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.