May 11 - 13 2012 RV Trip to Belle Isle State Park, Va.

My wife and I decided to take a three day weekend at one of Va's newest state parks:  Belle Isle State Park, located SE of Fredericksburg along the Rappahannock River--on the Northern Neck.

We discovered a wonderful, well designed park--30 campsites with electricity and water. Our drive-through space required no leveling--perfect. This park offers places to put your own canoe or boat in, or you can rent canoes.

If you want to watch wildlife, birds, and butterflies, plan to rest in a comfortable chair on the back side of the visitor's center. The staff there are growing plants, grasses, and flowers to support a spectacular view of the Rappahannock River!

I stirred up a number of dragon flies when I walke by this marsh

I saw a number of osprey perched high in the trees

This was quite a boon to see--a field of flowers

Pretty back lighting while on the boardwalk

I enjoyed a walk from the campground to Mulberry Creek, where there is a nice accessible boardwalk--great place to watch birds and wildlife. From there, I walked along Mud Creek Trail, a covered gravel trail. However, the highlight of the walking was along the Watch House Trail, which led me to the Rappahannock River and back to the camp store and ancient barn.

Groundhogs were quite prevalent in this park

This bunny froze as I approached it--then it hopped off into brush

I like the lines of this field

This corn looks healthy

This campground was mostly empty on Friday night--but it was overflowing Saturday night, with all of the boaters coming in. Make a reservation if you choose to come over a weekend.

I look forward to returning during birding season!