Claytor Lake State Park
Dublin
Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. The Water’s Edge Meeting Facility is perfect for weddings, receptions and reunions, and wedding packages are available. Three lodges and 13 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. The historic Howe House has interactive exhibits describing the ecology of the lake and the surrounding areas. Guests can also rent bikes and enjoy a universally accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, a seasonal snack bar and playgrounds. There are also two gift shops.
Philpott Lake
Bassett
Philpott Lake is overflowing in scenic, natural beauty. Shared by the counties of Franklin, Henry and Patrick, the 3,000-acre reservoir features 100 miles of shoreline, a marina and tournament fishing dock, nine boat launches, eight campgrounds, six beaches, birding and wildlife trails, and more.
The lake offers a multitude of recreational opportunities from swimming, boating and camping to hunting, fishing, hiking and more. It also boasts eight campgrounds, six swim beaches and nine boat launches to help make the experiences of all outdoor enthusiasts memorable.
John H. Kerr Reservoir / Buggs Island Lake
Clarksville
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.
Lake Gaston
South Hill
This lake straddles Virginia and North Carolina. At 20,000 acres, you can see why. Fish, boat, or swim at your heart’s content!
Lake Moomaw and Gathright Dam
Covington
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.
Lake Arrowhead Beach
Luray
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).