

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You may also enjoy the first part of this series: "Two Unforgettable Experiences All Within an Hour of Williamsburg.

Posted May 10, 2017 | Updated August 20, 2019