Discover 10 Stunning Virginia Lakes for Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures
As warmer weather approaches, envision your next waterfront getaway at one of Virginia's premier lakes. These scenic destinations offer endless opportunities for sun-soaked relaxation and thrilling water activities, from fishing and kayaking to water skiing and paddleboarding.
Unsure where to begin? Our expert guide highlights 10 top lakes renowned for watersports and outdoor pursuits, complete with access points, rentals, lodging, and more to plan your perfect trip.
Smith Mountain Lake—Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties
Formed by a dam in 1963, this manmade lake nestles in a broad valley amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of south-central Virginia. Renowned for striped bass, it hosts major fishing tournaments. Access the water via over a dozen free public boat launches. Pause your watersports for a round at one of four nearby golf courses.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Motor Boating
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Sailing
- Parasailing
- Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Jet Skiing
Local Outfitters:
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Boat rentals
- Bridgewater Marina: Waverunners, pontoons, ski boats, paddleboards, wakeboards, water skis, kneeboards
- SML Boat Rentals: Pontoons, runabouts, kayaks, water skis, wakeboards, paddleboards, kneeboards, tubes
Where to Stay: Sans Souci at Smith Mountain Lake, Westlake Waterfront Inn, Bernard’s Landing, Mariners Landing Smith Mountain Lake
Camping Alternative: Smith Mountain Lake State Park campsites
Where to Eat: The Landing Restaurant, Heath’s Waterfront Grill
A Little Extra Fun: Visit Smith Mountain Lake Farm Alpacas to feed, pet, and hug these gentle animals.
Lake Gaston—Bracey
Spanning the Virginia-North Carolina border, this 35-mile-long lake boasts 350 miles of shoreline across 20,000+ acres, ideal for water skiing and high-energy watersports. Launch from Holly Grove Marina or the public DGIF ramp.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Motor Boating
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Jet Skiing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking/Canoeing
Local Outfitters:
- Holly Grove Marina & Rentals: Boats, pontoons, kayaks
Where to Stay: Greenwood Inn
Camping Alternative: Lake Gaston Americamps
Where to Eat: Shady Shack Grill
A Little Extra Fun: Savor wine tastings at Rosemont Vineyards & Winery.
Lake Anna—Louisa
Virginia's third-largest lake covers 13,000 acres with 200+ miles of shoreline. A top East Coast spot for largemouth bass, it supports year-round fishing. Relax on the sandy beach at Lake Anna State Park, with picnics, camping, and recreation areas.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Motor Boating
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Jet Skiing
- Paddleboarding
Local Outfitters:
- Lake Anna Outfitters: Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards
- Wake Anna Surf & Ski: Wakeboards, water skis, tubes
Where to Stay: Lighthouse Inn, Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast, Boxley Place Inn
Camping Alternative: Lake Anna State Park campgrounds and cabins
Where to Eat: Tavern on the Rail, The Snack Shack
A Little Extra Fun: Drive to Montpelier, home of President James Madison.
Philpott Lake—Franklin, Henry, and Patrick Counties
Featuring nine boat launches, eight campgrounds, and six beaches amid Blue Ridge Mountains, Philpott Lake offers a scenic retreat. Shaded shoreline trails invite hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Motor Boating
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Jet Skiing
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
Local Outfitters:
- Smith River Outfitters: Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards
- Three Rivers Outfitters: Canoes, kayaks
Where to Stay: The Virginia Home Inn, The Mountain Rose Inn
Camping Alternative: Horseshoe Point Park, Jamison Mill Park
Where to Eat: Simply Suzanne’s Cafe
A Little Extra Fun: Hunt fairy stones at Fairy Stone State Park or catch NASCAR at Martinsville Speedway.
Buggs Island/John H. Kerr Reservoir—Clarksville
Virginia's largest lake at 50,000+ acres and 800 miles of shoreline, known locally as Buggs Island. Hosts top fishing tournaments, including #1 crappie lake by Fisherman Magazine. Quiet coves abound; Occoneechee and Staunton River State Parks offer access and trails. Enjoy epic sunsets and illuminated Clarksville Bridge at night.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Motor Boating
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Jet Skiing
- Paddleboarding
Local Outfitters:
- Clarksville Water Sports: Boats, canoes, kayaks
- Roanoke River Water Sports: Canoes, kayaks
Where to Stay: Cooper’s Landing Inn, Travelers Tavern
Camping Alternative: North Bend Park Campground
Where to Eat: The Lake House Restaurant, Cooper’s Landing Inn & Travelers Tavern
A Little Extra Fun: Soar above via Sand Dollar Sea Planes excursion.
Sherando Lake—Lyndhurst
This 24-acre gem, dubbed the 'Gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains,' packs adventure into a compact space. Hike wooded trails, lounge on the sandy beach, and rinse off at the bathhouse. Surrounded by George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Fishing
- Paddleboarding
Local Outfitters:
- Rockfish Gap Outfitters: Kayaks
Where to Stay: Wintergreen Resort
Camping Alternative: Sherando Lake Campgrounds
Where to Eat: The Green Leaf Grill, Kline’s Dairy Bar, Blue Mountain Brewery Restaurant
A Little Extra Fun: Tour Nelson 151 Trail's wineries/cideries/breweries or visit Cyrus McCormick Farm.
Claytor Lake—Dublin
The heart of Claytor Lake State Park, this 4,500-acre lake in Southwest Virginia features trails, beaches, cabins, and a full-service marina. Explore lake ecology at historic Howe House exhibits.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Motor Boating
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Water Skiing/Wakeboarding
- Jet Skiing
- Sailing
Local Outfitters:
- Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company: Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pontoons, Duffy boats; classes like Paddleboard Yoga
- Greasy Creek Outfitters: Guided floats, fishing
- Tangent Outfitters: Canoes, kayaks, tubes; guided trips
- Claytor Lake Water Sports: Motorboats, jet skis, paddle boats
Where to Stay: Claytor Lake Inn
Camping Alternative: Claytor Lake State Park cabins and campsites
Where to Eat: Al’s on First
A Little Extra Fun: Shop regional art at Draper Mercantile and Trading Company.
Hungry Mother Lake—Marion
Within Hungry Mother State Park, this 108-acre lake offers a sandy beach, bathhouse, boat launch, fishing pier, and wooded campgrounds. Explore 17+ miles of trails teeming with wildlife.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Fishing
- Non-gasoline powered boating
Local Outfitters:
- Hungry Mother State Park: Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, electric jon boats (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Hungry Mother Adventures: Tubes
Where to Stay: General Francis Marion Hotel
Camping Alternative: Hungry Mother State Park camping & cabins
Where to Eat: Hungry Mother State Park Restaurant, Wolfe’s BBQ Restaurant
A Little Extra Fun: Visit Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers for wild ponies.
Lake Fairfax—Reston
Ideal for family fun, this 18-acre urban lake in Lake Fairfax Park delights kids with pedal boats, guided tours, shore fishing (no boats), and the Water Mine—a Western-themed water park with slides, playgrounds, flumes, and lazy river. Toddlers love Tenderfoot Pond.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Non-motorized pedal boating
- Shore fishing
Local Outfitters:
- Lake Fairfax Park: Pedal boats
Where to Stay: Westin Reston Heights, Hyatt Regency Reston
Camping Alternative: Lake Fairfax Park Campground
Where to Eat: Clyde’s of Reston, Maple Ave Restaurant, Stone’s Cove Kitbar
A Little Extra Fun: LoCo Ale Trail breweries, Wolf Trap Amphitheater shows, Tysons Corner shopping.
Douthat Lake—Millboro
In Bath County's Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park's 50-acre lake—stocked with trout, bass, crappie, pickerel—is surrounded by streams, 40+ miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Permitted Water Sports:
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Non-gasoline powered boats
- Paddleboating
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Sailing
Local Outfitters:
- Douthat State Park: Jon boats (electric/non), paddleboats, canoes, hydrobikes, funyaks, paddleboards
Where to Stay: Fort Lewis Lodge, Inn at Gristmill Square, The Omni Homestead
Camping Alternative: Douthat State Park cabins
Where to Eat: Les Cochons d’Or, Waterwheel Restaurant
A Little Extra Fun: Explore George Washington National Forest.
Virginia boasts many more lakes waiting for your discovery. Plan your adventure today and share your experiences in the comments!
