Checking interest for an overnight on the Rappahannock. I'm pasting the info here from some of the other boards I've posted on. Let me know if you'd like to come.
Feb 4/5 work for me. The campground is Rappahannock River Campground, here is
the website. http://canoecamp.com/
The camping equipment can stay in the car or you can carry it, your choice.
None of the sites have electricity. We could stay at 1-15 and park there, or we
can probably stay at the river sites and park up top. There is a gravel road I
think we can use to get gear down to the river sites, we'd just have to park
back up top and not drive on the grass, I'll ask if people would rather stay by
the river. They also sell eggs for 99 cent a dozen. Great deal if the chickens
are laying.
Here is the email from the campground.
Hi Scott,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. It's always crazy this time of year.
If there are enough people to bring in $100 or more, we will open up for winter camping provided the date(s) don't interfere with already scheduled plans. However, we don't allow vehicles at the river in the winter. The ground is too soft and it tears everything up. All of the water spigots are turned off except thru sites 1-15. We will allow vehicles in those sites.
River sites are $11.00 per person, plus tax, per night. Wooded sites are $9.00 per person, plus tax, per night.
Let me know if you decide to schedule something. Hope you have a Happy New Year!
Katy
Thanks,
Scott
4-5 Feb overnight on the Rappahannock
Moderators: admins, GinnyN, mod1, mod3, Raymond, slo2rol, mod2
Rappahannock
Are you thinking take out at the campground? Elys Ford? Motts Run? Sounds like fun.
Kelly's ford to Motts run with camping in the middle
That's the plan so far, but it can change if needed. Here is a trip description of Kelly's to the campground. I've done it solo with my dog on about 4-5 hours. They say class 2+, but judging from how the Maury is classed on this site I'd call the toughest rapid a light 2.
Distance
11 Mi. Time
4-6 Hrs. Scenery
Excellent Class/Difficulty
I-II+ Width
70-125ft
Kelly’s Ford to the Rappahannock River Campground is our most popular trip. It combines pleasant farm scenery with wilderness settings. For most of the trip there are very few signs of civilization. The rapids are exciting and challenging. They contain rock outcroppings, sandy beaches, numerous islands, and plenty of wildlife. There are vast forests, no railroad tracks, and no roads. Most of the river frontage is protected by the Phelps Wildlife Management Area, the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, and the City of Fredericksburg, who owns more than 5,000 acres.
The trip begins at the historic river crossing of Kelly’s Ford that was once an Indian village, an early 1800's manufacturing village, and a famous Civil War crossing, There is now a public boat launch. The first five miles are gentle water with a good current. There are no rapids except for an occasional Class I riffle. After five miles, you come under a power line. This is approximately the half-way point to the campground. The next two miles are very slow until you get to Snake Castle Rock rapids. Snake Castle Rock is a large rock outcropping on the left side of the river at the beginning of the rapids. The rapids are about a half mile long with a series of drops and rock gardens. All of the rapids should be taken on the left, as that’s where the open channels are. After each drop is a nice sandy beach to pull over and swim, fish or picnic.
After Snake Castle the river is slow until you get to the islands just before the campground. There, a fun set of rapids form that should be taken on the right, to bring you right up to the campground’s boat launch. Numerous signs are through this section pointing the way. This is a perfect day trip. It’s not too long and not too short. There is no pressure to make a pick up time, and hot showers are waiting for you. Many prefer to camp and relax to complete their day.
From the campground, people can leave, or continue to Motts or downtown Fredericksburg the next day. I'd love to do the whole thing, but am open to what others have time for. Here is a description of the trip to Motts from another site.
Kelly's Ford to Mott's Run: 28 miles, paddle time 12-14 hrs: This overnight trip is, in our opinion, one of the best of the Rappahannock. Paddle all 24 miles of this stretch of excellent scenery & fishing and you won't see a single bridge or road. However, there are plenty riffles, ledges & Class II rapids. The most significant rapid is a little further than half way, at the confluence of the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers.
And from Motts to Virginia outdoor center, this includes all of the rapids except for the last set right before and under rt 1 in Fredericksburg.
Motts Run to VOC: 4 miles, paddle time 2 - 3 hrs: A brand new trip since 2005!! You will paddle the new section of river created by the removal of the Embry Dam. This trip has great scenery and fishing and is the perfect trip for a half day of paddling or a whole day of relaxing.
Scott
Distance
11 Mi. Time
4-6 Hrs. Scenery
Excellent Class/Difficulty
I-II+ Width
70-125ft
Kelly’s Ford to the Rappahannock River Campground is our most popular trip. It combines pleasant farm scenery with wilderness settings. For most of the trip there are very few signs of civilization. The rapids are exciting and challenging. They contain rock outcroppings, sandy beaches, numerous islands, and plenty of wildlife. There are vast forests, no railroad tracks, and no roads. Most of the river frontage is protected by the Phelps Wildlife Management Area, the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, and the City of Fredericksburg, who owns more than 5,000 acres.
The trip begins at the historic river crossing of Kelly’s Ford that was once an Indian village, an early 1800's manufacturing village, and a famous Civil War crossing, There is now a public boat launch. The first five miles are gentle water with a good current. There are no rapids except for an occasional Class I riffle. After five miles, you come under a power line. This is approximately the half-way point to the campground. The next two miles are very slow until you get to Snake Castle Rock rapids. Snake Castle Rock is a large rock outcropping on the left side of the river at the beginning of the rapids. The rapids are about a half mile long with a series of drops and rock gardens. All of the rapids should be taken on the left, as that’s where the open channels are. After each drop is a nice sandy beach to pull over and swim, fish or picnic.
After Snake Castle the river is slow until you get to the islands just before the campground. There, a fun set of rapids form that should be taken on the right, to bring you right up to the campground’s boat launch. Numerous signs are through this section pointing the way. This is a perfect day trip. It’s not too long and not too short. There is no pressure to make a pick up time, and hot showers are waiting for you. Many prefer to camp and relax to complete their day.
From the campground, people can leave, or continue to Motts or downtown Fredericksburg the next day. I'd love to do the whole thing, but am open to what others have time for. Here is a description of the trip to Motts from another site.
Kelly's Ford to Mott's Run: 28 miles, paddle time 12-14 hrs: This overnight trip is, in our opinion, one of the best of the Rappahannock. Paddle all 24 miles of this stretch of excellent scenery & fishing and you won't see a single bridge or road. However, there are plenty riffles, ledges & Class II rapids. The most significant rapid is a little further than half way, at the confluence of the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers.
And from Motts to Virginia outdoor center, this includes all of the rapids except for the last set right before and under rt 1 in Fredericksburg.
Motts Run to VOC: 4 miles, paddle time 2 - 3 hrs: A brand new trip since 2005!! You will paddle the new section of river created by the removal of the Embry Dam. This trip has great scenery and fishing and is the perfect trip for a half day of paddling or a whole day of relaxing.
Scott
Scott
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AirborneBuff
- Coastals Member
- Posts: 164
- Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 3:38 pm
- Location: Chesterfield, VA - Keith
Add me to the trip
Interested in signing on to the camping and canoeing trip. Let me know of future plans.
Thank You
Thank You
I did this paddle a couple of years ago. We camped right at the confluence. There were also several other places to camp above the confluence on some of the larger islands. I do remember passing the campground on my trip. The water was a little low on my trip and the channel that goes by the campground is shallow side of the island. I warn that the shuttle will be really long to make a pit stop at the campground. Its really long without the pit stop.
Jon Dzielak
Rapidan
Eli's to Motts is a great run. Let me know when you want to go and I'll join you.
The good part about camping at the campground is we can start our shuttle from there, cutting out about half the shuttle time and do away with the need to leave vehicles unattended for 2 days. On Sunday morning we can run a shuttle for everyone to get their vehicles down to Motts, and then head back to the campground for breakfast and start the second part of the trip.
I'm also checking to see if the campground still runs a shuttle service, which would be great since they launch from private property just below Kelly's ford eliminating any need for fishing licenses or boat registration.
Scott
The good part about camping at the campground is we can start our shuttle from there, cutting out about half the shuttle time and do away with the need to leave vehicles unattended for 2 days. On Sunday morning we can run a shuttle for everyone to get their vehicles down to Motts, and then head back to the campground for breakfast and start the second part of the trip.
I'm also checking to see if the campground still runs a shuttle service, which would be great since they launch from private property just below Kelly's ford eliminating any need for fishing licenses or boat registration.
Scott
Scott
Just do it!
Scott,
After much dithering, I've decided to just do it. Please count me in on this trip. thanks for doing all the planning.
~~Chip
After much dithering, I've decided to just do it. Please count me in on this trip. thanks for doing all the planning.
~~Chip
Re: Rapidan
I have been having this discussion on the MCC website.ScottMcD wrote: they launch from private property just below Kelly's ford eliminating any need for fishing licenses or boat registration.
Scott
Since there IS a sign on the Kiosk at Kelly's Ford(a buddy who lives in Remington told me about it) stating you are not allowed to be there without a permit, license, etc., I called the DGIF, Verona office to inquire.
I spoke with Wanda Wimer. The "Captain" in charge, Captain Kevin Clark, was right next to her during our conversation.
I mentioned the sign and how the boat landing had a State maintained road between the two properties. They said there should not be a sign posted there and if there is to let them know so they can take it down. I told here I would go and look.
Sure enough this sign is posted on the Kiosk...
The real kicker is the name on top of the Kiosk...
It is not part of the WMA but there is access under the bridge in the form of a trail.
I called back and told Wanda and Mr. Clark and also sent those two photos. They told me it only applies to fishermen and people accessing the WMA(although that is not what the sign states) and did not mention anything about removing or modifying the sign like they previously stated.
There is no fee to launch or retrieve boats, or park vehicles at the landing...BUT...if you were to stop and get out on WMA property you would need the permit. Stopping at Sandy Beach rapid or at the old dam while running from Remington to Kelly's Ford...you need a permit. Stopping anywhere on river left below the old temporary landing(on the WMA) you need a permit. Here is a link to the WMA map...
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/maps/cfphelps.pdf
Trying to tell a DGIF ranger you are not breaking the rules(if he/she thinks you are) will be difficult with the sign in place. Just remember the Captains name if that happens and tell them to call him. I predict It will be really confusing to boaters(from out of the area) and to Rangers as well. Here is their number in case anyone has any other questions...540-248-9360
Me, I'm buying a fishing license because it will come in handy for other areas I like to frequent.
P.S. Don't register your boat unless you plan on using a motor. You will also get a tax assessment every year if you do.
Hope your trip turns out well!!!
Bob
Bob