Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck’s Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. It has a campground, three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motor boat and car-top launches. Belle Isle also offers overnight lodging at Bel Air and the Bel Air Guest House. Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals are available. Guests also enjoy the park’s universal access playground, boardwalk and fishing pier, and educational programs. The Bel Air historic area is ideal for weddings.
The diverse habitats found in the park provide homes to many predator birds, such as blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles. White-tailed deer, turkeys, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, moles, reptiles and amphibians are also common. There are eight distinct types of wetlands within the park. These diverse ecosystems make Belle Isle an excellent outdoor laboratory for environmental education.
Belle Isle State Park’s Bel Air historic area is frequently sought by couples wanting a memorable and beautiful setting in which to tie the knot. Situated on the 33-acre grounds are the Colonial-style Bel Air House (also called the Mansion) and Guest House cottage. Wedding parties may handle their arrangements – caterer, musicians, florists, tables, chairs, tents, etc. Generally, the park requires only payment of the season’s standard overnight rental fees for both dwellings and a special-use permit.
The park is open 8 a.m. to dusk daily. The office is open Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The Camp Store is open Thurs. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bike, canoe and kayak rentals available daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
Campsites, the Bel Air house and guest house are available for rent.