Party on the Half Shell, a Community Oyster Festival at Camp Cardinal

Camp Cardinal invites the community to an all day Party on the Half Shell, an activity-filled festival on Nov. 11, 2023, featuring live music and crafts along with marshmallow roasting and the freshest oysters to taste and buy from York River Oysters. Food trucks will be onsite, including one from Creekside Café & Market.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the family friendly RV resort and campground located at 3149 Campground Road in Hayes. Entry is $10 per vehicle and veterans can join the fun for free.

Guests can also enjoy a nature photography workshop along with all the amenities of Camp Cardinal, which offers fishing on the Severn River, a playground with climbing equipment, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits, and trails to explore inside a scenic 38-acre campground.

Local owner and grower Tommy Leggett raises oyster seed in the salty waters of the York River and tends to them until they reach market size. His renowned oysters are found in top area restaurants.

Families and couples looking to make a long weekend out of it can reserve cabins and cottages or bring tents for an overnight stay. Browse all the options for accommodations and call 804-642-4316 to make a reservation.