The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC), Camp Cardinal RV Resort, and Visit Virginia have joined forces to launch Hunting Virginia’s Coastal Wilds, a tourism campaign designed to highlight Virginia’s Middle Peninsula as a premier coastal hunting destination. The initiative, fueled by a $6,500 Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, invites hunters to experience the untamed beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding forests, offering an unforgettable hunting retreat.

This collaboration underscores how small recreation businesses can leverage tourism to strengthen local economies by attracting visitors seeking unique outdoor experiences. The Middle Peninsula, with its diverse natural landscapes, rich wildlife and convenient accommodations, provides the ideal setting for hunting enthusiasts looking for an immersive and well-supported adventure.

As part of the campaign, Camp Cardinal RV Resort is introducing the Hunters Lodging Escape, an innovative lodging experience tailored specifically for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. This program offers convenient and well-equipped accommodations, including cabin and cottage stays at Camp Cardinal RV Resort, along with access to prime hunting locations. A key feature of the Hunters Lodging Escape is the integration of all essential aspects of a successful hunting trip—lodging, hunting access and transportation.

Hunters will have the opportunity to reserve exclusive hunting spots, including strategically positioned duck blinds along lands managed by the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (MPCBPAA), commonly known as Virginia’s Coastal Wilds. Additionally, the program includes partnerships with boat charter services – Backwater Expeditions – that will transport hunters from the campground directly to the blinds, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free hunting experience.

“With this campaign, we are excited to showcase the Middle Peninsula as an exceptional hunting destination while also supporting small businesses and local tourism,” said Lewie Lawrence, Secretary for the MPCBPAA. “By bringing together accommodations, hunting access and guided transportation, we are providing an all-in-one package that makes hunting in this region more accessible and enjoyable.”

Hunting Virginia’s Coastal Wilds is a prime example of how tourism initiatives can benefit local communities while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. The campaign is expected to draw hunters from across the state and beyond, boosting visitation to the region and reinforcing the Middle Peninsula’s reputation as a top-tier hunting destination.

Virginia Tourism Corporation awarded more than $581,607 in matching grant funds to 108 marketing programs, ultimately impacting 432 combined partners, and supporting more than 1,050 full-time and part-time jobs across the commonwealth. This funding cycle, local partners committed more than $700,168 in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding, providing more than $1.29 million in new marketing activity to help increase off-season visitation to Virginia’s small tourism-oriented businesses and events.

“The Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program is part of VTC’s strategy to grow year-round visitation in Virginia and is designed to support small tourism businesses with marketing dollars to drive out-of-state visitation during off-peak travel seasons,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This program serves as a gateway for small businesses to engage with VTC’s marketing and development ecosystem to grow their business and build on the Virginia is for Lovers branding.”