Spend the day (or week!) at the lake. Beaches, camping, picnic areas, boat launches ... Virginia's lakes are treasure troves.

Southern Virginia | Shenandoah Valley
Central Virginia | Heart of Appalachia
Blue Ridge Highlands | Northern Virginia | Coastal Virginia

Southern Virginia

Bassett -  Philpott Lake - Three thousand acres, 100 miles of shoreline, nine boat launches, eight campgrounds, and six beaches invite you to this lake that calls two counties home.

Clarksville -  John H. Kerr Reservoir / Buggs Island Lake - Virginia's largest lake includes more than 50,000 acres of fresh water and over 800 miles shoreline! Experience the lake from both Occoneechee State Park and Staunton River State Park. In-Fisherman magazine calls it the number one Crappie fishing lake, and both state and national fishing tournaments are hosted here. 

South Hill -  Lake Gaston - This lake straddles Virginia and North Carolina. At 20,000 acres, you can see why. Fish, boat, or swim at your heart's content!

Shenandoah Valley

Covington -  Lake Moomaw and Gathright Dam - Launch your boat from multiple access points (water level permitting), including Warm Springs, and enjoy this 2,530-acre lake. Camping, swimming sites, and plenty of other recreational opportunities are available within this National Forest area.

Luray -  Lake Arrowhead Beach - Pretty white sand awaits you at this surprise 34-acre lake beach just below Skyline Drive. Concessions and a lifeguard are on-site, as are picnic accommodations. The lake also welcomes fishing and boating (bring your own kayak or canoe - no gas engines).

Lyndhurst -  Sherando Lake - Located in the George Washington National Forest, Sherando is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's 24 acres of great swimming and fishing. An on-site campground invites you to stay for more than a day, and the sandy beach includes a bathhouse.

Natural Bridge Station -  Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area - Settle onto the beach area to enjoy swimming, the sun, and a picnic. Fishing is also welcome at this 7-acre lake. Camping available.

Central Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake - This freshwater lake is second in size to Kerr Reservoir / Buggs Island Lake, and still has an amazing 500 miles of shoreline. With many access points, you can choose how to approach this "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains" - from Bedford County and Smith Mountain Lake State Park on the north shores, Franklin County on the southwest, or Pittsylvania County on the southeast.

Amherst -  Stonehouse Lake Park - A fishing-only watershed lake, Stonehouse is 41 acres and offers a boat ramp for non-gas engine vessels. A picnic pavilion, grills, playground, and restrooms make for a great day at the park.

Louisa -  Lake Anna - Virginia's third largest lake, Lake Anna welcomes you to enjoy your favorite watersport pleasure. Thirteen-thousand acres of water surface area provide 200 miles of shoreline.

Heart of Appalachia

 Tazewell -  Cavitt's Creek Park and Lake - Camp a bit and enjoy the 54-acre lake. Rent paddle boats or "john" boats, or bring your own boat (no gas engines) to one of the two boat ramps. The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass, Walleye, and more. Don't forget your fishing license!

Wise -  Wise Lake Reservoir -Fishermen, come fish, launch a boat, or bring the family to enjoy the picnic area.

Blue Ridge Highlands

Abingdon -  South Holston Lake - Set within Washington County Park, the lake is available for fishing, swimming, and boating. Pull in your camper or pitch a tent to stay longer.

Northern Virginia

Reston -  Lake Fairfax Park - This 18-acre lake is the key attraction to a park full of fun! Rent pedal boats, hop on a tour boat ride, or go fishin'. On-site camping with a camp store, bathhouse, dump station, and even a waterpark make for a great family weekend away.

Hampton Roads

Suffolk -  Lone Star Lakes Park - You pick. There are 11 lakes worth 1,000 acres here. Fresh-water fishing, nature trails, picnic areas, a model airplane flying field and more are available here.

Find more lakes in Virginia, and don't overlook the Virginia State Parks!