Place

Belle Isle State Park

A family fishing from a pier overlooking a river.
A family fishing the Rappahannock River from Belle Isle State Park.

Virginia State Parks

Quick Facts
Location:
Northern Neck, Lancaster County, VA
Designation:
State Park
MANAGED BY:

Beach/Water Access, Bicycle - Rental, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Electrical Hookup - Boat/RV, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Shelter/Cabin, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

Belle Isle State Park is an 892-acre park in Lancaster County, Virginia that spans across seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock River. The expansive park covers a wide variety of tidal wetlands, farmlands and upland forests. This array of habitats allows for many recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback-riding, camping and more. The diverse habitats also make Belle Isle a premium park for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with bald eagles, herons and osprey frequently observed.

Belle Isle State Park was first operated as a plantation beginning in the 17th century, with the land first acquired by John Bertrand in 1692. Though the Downman family operated the plantation until the 19th century, various other families have held the property over the years until acquisition by Virginia. The property is also identified on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 1632 Belle Isle Rd., Lancaster, VA  22503. 

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Chesapeake Bay

Last updated: June 7, 2023