Belle Isle State Park

Description:

• Private landowners have developed much of this area making this newly acquired state park land very important. Public recreational access is now available at this location to the Rappahannock River and the Mulberry and Deep Creeks. The parkland features tidal and nontidal wetlands, marches, coves, agricultural field and forests. The rolling terrain houses a variety of wildlife from raptors, blue herons, bald eagles, amphibians and reptiles white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, fox and much more. The staff at Belle Island is especially focused on providing an exquisite environmental education program to the community. Interpretive canoe trips are their specialty. Camping facilities are on the long-range development plan, however, today the park offers two sites for overnight accommodations. Mr. and Mrs. John Garland Pollard, Jr. built a home on this site in 1942. It is a colonial reproduction house designed by Thomas Tilson Waterman, an architectural historian that once worked with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The second building was once referred to as the playhouse for the Pollard's children. These building are furnished with period reproduction furniture and may be rented together or separately. They will sleep up to 14 making this a lovely spot for families, youth groups or corporate retreats.

  At present, there is no swimming but the park has built three new picnic shelters with grills overlooking the Rappahannock River. A concessions stand provides refreshments, boat and bike rentals. Saltwater anglers may fish from shore and there is a new boat launch with day-docking facilities. There are two multi-use trails available with more trails on the long-range development plan.

  Lancaster County is one of Virginia's quaint historic communities. It is home of the Mary Ball Washington Museum, Historic Christ Church, Tides Inn and Tides Lodge and many antique shops. Hughlett Point Natural Area and Bush Mill Stream Natural Area are minutes away.

  Belle Isle State Park is located in Lancaster County, Virginia. Take Rt. 3 to Rt. 354 and then Rt. 683 to the park entrance.