Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in June

Welcome summer with a trip to Virginia in June! Not sure where to go? As temperatures begin to heat up, a great way to cool down is a waterfront getaway. And while beaches are always a popular choice for summer retreats, Virginia’s lakes provide a different coastal vibe. Enjoy a peaceful retreat along the water when you plan a trip this June to one of Virginia’s lovely lakes.

Choose Your Lake Adventure

Smith Mountain Lake

There are more than a dozen notable lakes found throughout the Commonwealth. If you’re not sure where to look for your next lakeside summer holiday, consider checking out Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia. This picturesque lake has over 500 miles of shoreline and stunning mountain backdrops, so it’s no surprise Smith Mountain Lake is nicknamed the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains." Book a cabin along the shores and head to one of the marinas, where you can rent everything from sailboats, pontoons, and speed boats to Jet Skis and paddleboards. 

Buggs Island Lake

Another lakefront destination worth a visit is Buggs Island Lake, a.k.a. the John H. Kerr Reservoir. The largest lake in Virginia, Buggs Island is one of three notable lakes in Southern Virginia where you’ll find family-friendly campgrounds, excellent fishing (particularly for bass and catfish), and outfitters renting boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment. 

Claytor Lake

If you’re looking for a lake vacation in Southwest Virginia, plan your trip to Claytor Lake State Park. Although technically part of the New River, the park has everything that the previous lake destinations offer, from paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals at Mountain 2 Island to campsite, cabin, and yurt rentals along the shore. Trails wind along the riverbanks and a sandy beach is open to visitors to sunbathe and swim in the cool waters of Claytor Lake State Park.

Where to Stay

Buggs Island Lake has several campgrounds along the shoreline that allow you to wake up with beautiful waterfront views, such as Occoneechee State Park and North Bend Park. Occoneechee State Park features a splash park for the kids, an archery range (guests must bring their own equipment), boat rentals, and more recreational opportunities, while North Bend Park has hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and all sorts of waterfront family fun. 

For more luxury lodgings, stay at the nearby Berry Hill Resort in South Boston or Cooper’s Landing Inn in Clarksville. Both offer on-site fine dining opportunities for guests looking to enjoy impressive meals during their stay. 

If you’re looking at staying near Claytor Lake, consider booking one of the dozens of cabins along the waterfront. With a wide range of options that go from cozy one-bedrooms to family reunion-sized chalets, there’s something for every traveler. Another lodging option is the Jackson Park Inn in Pulaski, about 12 miles from Claytor Lake State Park. Finally, for a vineyard stay close to the waterfront, Iron Heart Winery has multiple cabins on the property that start around $179/night and sleep 6-8 people.

Vacationers heading to Smith Mountain Lake can relax with a stay at Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast (fun fact: the B&B also has airplane hangers for guests looking to fly in!) or Shirley’s Bed & Breakfast. A truly unique overnight experience is available through Parrot Cove, whose 39’ and 53’ houseboats sleep 6-10 people. 

Where to Eat

Grab a bite at Bridgewater Bar & Grill or Traveler’s Tavern at Cooper’s Landing Inn after a day on the water at Buggs Island Lake, or head into Halifax (close to Berry Hill Resort) to get dinner at Molasses Grill, one of Southern Virginia’s best-kept secrets when it comes to fine dining. Berry Hill Resort has its own on-site restaurants, the casual yet delicious Darby’s Tavern, and the more upscale Mansion Restaurant, located in a building that dates to 1839 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. For breakfast and lunch, South Boston’s Southern Plenty Cafe serves up homemade quiches, pastries, sandwiches, desserts, and more. 

Drop into Thee Draper Village when visiting Claytor Lake State Park and eat at The Village Coffee Shoppe, which offers breakfast and lunch as well as suppers to go Thursday through Sunday. Afterward, spend some time browsing the boutique shops in the Village before heading back to your home base. 

For Smith Mountain Lake visitors, Drifter’s is an option often favored by locals, with waterfront views, live music performances, pet-friendly seating, and of course, incredible food and drinks. Check out Jake’s Place on the northern end of Smith Mountain Lake for a wide-ranging menu filled with seafood and steaks, burgers, pizzas, a kid’s menu, and even a few dog dishes for your four-legged traveling companions. 

What to Do

Since you’re heading to the lake, water sports should definitely be on your agenda! Claytor Lake State Park, Buggs Island Lake, and Smith Mountain Lake all have outfitters that supply boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and various water sports rentals. Clayton Lake’s Mountain 2 Island Outfitters has kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and boat rentals, while Buggs Island’s Clarksville Water Sports offers kayak, paddleboard, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals. Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rentals rents kayaks, paddleboards, tritoons, and fishing boats.

If you’re staying near Claytor Lake, visit Iron Heart Winery to sample some of Virginia’s award-winning wines. Another fantastic hidden gem in the area is Thee Draper Village, where you can shop, dine, catch live music, and take in a little bit of history, all in one place.

About 30 minutes from Claytor Lake State Park, New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile-long linear park that follows the New River. The park’s trail system is open for mountain biking, hiking, and even horseback riding. Don’t have your own equestrian rides? New River Retreat in Draper provides guided horseback rides along the New River. New River Trail State Park also offers canoe and kayak rentals, tubing, fishing, and boating. 

When planning a trip to Smith Mountain Lake, book a tour at Smith Mountain Lake Farm to cuddle adorable alpacas, learn about these unique animals, and even purchase artisan goods made from alpaca fiber. The Bridgewater Plaza Marina not only has boat rentals and restaurants but also Harbortown Miniature Golf, an 18-hole course built right on the docks, providing hours of family fun and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain landscape. 

Craft beer fans visiting Buggs Island Lake should visit Buggs Island Brewing Company. Sample their brews with a flight, then purchase a pint of your favorite craft beer to enjoy outside by the waterfront fire pit. 

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for June

Commemorate Juneteenth in Virginia at one of the Commonwealth’s Black History sites. This year's special events include a waterfront festival in Norfolk, a jazzy celebration in Virginia Beach, and a main street freedom celebration in Front Royal. 

This year, Norfolk's annual Harborfest at Town Point Park will also feature Sail 250, a major event held to mark the 250th birthday of the United States. Catch Sail 250 events around Virginia over two weekends in June at affiliate harbors. See the full schedule. 

For a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains, head to Mountain Lake Lodge from June 12-14, 2026, for the resort's 175th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. 

Visit Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial on June 6 to pay tribute to the Allied Forces that bravely fought in the largest land, sea, and air operation in history—the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, referred to as D-Day. 

There are several noteworthy music festivals happening in June.

Head to Williamsburg the weekend of June 25-28, 2026 for Williamsburg Live, part of the annual Virginia Arts Festival. This year's concerts include performances by Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge, plus Alison Krauss and Union Station. Held on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, these family-friendly concerts are some of the top events in the Virginia Arts Festival. 

Another incredible family-friendly festival worth attending is Red Wing Roots, happening in June at Natural Chimneys Park & Campground in Mt. Solon. 

Now that you’ve got a few ideas for your June vacation to Virginia, it’s time to start planning! Experience all there is to LOVE about the Commonwealth when you book a trip to Virginia’s pristine lake country.