In Virginia’s several picturesque lakes, swimming, boating, and fishing are all very popular hobbies.
All of Virginia’s lakes offer beautiful locations for rest and reflection, some of which are tucked away in mountains and surrounded by dense forest, while others can be found close to urban areas. Additionally, several lakes in Virginia provide chances for a variety of outdoor leisure, including kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There are just two natural lakes in Virginia. The remaining ones were created by damming rivers to produce reservoirs for drinking water, flood control, and hydroelectric power in addition to recreation. Numerous lakes in Virginia are found in state, county, or local parks that provide amenities like picnic tables, boat launches, boat rentals, campgrounds, and cabins that make it easy and enjoyable to appreciate nature while visiting the state. Here is a list of some of Virginia’s best lakes.
Lake Smith Mountain
Smith Mountain Lake, one of Virginia’s biggest inland bodies of water, with 500 miles of shoreline and is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the lake’s two public beaches is located in Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County, and the other is in Smith Mountain Lake Community Park in Franklin County. Anglers value the chances to catch catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. Consider renting a cabin, setting up a tent camp, or parking your RV in Smith Mountain State Park, which is located about 35 miles southeast of Roanoke. Frazier 102, which gets its name from its street address on 102 Frazier Road in Alta Vista, is a charming bed & breakfast not too far from the lake.
Anna Lake
Lake Anna is a 17-mile-long body of water that spans parts of Louisa, Spotsylvania, and a tiny portion of Orange counties in the northeastern region of the state, roughly 80 miles south of Washington, D.C. The shoreline of this interior reservoir stretches over 200 km. Lake Anna is unique in that it both a public and a private side. The lake’s private part is solely accessible by nearby property owners, while the public side has numerous boat launches, gas stations, marinas, and restaurants. The lake’s public portion is bordered by Lake Anna State Park, a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty at the sandy beach part of the state park. At the state park, you can camp there as well as spend the night in a cabin, lodge, or even a yurt. On an undeveloped 87-acre property, Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania provides lodging in 19th-century cabins and cottages.
famished Mother Lake
Despite being only 108 acres in size, Hungry Mother Lake is one of the most well-liked fishing lakes in the state because of the abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as crappie, carp, and sunfish. Walleyes, musky, and channel catfish are all stocked annually. The lake is situated in Smyth County, in the western region of the state, within Hungry Mother State Park. The state park offers picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming for outdoor lovers. In the warm-weather months, there are cabins, lodges, yurts, and campgrounds available for overnight lodging.
LAKE DURHAM
One of just two natural lakes in Virginia is Lake Drummond (the other is Mountain Lake near Newport, which has dried up and refilled in recent years). The other lakes in Virginia were made by constructing dams across rivers. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a vital 113,000-acre environment and diversified ecosystem for flora and wildlife that straddles the Virginia-North Carolina border, contains all of Lake Drummond, which is interesting. Because of this, Lake Drummond is an excellent location for bird watching. Although the lake is barely 6 feet deep, calm canoeing and kayaking are permitted there. About 30 miles south of Chesapeake and 15 miles south of Suffolk, which has reasonably cost lodging options like the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, is Lake Drummond.
The reservoir at John H. Kerr (Buggs Island Lake)
John H. Kerr Reservoir, located in the state’s south central region, is the largest lake in Virginia. It is also known as Buggs Island Lake and is sometimes referred to as Kerr Lake because it extends into North Carolina from South Carolina. This freshwater body of water, which has more than 800 miles of shoreline, is well-known for its many chances for boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. In fact, it’s one of Virginia’s top spots for crappie fishing, and the lake often organizes state and international fishing competitions. The North Bend Park Campground offers 249 undeveloped campsites with nearby electric and water hookups. Numerous facilities are also present here, including a playground for children, a fishing pier, a boat launch, swimming beaches, and a recreation trail.
Chesdin Lake
Lake Chesdin, also known as Chesdin Reservoir, is situated in the eastern region of the state, about 30 miles southwest of Richmond, and forms a portion of Chesterfield County’s southern boundary. Largemouth bass are abundant here, and boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking are all popular sports to enjoy on the lake. Lake Chesdin Campground in the community of Church Road, with its on-site boat ramp and sandy beach, is one location with simple access to the lake. A canoe and kayak landing is located in Chesterfield County across from the Lake Chesdin Campground.
reservoir in Occoquan
Northern Virginia’s main source of drinking water is the Occoquan Reservoir, which is located on Fairfax County’s southern border. It also offers a wide range of chances for water leisure. Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station offers recreational amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts can launch their canoes, kayaks, or small power boats at a boat launch. Kayak tours and boat rentals are also offered. You can drop by the bait shop to restock on fishing goods. For even more outdoor adventure, there are numerous trails encircling the lake, including ones for hiking, riding horses, and mountain biking. 9 miles southeast of Fountainhead Regional Park is the inexpensive Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge.
Lake South Holston
7,580 acres of South Holston Lake cover southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee. This lake, which is south of Abingdon, is particularly beautiful because of the woodland that surrounds it. Visitors can launch a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or recreational boat from the forested shoreline for a wonderful day on the water. The reservoir is stocked with brown, rainbow, and lake trout and is home to sportfish such largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie, and walleye. Both Wolf Lair Campground and Washington County Park include campsites on the lake’s Virginia side. If not, think about staying at one of the reasonably priced, breakfast-inclusive hotels in Abingdon that are close by, such Country Inns & Suites by Radisson, Abingdon, VA.
Laguna Gaston
Southern Virginia is home to Lake Gaston, which spans around 35 miles (a large portion of which stretches across the border into North Carolina). Nearby John H. Kerr Reservoir is to the east. At this lake, visitors can partake in popular water sports like boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can launch your own boat at Holly Grove Marina, as well as rent a kayak or pontoon boat. A tackle shop and deli offering breakfast and sandwiches are also located in the marina. The 120 campsites at Lake Gaston Americamps, which is just across the water and reachable by road, can accommodate everything from tents to 45-foot RVs. Each of the eight cabins has two bunk beds.
Fairfax Lake
Nearby to Washington, D.C., at northern Virginia’s Lake Fairfax Park, there are numerous options for outdoor enjoyment. Visitors can hire a kayak or a pedal boat on the 18-acre Lake Fairfax. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is a water park with slides, water sprays, and a lazy river, although swimming in the lake is not permitted. A vintage carousel, a 15,000-square-foot skate park, and forested hiking trails are other amenities in Lake Fairfax Park. The 136 campsites in the park’s campground let you stay close to all the fun. Homewood Suites by Hilton Reston is positioned close to the park in either case.
Lake Bear Creek
About 55 miles west of Richmond in central Virginia, Bear Creek Lake is located in the middle of Bear Creek Lake State Park. This picturesque location is well-known for swimming, fishing, and boating during the warm months and is surrounded by Cumberland State Forest. This state park offers visitors a motorboat, rowboat, paddleboat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rental dock as well as a sandy beach (with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and channel catfish are among the fish that anglers can attempt to catch. Along with routes for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, the state park also contains an archery range. Rent a campground, a tent, or an RV and spend the night here in a rustic lodge or cabin. A 20-mile trip to the south will bring you to Tru by Hilton Farmville, a reasonably priced hotel choice outside the state park.
Sandra Lake
About 40 miles west of Charlottesville, in the George Washington National Forest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is where you’ll find Sherando Lake. The constructed Sherando Lake Recreation Area includes the 25-acre spring-fed lake, which offers options for boating, hiking, swimming from a sandy beach, and fishing. The main usage of a smaller upper lake, also a pleasure area, is fishing. Between the two lakes is a campground with spots for tent camping and RV parking. One-bedroom guest rooms as well as multi-bedroom condos and residences are available for rent at the expansive Wintergreen Resort, which lies 10 miles to the west.
Lagoon Claytor
The damming of the New River resulted in the creation of the almost 4,400-acre Claytor Lake. Visit Claytor Lake State Park, which is tucked inside one of the reservoir’s bends, for a handy way to take advantage of everything it has to offer. The state park, which is 50 miles southwest of Roanoke, has areas for swimming, fishing, and boating. Pontoon boats, ski boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and even hydrobikes are available for rent from a nearby outfitter. Fish fisherman can catch from this lake include catfish, muskie, walleye, and striped bass. The park’s 7 miles of simple pathways make it a terrific area to go for a nature walk as well. Among the places to stay overnight are campgrounds, cottages, lodges, yurts, and a bunkhouse. There are other reasonably priced hotels in Dublin, like the Holiday Inn Express Dublin, which is located only 5 miles away.
Frankton Lake
Philpott Lake, one of Virginia’s most picturesque lakes, is located about 50 miles south of Roanoke in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Philpott Lake serves as a flood control and hydroelectric power producing reservoir, similar to others in Virginia. Near Philpott Marina, near the northern end of Philpott Dam Road, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a visitor center. The lake offers a ton of recreational activities, including nine boat launches, eight campgrounds, and 100 miles of beachfront. A 20-mile journey southeast of the visitor center, the Hampton Inn Martinsville is one of the city’s few inexpensive and modestly priced motels.
Darby Lake
Douthat Lake is a historic recreational spot that families have gone to since 1936 and is situated within Douthat Lake State Park, some 100 miles west of Charlottesville. It’s a particularly wonderful time for kids to cast a line when the fish are biting because the 50-acre lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout during fee season (the first Saturday of April to June 15 and again from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31). Fees and trout restocking are stopped during the summer. More than 40 miles of hiking trails and a swimming beach are available for visitors to the state park (open May through October). Within the state park, there are cabins, lodges, and campsites accessible. Otherwise, the Red Lantern Inn in the center of Clifton Forge, which is situated in a century-old structure, provides informal lodging.
Lake Fairy Stone
Within Fairy Stone Lake State Park, 50 miles south of Roanoke and near to Philpott Lake, is Fairy Stone Lake. The “fairy stones,” or locally present peculiarly shaped pebbles, are what gave the 168-acre reservoir its name. Even though some of the stones are only single brick forms, they have an interesting three-dimensional cross shape. If you come across one while visiting, be sure to pick it up and pocket it because they are said to be lucky. Kayaking and canoeing on the lake are popular activities, and the state park offers rentals. There are 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and guarded beach bathing is accessible for a fee. Here, you can go fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish. There are cabins, lodges, yurts, tent campsites, and RV sites with water and electricity available. About 15 miles to the southeast is Martinsville, which has affordable lodging options including the Comfort Inn next to Martinsville Speedway.
Lake Burke
In Fairfax County, about 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., is Burke Lake. Largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, bluegill, white perch, and sunfish are just a few of the numerous species of fish you may catch here. The 218-acre lake is well-known among anglers for its variety of fish. Burke Lake Park, which provides tons of fun for passing families, is centered on the reservoir. You may enjoy a carousel or miniature train ride, play mini-golf, stroll the 4.7-mile lakeside route, go on a boat tour, or rent a fishing boat, a kayak, a rowboat, or a canoe from the marina during the summer months. In the lake, swimming and stand-up paddling are not allowed. There are 100 woodland campsites accessible for tents or RVs up to 25 feet long, but there are no water or electrical hookups. Otherwise, Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield is 10 miles to the east and has complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast.
Keokee Lake
Near the Tennessee border in western Virginia is Lake Keokee. The 92-acre lake, which is surrounded by National Forest land, supports largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The lake offers a public boat launch and is a peaceful area for boating and fishing. Additionally, you can stroll the 3.7-mile shoreline circle. There are no neighboring campgrounds because this is a day-use recreation area. Big Stone Gap, which is located about 15 miles east, has the closest hotel and camping options.
Lake of the Mariners
The Mariners’ Lake, formerly known as Lake Maury, is a feature of Newport News’ The Mariners’ Museum and Park. The lake and park are open to the public all year long, however admission to the museum devoted to the history of the world’s oceans and ships is charged. Around the lake there is a 5-mile walking path. Lions Bridge, which provides a view of the James River, is a well-liked location for picnics and photos. Newport News offers a range of lodging options, from inexpensive to luxurious, including the Newport News Marriott at City Center.
Moomaw Lake
About 75 miles north of Roanoke and not far from the West Virginia border, Lake Moomaw is located in the Allegheny Highlands and is encircled by the George Washington National Forest. There are around 43 miles of shoreline along the lake’s 12-mile length. The Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw Visitor Center, which is located on the southeast corner of the lake, is a wonderful place to find out more about the nearby outdoor activities, such as fishing (there are plenty of stocked trout), hiking, boating, and camping. The 140 tent or RV campsites in Bolar Mountain Recreation Area may be reserved. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a more cozy place to unwind and rest, the Vine Cottage Inn in Hot Springs is a renowned bed-and-breakfast that has been hospitably hosting visitors for more than a century.
Lake Cave Mountain
The 7-acre Cave Mountain Lake, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains 20 miles south of Lexington and with a sandy beach, is a well-liked family getaway during the warm months. Additionally, it’s a serene location for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. On the lake, boats and other watercraft are not allowed. The on-site campsite provides 51 nonelectric spots for guests to stay. Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center, located 8 miles north of Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area, is another choice for close lodging.