A cool breeze blows in through your windows. The chirping birds are calling to you, gently nudging you to head outdoors, get some fresh air, and unplug. The River Realm is here to help.
Tune out from your phone and laptop and in tune with the fresh air, enchanting waters, and the nature that abounds in the River Realm. Our marinas, parks, campgrounds, and waterfront restaurants are waiting for you. Enjoy a digital detox with friends and family. Make memories in nature that you’ll cherish forever.
Commit to your outdoor getaway by planning to snuggle up at one of our campgrounds. Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbanna and Grey’s Point Camp in Topping are two of our best-known campgrounds. You can approach your stay in several ways like bringing in your RV or enjoying an adorable cottage with your travel crew. Both campgrounds offer fishing access, water parks, beaches, and fun events and games for everyone. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats to enjoy the River Realm on your own terms. Bethpage even has a mini-golf course and ice creamery called Cowtopia! Belle Isle State Park and Cross Rip offer other experiences like tent camping and guest houses. Explore more ways to camp here.
There’s no better way to see Virginia’s River Realm than from the water. Hop aboard a sunset cruise with Sail & Surf Adventures and breathe in the fresh, salt air. Captain Clay and his 36′ sailboat, Galene, invite you to leave behind the hustle and bustle of life and set out on a unique excursion exploring the Rappahannock River that will leave you with a new appreciation for life on the water.
Whether you desire a mellow, intimate sunset cruise, a trip to a sea-side bar & restaurant, or the surf trip of a lifetime, Sail & Surf has the perfect adventure for you!
Want to get close to the River Realm’s stunning wildlife and rich foliage? The best way to do this is by paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. The sound of the river will take the place of a humming motor and you’ll find yourself truly tuning into nature. Get close to the shorelines and see the fish, oysters, and underwater plants moving below you. Birds like osprey and blue heron whirl in the skies and create an experience close to nature above and below. Windswept Experience & Supply in Irvington or Jackson Creek Outfitters in Deltaville can hook you up with a rental for your adventures. The staff can also offer expertise and guidance about their favorite spots and local tips–just ask! A variety of campgrounds and parks also offer rentals–simply call ahead before you visit to confirm. Use our business directory to explore!
Want to get close to the River Realm’s stunning wildlife and rich foliage? The best way to do this is by paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. The sound of the river will take the place of a humming motor and you’ll find yourself truly tuning into nature. Get close to the shorelines and see the fish, oysters, and underwater plants moving below you. Birds like osprey and blue heron whirl in the skies and create an experience close to nature above and below. Windswept Experience & Supply in Irvington or Jackson Creek Outfitters in Deltaville can hook you up with a rental for your adventures. The staff can also offer expertise and guidance about their favorite spots and local tips–just ask! A variety of campgrounds and parks also offer rentals–simply call ahead before you visit to confirm. Use our business directory to explore!
Stretch your legs on solid ground after you’ve enjoyed time on the water! The River Realm is home to a wide variety of parks. Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline where you and the travel gang can walk or bike along 10 miles of trails, cast a pole to fish, and enjoy a wide variety of educational programming. The walkway through Dameron Marsh leads to the secluded beach of Hughlett’s Point for a dreamy walk through an important preserved habitat for many unique plants and animals. Holly Point Nature Park at the Deltaville Maritime Museum features a relaxing collection of dog-friendly walking paths, a waterfront pier, picnic areas, a children’s garden, and more. There are a few secret parks around that locals love to enjoy like Watermen’s Park, a secluded riverfront pocket park where you can take in the view of the boats and wildlife like our osprey. Urbanna is also home to Taber Park which has a children’s playground, a bold LOVE sign for the perfect photos, and regular farmer’s markets, concerts, and more.
Few people know their ways around the River Realm like our local fisherman and waterman. Many of them have been crisscrossing our coves, creeks, and rivers for generations. The captains of Watermen Heritage Tours can show you around, tell the history of the local seafood industry, break down the ecology, and even help you bring in a catch yourself. You’ll appreciate the beauty of where your favorite seafood comes from and the heritage that fuels it. For a bit of fishing yourself, local pros at places like G & G Charters or WC Sport Fishing Charters can provide the tackle and take you to the perfect fishing and crabbing spots aboard their own boats. Get ready for fresh air AND fresh catches!
Work up an appetite with all this outdoor fun? We get it! Throughout the River Realm, we have plenty of waterfront dining options. Head over to sip wine and enjoy fresh oysters at Merroir as you overlook the waters and docks where they nurture and raise the famous Rappahannock River Oysters. In White Stone, Willaby’s serves up fun cocktails, craft beer, flavor-packed entrees, and the perfect place to watch the sunset. In Urbanna, Urbanna Seafood Market and Raw Bar offers up a casual space for fresh catches prepared by a multi-generation family-owned oyster business. Tucked away in the local marina, Portside Grill is a laid-back full-service restaurant serving up creative family-inspired takes on locally sourced seafood dishes. At the Deltaville Marina, Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar has spectacular views of Jackson Creek, which is just off the Chesapeake Bay. Order up a Sushi Bomb, Tap House Burgers, and Cajun Pasta to truly indulge. See more waterfront dining spots.
Capture And Share Your Fresh Air Moments
With every river bend and wind in the road, we’re sure you and your travel buddies captured memories of the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the River Realm. After your adventures are done, check out your photos and share the best with us! We hope more people like you can enjoy the calming and enchanting spirit of the River Realm. Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos.
