Outdoor Adventures & Camping

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Outdoor Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty of Virginia’s River Realm. RV Campgrounds, Nature Park Camp Sites, Kayaking, and 465 Miles of Shoreline to explore!

Looking For An Outdoor Adventure?

Look no further than Virginia’s River Realm! Our picturesque region offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from kayaking and fishing to hiking and camping. With miles of pristine shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, the River Realm is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to experience the beauty of the River Realm firsthand!

Where Is Virginia's River Realm?

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Camping & Ways To Stay

Bethpage & Grey's Point Campground | RV Campgrounds in Virginia

Bethpage campground

If you have a fondness for the outdoors, try our 3 Time winner Best RV Resort in the nation! Rent a cottage or a RV site with full hook-up that includes incredible amenities such as a water park, playgrounds, fishing docks, lake beach, and daily themed activities. 

Grey's Point Campground | RV Campgrounds in Virginia

grey's point campground

This RV Campground is located right next to the Rappahannock River with expansive views of our iconic bridge. Rent a cottage or an RV site and start your outdoor vacation with water parks, playgrounds, fishing docks, and more. 

Cross Rip Campground

Nestled on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay between the Rappahannock & Piankatank Rivers, Cross Rip campground offers a peaceful and scenic setting for visitors to enjoy. With access to the water for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more, Cross Rip Campground is the perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike to create unforgettable memories.

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Get Inspired For Your Trip

Camping By The Chesapeake Bay

From traditional tent camping at state parks to “glamping” at award-winning resorts, there are plenty of opportunities to fall in love with the region from your campsite. Read on to discover some of the best camping options in the River Realm, and get ready to capture and share your favorite moments.

Get Outdoors
in the River Realm

There’s no shortage of ways to explore the stunning wildlife and rich foliage that the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking to relax on a sunset cruise or get up close and personal with the fish and oysters beneath the water’s surface, the River Realm has something for everyone.

Fishinf the Rappahannock & Chesapeake

First-timer's guide to fishing in the river realm

With its vast waterways and diverse species of fish, the Rappahannock and Chesapeake Bay offer an ideal location for anglers of all levels to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time fisherman, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your fishing experience in the River Realm.

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Experiences

boating on the river & Chesapeake Bay

Virginia’s River Realm is located where the Rappahannock River & the Chesapeake Bay come together, making it a prime location for all things on the water: boating, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and the list goes on. Whether you want to BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) or you’re looking for a weekend rental, we have plenty of options to get you on the water!

Take a nature walk along our shorelines

The River Realm is full of wildlife and nature. Take it all in at one of our beautiful nature parks, where you can stroll along a beachy shoreline, esplore tidal wetlands, and hike along wooded trails. View our waterfowl, native plants and enjoy the beautiful, quiet outdoors.

Take An Eco Tour with our watermen

Join one of the Captains from Virginia Watermen Heritage Tours for the Bay’s best hands-on tours. Experience the Chesapeake Bay with an authentic working waterman as your personal guide. From learning about the Bay to how the oyster industry has returned to watching wildlife, this is as personal as it gets.

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Dining By The River & Bay

Merroir | Outdoor Dining on the Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

Merroir Tasting Room

A casual, relaxing outdoor atmosphere with surrounding river views, offering a small plate menu. Home of the famous Rappahannock Oyster Company. Their oysters are served fresh out of the river from their aquaculture farm. Sit at the deadrise boat, Ruby, converted as an summer outdoor bar.
Fish Hawk Tides Inn | Outdoor Dining on the Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

FISH HAWK at the tides inn

Fish Hawk Oyster Bar is a coastal eatery offering outdoor seating on the beach along Carter Creek. The resort’s Executive Chef, Truman Jones, elevates guests’ dining experiences at Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, and cocktail hour is filled with signature river realm-style beverages.
Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar | Outdoor Dining on the Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

DELTAVILLE TAP & raw bar

Where the river meets the Bay at the tip of the Middle Peninsula, you’ll find the best waterfront restaurant in Deltaville. Craft brews, wines and cocktails go superbly with low country boils, wings 5 ways, sushi bombs and crab cakes, pasta and burgers. Watch for live music events on holiday weekends.
Portside Grill in Urbanna | Outdoor Dining on the Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

Portside Grill in Urbanna

Nestled in the Urbanna Port Marina, Portside Grill has inside and waterfront seating. Sip your cocktails together as you watch the boats drift by. Portside’s menu offers local seafood and American favorites. Try their crab tots, Bay Dream oysters, crab cakes, burgers topped with crab, oyster fritters or sea spouts.
Urbanna Seafood | Outdoor Dining on the Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

Urbanna Seafood

Tucked away on Robinson Creek you’ll find a hidden local secret, where you’ll experience the most beautiful sunsets in Urbanna. Urbanna Seafood catches their own oysters and crabs locally. Share an Urbanna Bucket that’s hearty enough for two or nibble on specialties like crab balls with a zesty remoulade sauce.

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Discover Your Perfect River Realm Adventure!

Are you the type that loves an outdoor adventure? Or are you looking to spend quality time with your loved ones splashing along our shorelines?

Discover your perfect path for exploring the wonders of Virginia’s River Realm.