Home can be a respite on the water. Home can be the sunrise spilling into the windows of your cabin. Home can be warmth from the campfire after a long day on the boat. Home can be a place where you catch your breath and calm your mind in the company of family and friends.
Here, in Virginia’s River Realm, a home away from home awaits at one of our campgrounds. Each one has its own character, events, adventures and epic views. You can learn about each one here. As you bring your camper, tent or just your bathing suit, get out and explore the shorelines, the food, the music and more. Here is our guide to the outdoor life in the River Realm:
Go Hi or Low
Ready to live life as close as possible to nature? Pack up your tent. Our campgrounds like Cross Rip Camp, Bush Park Campground and Belle Isle State Park offer primitive camping options next to the water. If you’d like a little more comfort, pull your RV into Bethpage Camp Resort or Grey’s Point Camp with all the luxuries of a tiny town. Don’t forget your decorations! Everyone add’s their own flavor to their camping spot and golf cart, no matter how long you stay. For , book a stay in a cabin at Belle Isle State Park or a cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort.
Get on the Water
Have your own boat? Bring it on! Each one of our campgrounds have boat ramps where you can launch your ride. If you want to head out on the water, but don’t have your own vessel, no worries. You can also rent boats, jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks at our campgrounds. Take it up a notch and learn how to sail with Premier Sailing. If you want to kick up your feet, have Norton’s Yachts charter a boat for you and your crew for the day. Learn more about getting out on the water in the River Realm.
Take a Break from the Campfire
We love cooking up fresh and simple dinners on the grill. That’s what camping is all about, right? Simplicity. Sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple by letting someone else do the work. Our restaurants and foodie spots are culinary gems waiting for you to enjoy something a little more decadent and unique. Just seven miles down the road from Cross Rip Camp is The Table at Wilton. Here, chef Elizabeth Ward serves up southern classics inspired by a water-to-table mentality. Adjacent to Bethpage is Urbanna Seafood and Raw Bar. Enjoy fresh oysters, crabs, fish and more with a cold beer right on the water. Find a full list of our foodie favorites here.
Water Park Love
The “Rivah” calls us to the region for its beauty and boating. Take a break from the sand and wildlife to lounge by the pool. Both Bethpage Camp Resort and Grey’s Point Camp have lively water park with slides, fountains and splash parks for the whole family. The grown-ups can post up by the pool and the kids and splash the day away. Water parks are included when you stay at the resort.
Get Jammin’
We are music lovers around these parts. Thanks to our local restaurants, outdoor amphitheaters and marinas, there is always a beat to enjoy. They each welcome a variety of musicians from near and far. Music at the lake at Bethpage, Belle Isle State Park’s Music by the River, Kilmarnock’s Town Centre Park’s Music on the Half Shell Stage or Urbanna’s Music Under the Stars, there’s always something to tap your toes to. Check our events page for dates and times.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
If being by the pool doesn’t cool you off, we suggest something frozen to beat the heat. Stevie’s Ice Cream in Kilmarnock offers lots of favors and even a “pup cup” for your furry friend. Or head to Cowtopia just outside the Bethpage Campground for a round of mini golf followed by some frozen deliciousness. Hit up Country Cottage in White Stone for Hershey’s ice cream or their homemade fudge.
Head Out On The Town
Our campgrounds are full of fun, sun, and memories. There’s a lot more in the River Realm to explore. For example, if you’re resting your head at Cross Rip Camp, head out for some history and a boat tour at Deltaville Maritime Museum or catch a Deltaville Deltas ball game at the Deltaville Ballpark. Discover even more fun by checking out our ‘itinerary experiences’ there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss our Events Calendar for festivals, music, farmer’s markets, carnivals, stock car racing and more.
Head to the Track
Virginia Motor Speedway is the place to go for something a little more dirty and loud. The Speedway offers wild nights of dirt track racing. From a weekly stock car racing series to world championships, there is always something new on the schedule. Watch your children’s eyes grow larger as cars collide on the track and mud splashes on the stands. The schedule is full of fun through November. Visit the website to plan out your trip.
Share Your Camp Life Pics!
Whether you’re catching an epic sunset by the river or chowing down on local foodie finds, share your shots! Tag us on Instagram @virginiasriverrealm. We can’t wait to see how you River Realm and #findyourshoreline.
