Belle Isle State Park

Belle Isle State Park covers roughly 900 acres with seven miles of shoreline along the Rappahannock River, featuring tidal wetlands, farmland, and forests. The land displays these different habitats side by side, giving visitors a range of landscapes to explore in one place.

The land came into private ownership in 1692 when John Bertrand acquired it, and the Belle Isle mansion was built around 1760 by Raleigh Downman. This early establishment shaped the property's development for generations to come.

The park is part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, marking early European exploration of the Chesapeake Bay region. Walking through the land and along the shoreline connects visitors to this period of discovery and settlement.

The park offers camping with RV and tent sites, boat launches, rental equipment, and multiple hiking trails suited to different fitness levels. Water conditions along the river and coves vary with the seasons, so visitors should check current conditions before planning water activities.

Interior rooms and original wooden panels from the Belle Isle mansion are now displayed at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware for visitors to see. This means that travelers can view the architectural details of the original house in a museum setting far from the property itself.

Location: Lancaster County

Website: https://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/belle-isle

GPS coordinates: 37.77444,-76.59944

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03