There’s no better way to cool off this summer than with a lake to one of the commonwealth’s beautiful lakes. These Virginia lakes provide everything you need for a summer vacation, from a relaxing weekend getaway to an activity-packed day trip.
Cavitt’s Creek
Tazewell County
Nestled in the Appalachians, Cavitt’s Creek has striking views of Virginia’s mountains. This 54-acre lake is a haven for bird-watchers. Some recently spotted birds include the ruby-throated hummingbird, rough-winged swallow, and belted kingfisher. Other activities include fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Cavitt’s Creek has primitive tent sites, RV campgrounds, and cabins for your weekend stay. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to savor the serenity of Cavitt’s Creek.
Drive time from Dulles: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Claytor Lake
Pulaski County
This 4,500-acre lake is popular for sport fishing and boating. Claytor Lake’s full-service marina has boating supplies, fuel, and boat rentals that make for a splendid afternoon on the water. Take advantage of the warm temperatures by going for a swim or renting a pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, jet ski, or pedal boat. Claytor Lake, located just south of Virginia Tech, also features hiking trails, waterfront cabins, and the historic Howe House, an interactive wildlife and ecology exhibit.
Drive time from Dulles: 4 hours
Douthat Lake
Bath County
Unleash your inner fisherman at Douthat Lake. At the base of the Allegheny Mountains, this 50-acre stocked lake has 4 miles of stream fishing with trout, largemouth bass, crappie, and pickerel. Douthat Lake is inside Douthat State Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places for its contribution to the design of other U.S. parks. Douthat Lake also has a swimming beach, boat rentals, cabins, and 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails.
Drive time from Dulles: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Kerr Lake / Buggs Island
Virginia-North Carolina Border
At Virginia’s largest lake, there is no shortage of fun. Kerr Lake has more than 50,000 acres of water and was named the top crappie fishing lake in the U.S. Also called Buggs Island by locals, this lake is an adventure-seeker’s oasis. Enjoy a variety of water sports, including kayaking, sailing, motor boating, water-skiing, and wakeboarding. If you’re up for a thrill, take to the skies with Sand Dollar Sea Planes for beautiful views.
Drive time from Dulles: 4 hours
Hungry Mother Lake
Smyth County
Escape NoVA’s hustle and bustle with a trip to Hungry Mother Lake. This 108-acre lake is full of sport fish. Hungry Mother Lake has a fishing pier, boat ramps, campgrounds, and over 17 miles of lakeside hiking and biking trails. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, electric-powered jon boats, and tubes. If you’re interested in spotting more wildlife, consider driving to the nearby Grayson Highlands State Park for the chance to see wild ponies.
Drive time from Dulles: 5 hours
Lake Anna
Louisa and Spotsylvania counties
As Virginia’s third largest lake, Lake Anna provides fun for the whole family. Lake Anna is 13,000 acres with a swimming beach, picnic areas, and campsites. You can fish for largemouth bass, crappie, and bream, and little anglers can enjoy the 2-acre fishing pond. Explore Lake Anna State Park by traversing the park’s hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. On the trip down (and probably the way back up), make a pitstop at Moo Thru for ice cream.
Drive time from Dulles: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Lake Chesdin
Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties
Spend all day on the water at Lake Chesdin, a 3,100-acre reservoir, is the perfect place for fishing, water sports, and relaxation. There is also a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Kids can enjoy the lake’s playground and volleyball and basketball courts. With 26 acres of lakefront campground, Lake Chesdin is a picturesque destination for a family trip.
Drive time from Dulles: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Lake Drummond
Chesapeake City
Southeast Virginia’s Lake Drummond is one of only two natural lakes in the state. Located in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, this 3,142-acre lake is a prime site for birding and fishing. You can also take out a motorboat (25 horsepower maximum) or stroll along 40 miles of trails. Borrow binoculars and field guides from the refuge office to get a closer look at the wildlife.
Drive time from Dulles: 4 hours
Lake Fairfax
Fairfax County
Take a staycation at NoVA’s Lake Fairfax. There’s year-round fishing, and you can borrow a rod for free. Fish from the shoreline or from a rented pedal boat or kayak. Lake Fairfax is situated on 476 acres of parkland. You can enjoy the park’s campgrounds, athletic fields, picnic areas, playground, trails, and skatepark. For more aquatic fun, get tickets to The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole for a day of water slides and trips around the lazy river.
Drive time from Dulles: 20 minutes
Lake Frederick
Frederick County
Lake Frederick is a secluded spot to observe Virginia’s wildlife. Bird-watchers will get the chance to see blue and green herons, wood ducks, pileated woodpeckers, and eastern kingbirds. You can fish from a boat, as long as it’s not gasoline powered. There is a launch site for boats, kayaks, and canoes, but they are not for rent. Lake Frederick is located in Front Royal, just minutes away from Dinosaur Land, a prehistoric roadside attraction.
Drive time from Dulles: 1 hour
Lake Gaston
Virginia-North Carolina border
Lake Gaston spans over 20,000 acres with 350 miles of shoreline. The lake is best known for its fishing and water recreation activities. You can rent pontoons, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. There are also plenty of public boat landings. Lake Gaston’s water is nearly drinkable without treatment, so it’s a great place to take a dip. Finish off your lake day with a visit to the nearby Rosemont Vineyards and Winery.
Drive time from Dulles: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Lake Moomaw
Bath County
Lake Moomaw is best known for its fishing, since it’s deep enough for both warm-water and cold-water fish, including trout. Located at the Virginia-West Virginia border, this lake is situated in the heart of the Allegheny Highlands. There are sand beaches, fishing docks, boat ramps, hiking trails, and campgrounds. At the lake’s marina, rent boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes.
Drive time from Dulles: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Philpott Lake
Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties
Journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Philpott Lake. In 1944, Congress authorized the lake’s construction for flood control and power generation. Now, the 3,000-acre Philpott Lake provides adventure in Virginia’s wilderness. You can find beaches, waterfalls, coves, and breathtaking mountain views. Philpott Lake also has boating, kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. Fairy Stone State Park is located next to the lake and includes 10 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
Drive time from Dulles: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Smith Mountain Lake
Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties
Hiking and swimming and fishing, oh my. Smith Mountain Lake has it all. Located in a Blue Ridge Mountain valley, Smith Mountain Lake is best known for its striped bass fishing and water sports. Beat the heat and go for a swim along the lake’s 500-foot beach. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddle boats, pontoons, and jet skis. Explore the surrounding pine and hardwood forests by trekking along one of Smith Mountain Lake’s 13 trails.
Drive time from Dulles: 4 hours
South Holston Lake
Virginia-Tennessee border
Surrounded on one side by the Cherokee National Forest, South Holston Lake offers scenic views of Virginia’s natural beauty. This 7,850-acre lake attracts anglers with an abundance of bass, crappie, and trout. There are also two public boat launches and kayaks and paddle boards for rent. Cool off from the summer heat with a swim at the lake’s secluded recreational area. And if you’re up for an underwater excursion, try scuba diving.
Drive time from Dulles: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Feature image courtesy Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Travel newsletter.
