Primitive Camping along the Virginia State Scenic Rappahannock River

Amenities and Rates

Camp with Us

We offer primitive camping(tents) along the State Scenic Rappahannock River. No RV sites available at this time. Enjoy peace and quiet, with nothing but the sounds of nature and the flowing river.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available via water spigots nearby. No electricity is available. Pit privies are available nearby and hot showers are available a short distance from the sites. Fantastic fishing opportunities with the river and a pond on the property as well. Bring your canoes/kayaks or rent them from us and utilize the boat ramp on site. The float(canoes/kayaks) from Kelly’s Ford(4-6 hours) or Eagle’s Nest(2 hours) to the campground is amazing. A beautiful journey along a protected river that is still mostly untouched by man. Bald eagles abound.

We are open year round. However, the hot showers and water hydrants will not be available during winter months as they will need to be winterized.

Camping Rates:

$24-30/night(includes 2 people) base rate for sites along the river. $10/night for additional people(ages 9+).

$20/night(includes 2 people) base rate for sites in the pine trees. $8/night for additional people(ages 9+).

$75/night(includes 2 people) for the new Lotus Belle Canvas platform tent. $10/night for additional people(ages9+).

FREE: children ages 8 and under.

$5/night for up to 2 dogs(please keep dogs leashed and clean up after them).

$5 guest fee for visiting guests not staying the night.

Check in time is between noon and nightfall(arrive before nightfall to familiarize yourself with the area). Check out time is noon.

Email or call/text for groups of 20 or more.

Firewood, ice, and some other items are sold on site at the campground. If you need other items, Jimmy’s Stop and Shop is the closest store and will most likely have what you’re looking for. Great family owned store about 15 minutes away, loved by locals.

Canoe/Kayak/Tube Rentals(put in and take out at Rappahannock River Campground):

Canoes: $40/canoe/day. Includes life vests and paddles.

Kayaks: $20/kayak/day. Includes life vests and paddles.

Tubes: $10/tube/day. Includes life vests.

Canoe/Kayak/Tube River Trips(water level dependant):

Kelly’s Ford(11 miles upriver, 4-6 hour canoe/kayak paddle)

• 8:00 am meet up on SAT/SUN outside of the big red barn for briefing and gear issue. Reserve online(Click the “Book a River Trip” button above).

Eagle’s Nest(3.5 miles upriver, 2 hour canoe/kayak paddle, 3-5 hour tube float)

• 10:00 am and 12:00 noon meet up on SAT/SUN outside of the big red barn for briefing and gear issue. Reserve online(Click the “Book a River Trip” button above).

Canoes: $60/canoe. Includes vests, paddles, and shuttle of gear to launch location.

Kayaks: $40/kayak. Includes vests, paddles, and shuttle of gear to launch location.

Tubes: $20/tube. Includes vests, a cooler tube, and shuttle of gear and personnel 3.5 miles upstream.

Click the “Book a River Trip” button above to view and book all of the available options. New tubing trips have been added.

UPDATE(March2022): Due to my 15 passenger van being crushed by a tree over the winter, I can no longer shuttle people upriver to Kelly’s Ford. I can shuttle the boats and gear, but you will need to provide your own transportation to Kelly’s Ford. I can still transport people to the shorter “Eagle’s Next” location.

All trips are self guided, you will not have a guide with you. The trips are beginner friendly, but it is highly recommended that you have someone with canoe/kayak experience with you. You’re out in the wilderness with dangers and risks. It’s not a Disney ride :) Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a dry bag. If you miss the meetup time, your boat rental fees will not be refunded. If trips are cancelled due to low/high water levels or lightening, your boat rental fees will be fully refunded. Click the button above to check water levels. Below 3 feet on the gage height is too low for paddling. Above 5 feet is too high for paddling.

We currently only offer the canoe/kayak river trip from Kelly’s Ford - Rappahannock River Campground, and the canoe/kayak/tube trips from Eagle’s Nest(private launch 3.5 miles upriver) - Rappahannock River Campground. If the campground is open and the water level is good, these trips are offered, year round. If you’re interested in other trips in the area along the Rappahannock or Rapidan Rivers, please reach out to Twin Junction Outfitters(01May-26Sep) at https://www.twinjunctionoutfitters.com/. Or Virginia Outdoor Center at www.playva.com

Review the release of liability form and other helpful information here: Boating/Tubing Info

Other Rates:

Boat ramp access: $7/boat, parking free. No charge if you’re camping.

Shuttle your personal boats to Eagle’s Nest(private launch 3.5 miles upriver): $20/boat($40 minimum). Shuttle your personal boats to Kelly’s Ford(11 miles upriver): $20/boat($60 minimum). Limited seating in my truck for this longer trip. Be prepared to shuttle some of your own people.

Day Pass for non-campers(fishing, picnicking, river access for the day, visiting guests, etc): $5/person, parking free.

Dry cut firewood is available at $1/piece.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

Camping reservations canceled 10 days out or more receive a full refund. Reservations canceled less than 10 days out receive no refund but may be eligible for partial camp credit on a future reservation. Reservations canceled within 3 days receive no refund or camp credit.

Site Map:

Sites 1-29 are in an established pine forest. Nice areas. Sites 30-35 are in more of an open field. Spacious, but not much shade. If privacy is what you’re looking for, go with site 20, 22, 36, 57, or 58, all of which are spacious and secluded. Sites 37-52 are the sites closest to the river, with sites 40-41 and 46-50 right up on the river. You can drive up to each site, 2 vehicles per site. Overflow parking available away from sites.