Review of Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbanna, Virginia

Bethpage Camp Resort holds the distinction of being named the ARVC National Park of the Year for 2005-2006. Once you enter the gates of the park, you will understand why. Bethpage is not just a campground; it is a destination for families from cities in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and other mid-Atlantic states.

The entrance is beautifully landscaped with trees and flowers, and puts your mind at ease as soon as you arrive. Checking in at the camp store is handled quickly, and you are escorted to your site by a camp host, even if you have visited there before. The host makes sure you get to the correct site and that all your hookups are working.

Campsites are level, large, and have full hookups including cable TV at each site. All sites are fifty feet long by fifty feet wide, and have both 30 and 50 amp electric service. Wireless internet is available at no extra charge. The campground does not have a permit from the state for tent camping. They do allow a screen tent for your picnic table. Bathhouses are very clean and most of them have laundry facilities.

In season rates, from May 15 through September 15 are 44.95 per night for a family of two adults and two children. Off-season is $29.95 per night. Extra people are $4.00 per night each. Premium holiday rates are $5.00 more per night. Make your reservations early; some of the popular weekends fill up fast. Some people make reservations up to two years in advance.

If you don't have an RV, you can rent a one, two, or three bedroom vacation rental. They range in price from $130 per night to $150 per night in season, and require a two night minimum stay. They are fully equipped except for bedroom and bathroom linens. A $150 security deposit is payable at check-in and is refundable upon checkout.

If you have a boat, bring it along. You can tie it up at the public dock for free, but it is first come, first served. Or, rent a wet slip for $10 per day and get an assigned site at one of the many docks. You are not allowed to store you boat trailer on your campsite, but you can leave in the parking lot behind the camp store, or rent a storage site at $10 per week.

Each weekend throughout the season has a theme, such as Chocolate Lovers Weekend, Teen Weekend, or Reality Show Weekend. Activities are planned to coordinate with whatever the theme is for that weekend. For example, on Chocolate Lovers Weekend, there was a chocolate pie eating contest; finger-painting with chocolate pudding; a chocolate pudding slip-n-slide; and a chocolate bar bingo. There are crafts for children and adults, softball games, basketball games, horseshoe tournaments, and much more.

Facilities on site include a large screened pavilion; a Rally Center that can be rented by large groups and for special occasions; two swimming pools; basketball and tennis courts; game room; horseshoe pits; and a lake with a sand beach. An Aquajump, or water trampoline in the lake, is popular with the kids. The Bethpager is a 40-passenger boat that takes you on an hour and a half trip up the Rappahannock River. Tickets can be purchased in the office.

Golf carts are another popular attraction at this resort. Rent one of theirs for $39.95 plus tax per day or bring your own. If you do bring your own, you must provide proof of insurance and pay $10 per day for its use during your stay. The do not allow any other form of motorized transportation in the park-no scooters, four wheelers, minibikes, or motorcycles.

Fishing is allowed both at the lake and on the docks at Robinson's Creek. No fishing license is required if you are fishing on the camp property. The lake is catch and release only, but you can keep whatever you catch at the creek, as long as it fits the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries fishing requirements. Croaker, flounder and crabs can be caught off the docks.

The camp store has a variety of grocery items, bait and fishing gear, water toys, t-shirts, and souvenirs, all at reasonable prices. They sell cigarettes but no beer or wine. Hot dogs, nachos, smoothies, coffee, and cappuccino are all sold in the store. Did I mention the wide selection of ice cream?

Urbanna is the closest town to this resort. It is a very small place with a population of about 600. There are a few local restaurants, but no fast food chains or other well-known places. A small supermarket is located downtown, along with several boutiques and antique shops. Pearl, the trolley, will take you around town for a quarter each way. Be prepared to drive at least twenty-five miles to get to Wal-mart if you need supplies.

Popular day trips from Bethpage include Colonial Williamsburg (45 minutes to an hour away); Norfolk and Virginia Beach (80 miles south); and Richmond (65 miles northwest). An hour drive to Reedville will get you to the Tangier Island Cruise Line for a day cruise.

You and your family will enjoy a vacation or weekend get-away to Bethpage Camp Resort. There is plenty to do for all ages, or you can just sit back and relax. Either way, get our reservation in fast, or you'll miss the best campground in the area.