Virginia Outdoor Center: Paddling & Camping Adventures in Fredericksburg

Set along the winding waters of the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Outdoor Center (VOC) offers a hands-on gateway to outdoor adventure that bridges rugged wilderness and accessible fun. This local outfitter specializes in multi-day canoe and kayak trips, stand-up paddleboarding classes, rock climbing instruction, and guided whitewater tube excursions, making it a key player in the region’s outdoor recreation scene.

Fredericksburg sits at the edge of the Piedmont Plateau, where rolling hills give way to river valleys carved through ancient bedrock. The Rappahannock River—racing from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay—is the centerpiece here, with sections that range from calm paddling waters to more energized stretches capable of gentle rapids. These variable conditions accommodate everyone from novices to seasoned river travelers.

VOC’s offerings include flexible scout camping trips with options for one to three paddles (days), where paddlers can immerse themselves in river camping with gear and logistics managed for ease. Popular day trips like Kelly’s Ford to Motts Run and Ely’s Ford to Motts Run provide manageable but scenic paddling with river scenery ranging from quiet woodlands to limestone bluffs.

For thrill seekers, VOC adds whitewater tube trips and whitewater rescue courses, plus private boating lessons for those ramping up skills. Their Mountain Adventure School combines rock and water instruction tailored for varied experience levels.

Local wildlife such as blue herons and turtles are frequent companions along the river corridor, and the area’s forests shelter shy deer and songbirds. VOC’s role extends beyond rentals and trips—they serve as a major point of access and education, encouraging safe, responsible enjoyment of this stretch of Virginia’s waterways. Whether you’re paddling, climbing, or tubing, the Virginia Outdoor Center makes outdoor adventure approachable, memorable, and deeply tied to this region’s natural heritage.