Virginia is filled with gorgeous lakes and rivers that offer visitors excellent recreational excitement, from fishing and boating to water sports and sunbathing. These incredible natural sites are popular summer hotspots and showcase the state’s beauty. Let’s look at some of the lakes and rivers to seek out in Virginia this summer.
Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is a large and picturesque reservoir near Roanoke. This beautiful body of water stretches across 20,000 acres and offers over 500 miles of shoreline. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it boasts an incredible mountainous backdrop and scenic surrounding nature. Popular activities at Smith Mountain Lake include boating and fishing. It is particularly known for its large resident bass.
Lake Anna
Lake Anna is a vast reservoir that covers 13,000 acres. Housing populations of bluefish, crappie, bass, and more, Lake Anna is considered one of the premium fishing destinations in the state and hosts several tournaments. In addition to fishing, visitors enjoy boating, water sports, and camping, and Lake Anna’s extensive public beach is an idyllic place to cool off on a warm summer day.
Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston runs across 20,000 acres in Virginia and North Carolina. It is a popular vacation destination, serving as a recreation center for those who love boating, angling, water sports, and camping. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing across the deep, blue water make for awesome adrenaline-inducing summer experiences.
Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake spans 50,000 acres, stretching across the border and into North Carolina. The massive reservoir, commonly known as Buggs Island Lake, offers 800 miles of scenic shoreline surrounded by lush forests. It is considered one of the top places in the country for crappie fishing and regularly hosts major fishing tournaments.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is a scenic, winding body of water that runs through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. The river has played an essential role in U.S. history, having delineated the border between the Confederacy and Union during the Civil War. Today, it is a haven for fishing, boating, and hiking along the water, and brave adrenaline seekers can enjoy white water rafting there.
Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake has become one of Virginia’s most popular fishing and boating hotspots. This 4,500-acre lake, which contains a full-service marina, is perfect for sailing, motorboating, and angling. Claytor Lake State Park is located along the lake, and many enjoy hiking and biking on its gorgeous lakeside trails. Visitors can stay overnight at one of the area’s accommodations, which include three lodges and 15 cabins near the water’s edge, as well as several campsites.
James River
The James River is the largest river entirely within Virginia. It winds through some of the state’s most stunning natural scenery, starting in the Appalachian Mountains and ending in Chesapeake Bay. The river played a significant role in Virginia’s history as a crucial Native American site for thousands of years and the location of the Jamestown colony.
