Outpost Adventure Club/ Chippokes Campout.
"Join the Outpost Adventure Club on August 18th for a semi-guided bike camping trip to Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry, Virginia."
Chippokes is one of the best state parks in Central Virginia to camp at as a beginner or with the family. The park has high amenity camping and a few cabins. There is a sandy beach on the lower James that is easily accessed, short walking trails, great views, and even a pool. It’s proximity to the Jamestown-Scotland ferry makes it easily accessible from the Jamestown end of the Capital Trail. Also nearby is Hog Island Wildlife Managment Area which is car or bike accessible and has a great dirt road loop that can be hiked or biked.
There are several options for participating but let’s start with the longest one. A group of riders will be leaving from Outpost Richmond on Saturday afternoon to complete the 62-mile ride to the park. The ride will take the Capital Trail to Jamestown, cross the James River on the ferry then follow a short back road section to the park entrance.
"Riders can opt to leave any time and from any starting point to ride. So if you’re not up for the full distance feel free to start from anywhere you like."
There are plenty of good starting points along the Capital Trail to shorten the trip like Charles City, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, or even just leave from Jamestown. I would suggest reaching out to the Capital Trail Shuttle and discuss travel options with them as well.
Sunday morning there will be a 25-mile group ride from the park over to Hog Island to explore the dirt road loop there. There is typically great birding on the island and you’re chances of spotting one of the many bald eagles that make the island home is pretty high. This ride does go off road some so tires that are at least 30mm wide are suggested.
"Total mileage for the weekend is going to be over 150 if you do the whole thing. But I can’t stress enough, you can absolutely choose to do this however you want."
After the ride, we will break for lunch before making the trip back to Richmond via the ferry and Capital Trail. Total mileage for the weekend is going to be over 150 if you do the whole thing. But I can’t stress enough, you can absolutely choose to do this however you want. Chippokes is family friendly, so feel free to drive out and join us just for the camping or just for the Sunday group ride. All are welcome.
We have reserved the group campsite. This site holds about 20 people but I would absolutely encourage you to book your own site NOW if you want more space. If you plan on driving out or having your family drive out PLEASE book a separate campsite. Parking for the group site is limited and will likely be occupied by Outpost Staff vehicles.
While this trip is technically unsupported and self-guided, there will be Outpost staff leading the main ride as well as at the park all weekend.
If you have any questions reach out to Braden or Kurt at Outpost.
I can’t stress enough though that if you plan on going and want your own site you should book a site NOW. As of the posting of this blog, there are more than two dozen sites open but those will typically be fully booked within 1-2 weeks of the weekend we are going there.
More information to come. If you use Facebook you can find the event <HERE> and follow for updates.