The 8 best swimming lakes in Virginia offer something for everyone, from fishing and boating to tubing and sailing. Whether you are looking for a place to cool off in the summer or enjoy the scenery in the fall, these lakes are sure to please you.
1. Lake Drummond
Lake Drummond is a 3,142 acre natural freshwater lake. It is one of only two natural freshwater lakes in Virginia.
Lake Drummond is located in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a significant portion of swamplands.
Birdwatching, wildlife viewing and camping are popular activities on this lake.
The maximum depth of the lake is 6 feet.
There are limited species because of the acidity of the lake. However, that does not stop visitors from enjoying its beautiful views and rustic campsites.
2. Lake Anna
Lake Anna is a 9,600 acre reservoir in Virginia located in Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania counties.
This beautiful Virginia lake was created by an impoundment which serves as the cooling water for the nuclear power station.
Lake Anna has two main parts: a public side with many marinas for boats to dock at and launch from, and a private side which remains accessible to North Anna Nuclear Power Station’s property owners.
On the upper north shore, you will find Lake Anna State Park, a 2,300 acre play land.
Fun Fact: Pigeon Run in the state park is named for the passenger pigeons that once filled the sky by the millions, but they are no longer seen in the area.
Fishing is a major recreational activity at Lake Anna; bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, perch, striped bass (rockfish), largemouth bass, bluegill are all common catches here.
Swimming is allowed in most parts of the lake with the exception of certain areas due to algae bloom; however, boating and picnicking are also available here making it a great spot for a day out on the water.
Lake Anna is located midway between Fredericksburg and Richmond.
3. Fairfax Lake
Lake Fairfax is a 28-acre lake located in Reston (which happens to be one of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Virginia!).
This lake offers plenty of room to swim, fish or just relax in the sun.
The fishing here can be great for bass, bluegill, black crappie and bullhead catfish; however you’ll need a valid Virginia fishing license to try your luck!
If you’re looking for someplace to camp overnight or have a picnic lunchtime while enjoying beautiful scenery Lake Fairfax Park has it all covered! A swimming pool and boat rentals are also available.
4. Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston is a 20,300 acre reservoir that was created by the dams on the Roanoke River. It is located on the Virginia-North Carolina border.
The 34 mile long lake has an average depth of 40 feet. There are 350 miles of shoreline on this massive body of water, making it great for swimming, boating, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
In addition to these activities, fishing is also a popular pastime on Lake Gaston. Some of the most common fish caught in the lake include largemouth bass, blue catfish, and chain pickerel.
5. Philpott Lake
In Virginia’s mountains, you will find Philpott Lake, which was created by damming the Smith River.
The 3,000 acre lake with 100 miles of shoreline is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills of southwest Virginia.
It’s a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and crappie.
Calico Rock, a 200-foot cliff that towers over the shoreline and Blue Falls, which are “bluish-tinged” rock cliffs, are among some of the natural attractions on the gorgeous lake.
There are also plenty of activities nearby Philpott Lake that are open to the public.
6. Sherando Lakes
Sherando Lake is a more than 25-acre recreational area managed by the US Forest Service. It is a spring-fed lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are two different lakes, the Upper and the Lower. They are located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which we consider one of the best outdoor activity destinations in the state.
Sherando Lakes have plenty of hiking opportunities and spots for a picnic lunch.
Fishing, boating and camping are also available.
There is a vehicle entry fee for the recreation area which is only open seasonally.
7. Kerr Lake
John H. Kerr Reservoir / Buggs Island Lake is Virginia’s largest lake! You will find more than 50,000 acres and 800 miles of shoreline.
The reservoir/lake actually spans across both Virginia and North Carolina.
It was created by the construction of John H. Kerr Dam, which was named after Congressman John H. Kerr. The US Army Corps of Engineers run campsites on Kerr Lake shoreline and offer water-tubing, yachting, etc.
Swimming is permitted in Kerr lake, as are other water-based activities such as tubing and sailing.
You will find more than 30 boat launches around the lake!
Kerr Lake is a popular fishing spot and is considered one of the best places to catch Crappie in the United States.
8. Smith Mountain Lake
This pretty lake lies along the Smith River near Roanoke.
Smith Mountain Lake was created as a reservoir for Appalachian Power Company.
The 20,600- acre lake has a shoreline that is mostly developed with homes, but there is a swimming beach and numerous boat ramps and marinas.
Be sure to check out Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Bonus: The Disappearing Mountain Lake
Mountain Lake is (sometimes) freshwater lake in Giles County, Virginia, United States.
It is one of only two natural lakes Virginia, along with Lake Drummond in the Great Dismal Swamp.
Currently there is no water in the lake, but the water has been known to reappear. So maybe one day it will be back! Watch this short video below for the fascinating natural history of the lake.
Regardless of whether there is water in the lake or not, be sure to check out Mountain Lake Lodge!
Overall, Virginia has a lot to offer in terms of swimming lakes. They vary in size and activities offered, but all provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. If you’re looking for a destination to enjoy water activities, Virginia is a great place to start your search.
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