Belle Isle State Park Campground

Belle Isle State Park Campground, near Lancaster, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to all kinds of campers, whether you're rolling in with a big rig or pitching a tent under the trees.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including showers and restrooms that visitors have praised for their upkeep. Many campers have noted the spacious sites, which provide a good amount of privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. One reviewer mentioned, “The campground had both pull-throughs and back-in spots,” which adds to the convenience for RVers.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful hiking trails that wind along the water's edge, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. Just remember to pack some bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent, especially in warmer months. Families will find plenty to do, with a small beach area for kids to splash around and explore the shallow waters.

With friendly park rangers and a welcoming atmosphere, Belle Isle State Park Campground is a solid choice for a peaceful getaway. Just be sure to stock up on supplies before you arrive, as the nearest grocery store is a bit of a drive away. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground offers a great blend of relaxation and adventure.

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Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect

There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Some designated sites in this park have site specific reservations available. Site specific designated campsites may be occupied by site specific reservations only. These sites are available for a one night stay after 4:00 p.m., if they are not tagged.

Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Email.

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation.

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Belle Isle State Park Campground is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Belle Isle State Park is located in Lancaster County on the Rappahannock River. From Warsaw, take State Route 3 East to SR 354. Turn right and follow for three miles. Turn right onto SR 683 near Litwalton to the park entrance. From Kilmarnock, take Route 3 West to Lively, then left on SR 201 for three miles, then right on SR 354 for three miles and left onto 683 to the park entrance.

Address

1632 Belle Isle Rd.
Lancaster, VA 225039425

Coordinates

37.781786004387 N
76.5921079300097 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/4/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/4/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious, level sites with excellent privacy and well-maintained facilities. Many campers appreciated the family-friendly amenities and helpful rangers. Some noted significant mosquito issues during warmer months.

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2022

Well appointed campground!

I had some family members camping here, and took a quick day trip just to look around and take a couple of small hikes, and to use the dump station.

Campground has a shower/bathroom/laundry block that looks well taken care of. Washers and dryers are $1.25. There is a handicap shower available. Dump station was $10 for non-campers.

Nice hiking trails right along the waters edge, but you’ll want to bring some bug spray to fend off the voracious mosquitoes. We were there in mid-October, I shudder to think what it’s like in the summer.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Geo&Deb T., October 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Geo&Deb T., October 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Geo&Deb T., October 18, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

BELLE ISLE STATE PARK

First time staying in a travel trailer at a state park. We booked the day of, because we were being indecisive, and there were a few spots available.

We came in after hours, and the guide at the entrance told us where to get our packet (from the kiosk in front of the camp store).

It’s very easy to find everything here, and the camp ground had both pull-throughs and back in spots. Plenty of separation between you and your neighbor for some privacy. No issues with the water/electric/dump station. Almost no cell service to speak of, but that’s the beauty of going to a place like this. Very kid and pet friendly. The community showers and bathrooms are very clean.

Lots of bugs and mosquitos. Plan accordingly.

Both the visitor center and camp store have plenty of souvenirs, but not much besides that. Just know, if you don’t plan well enough to bring something, you’ll be traveling 20-30 min out of your way to reach anything besides a gas station (nearest grocery store/Walmart is 25 min away).

Overall, it was a great first experience in our RV at this state park!

SiteSITE 14
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 8, 2021

Great stay at Belle Isle

First time here for us. Sites and big and for the most part lots of space between. A couple of sites are close and could be buddy sites. Bathroom was clean and typical for a state park. We will be back.

Site14
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2021

Impressed

Spent Halloween here on a last minute reservation and man were we happy! This campsite is remote to the rest of VA for the most part, but hey isn’t that what camping is all about? Site #16 was perfect. It was gravel site that was level and very well maintained. Possibly our favorite campground in a VA State Park so far, it was that great of an experience. Come stocked with food and water since I don’t think there’s any large food markets that are close by (I could be wrong). We had water hookups and electric. They also have firewood sold at the campground that they sell on the honor system.

  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Frank  E., February 20, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2020

Middle of nowhere

Nice get-away from it all campground. Level sites, farmland all around. Well maintained, quiet campground.

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Quiet and peaceful!

Only 30 sites, all which have electric/water hookup. We’ve been here twice now, once with an RV and once in a tent. Most sites are shady and level, with lots of space between. The park rangers are friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a LOT to do. Beautiful hikes and bike trails, a small beach for the kids to splash in. We stayed in site 20, with friends across the way in 11, and it was a great way to see friends, but also have privacy. Sites 19 and 20 would be great buddy sites as well. We love it there!

  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Kristin , September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Kristin , September 14, 2020
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2020

Adorable

I used to live by this park and I visited it all the time with my cousins as kids! There are a couple playgrounds, swing sets, and tons of open areas for children to enjoy. The trails are nice and fairly well kept. The little sandy beach is by far my favorite part of the park though! The water is shallow and warm in the summer. In fact, the water is so shallow that you can wade almost 400 meters out or more! There are often crabs, small fish, and sometimes jellyfish floating about. There is always cool driftwood and shells to collect along the sand. Belle Isle is a great place to visit for day trips or over night camping! I’d definitely recommend it to anyone in the area that wants to get a small taste of the Chesapeake Bay and it’s wildlife and plants.

  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Lucille W., April 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Lucille W., April 26, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Belle Isle

No great photos to represent how pretty this State Park is. I used to camp here often with my family between 2010-2012. The campsites are nice and remote. The facilities, roads, and shelters are well maintained. There is an awesome little store to buy supplies, bait, and rent kayaks. Belle Isle also has a cute little beach touching the Chesapeake. You can walk pretty far out and enjoy the warm water!

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

Amazing Site but SUPER MUTANT BUGS GALORE

Hello,

Wow is all I have to say about this camping trip. It was partially our own fault because we had to rush in and didn’t research local bug populations. But holy crap! We kayaked in a sunset which was gorgeous and their were six tent sites. 4 of which were close together and two new ones which were really nice. No one was there but us. You can boat or hike in. We did primitive tent camping and it was so beautiful with our own lake view and private site for the time being but the BUGS were from another planet. We had super mutant mosquitoes and horse flies. They were resisitant to citronella candles, essential oils, and bug spray with 40% deet. We only found relief in the water. They invaded our tent as well and spent an hour in the evenings killing them before bed but still woke up with welts. If we come back it will be in winter when there are NO BUGS!!!!!! (Hopefully)

SiteGreys point
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Gina G., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Belle Isle State Park Campground by Gina G., August 26, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a map of Belle Isle State Park Campground?

Official campground maps are available at the entrance kiosk and camp store when you check in. After hours arrivals can find information packets, including maps, at the kiosk in front of the camp store. For advance planning, visit the Virginia State Parks official website where you can download or view a map of Belle Isle State Park showing the campground layout, hiking trails, facilities, and water access points. The campground consists of approximately 30 sites arranged in a way that provides good spacing and privacy for most campers.

What camping options are available at Belle Isle State Park?

Belle Isle State Park offers 30 campsites, all equipped with electric and water hookups. The sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with level, well-maintained gravel pads that provide plenty of space. Most sites are shady with good separation between neighbors, though a few sites are positioned closer together and work well for group camping. The campground features clean bathrooms, separate shower facilities, and laundry amenities (washers and dryers cost $1.25). Handicap-accessible shower facilities are also available. The campground is known for being quiet and peaceful, offering a genuine get-away-from-it-all experience.

Where is Belle Isle State Park located in Virginia?

Belle Isle State Park is located in Virginia's Northern Neck region, situated in a somewhat remote rural area surrounded by farmland. While relatively secluded from major population centers, this isolation contributes to its peaceful atmosphere and undisturbed natural environment. The park sits along a waterfront, offering views and access to water activities. Its somewhat remote location makes it an excellent destination for those looking to truly disconnect and enjoy nature away from urban areas. For specific directions, contact the park office or check the Virginia State Parks website.

What attractions and activities can I enjoy at Belle Isle State Park?

Belle Isle State Park offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Enjoy water activities at the small, quiet beach area or paddle along the shoreline during beautiful sunset kayak trips. The park provides kayak rentals and a well-stocked store for supplies and fishing bait. Explore the park's network of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse landscapes. Families will appreciate the playgrounds, swing sets, and open areas for children to play. Nature enthusiasts can experience the peaceful farmland surroundings and observe local wildlife. The park is well-maintained with clean facilities, making it ideal for both active adventures and relaxing getaways in a serene natural setting.