State Parks and National Parks

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

The wooded peninsulas of Smith Mountain Lake State Park jut into Virginia's second-largest lake. Four multi-use trails skirt the shore and then disappear into the wooded interior.

The centerpiece of the park, however, is the boat launch area and swimming beach, which provide access to the sparkling waters of Smith Mountain Lake. Boat rentals are available during the summer and there is a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. The lake is stocked with muskie and striped bass.

There are 24 campsites with water and electric hookups and an additional 26 primitive campsites, plus 20 housekeeping cabins.

The park visitor center offers naturalist programs during the summer, including night walks to view nocturnal fauna.

A parking fee is charged.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation.