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Smith Mountain Lake
Overview
Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers a serene escape on the shores of Virginia's second-largest freshwater lake. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this destination provides a blend of water-based recreation and forest exploration. The park spans over 1,100 acres, offering a tranquil environment for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the Virginia Piedmont region. It is a premier spot for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Huddleston, VA, the park is defined by its extensive shoreline along Smith Mountain Lake. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and dense hardwood forests that provide a lush canopy during the summer and vibrant colors in the fall. Its position on the north side of the lake offers a quieter alternative to some of the more commercialized areas, while still providing easy access to the expansive waters known for clarity and depth.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides well-maintained sites equipped with water and electric hookups. While individual sewer hookups are not available, a convenient dump station is located within the park. Key features include:
- Paved level pads that accommodate various rig sizes.
- Modern bathhouses with hot showers and nearby laundry facilities.
- A large guarded swimming beach with a seasonal snack bar.
- Multiple boat ramps and a universal access fishing pier.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Visitors can explore over 13 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the park's diverse habitats. Fishing is a major draw, with the lake being famous for its striped bass and large-mouth bass populations. Just a short drive away, travelers can visit the Booker T. Washington National Monument or explore local vineyards and golf courses. The Discovery Center within the park offers educational exhibits about the local ecosystem and the history of the lake's creation.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for outdoor-loving families and anglers who prioritize direct access to the water. Because the sites are tucked into the woods, it appeals to those seeking a more traditional, nature-focused camping experience rather than a high-density resort vibe. It is also perfect for boating enthusiasts who want a secure home base with excellent launch facilities. Those traveling in mid-sized RVs will find the shaded, quiet atmosphere particularly relaxing.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Roland Robustelli
We rented a pontoon boat from the facility right in the state park swimming area. Beautiful boat in great condition for $425 for the entire day (+gas which was about $70). We found some nice coves to swim in and explored most of this beautiful lake. Very clean and worth doing! We also found a rope swing on the shore which was lot of fun for the kids - and the adults too 😊
Stephanie Jacobson
Beautiful area! I would have loved to hike the trails here, I will do that next time. There are a variety of things to do here. If you want to sit at the beach, there's a fee. You can also rent boats, jetski, canoe and kayak. We rented a canoe and had a good time. There is a concession area as well that had good food options.
Angela Sun
They do such a great job keeping the beach nice that I don't mind making multiple 2-hr round-trip drives to swim at the beach. My husband likes to put the motor boat, too. After gas, parking, and entrance fees, it's still nicer and cheaper than one family meal at McDonalds!
LurkingCaro
*Be aware that some people sneak into the beach area, there were a large group of who snuck in and were bragging about it. So maybe needs better security. You are supposed to get wrist bands and it's only 4 dollars, to be at the beach... I had a lovely time and the people working there were nice. The beach was clean, food was really good, lots of lifeguards!
Jeannie Tancred
We recently stayed in Cabin 12 for 4 nights and although the weather wasn’t the best, the cabin and the pristine park grounds made up for it. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the nicest rangers at the visitors center to check in. We drove to the cabin area and found 12 at the end of the road, very private and beautifully situated on the waterfront. The cabin was the cleanest and brightest we had ever stayed in. The water pressure was great and the hot water was hot! If you know, you know! It was well equipped but the star for is was the woodstove! It came with a complimentary bundle of wood and really made the rainy days more enjoyable. We went out shopping at the local antique shops and found some treasures, enjoyed an Italian dinner take out from a place around the corner and really enjoyed our stay! Once we returned home, we got a phone call from the park saying we had forgotten our Coleman coffee pot in the cabinet although we weren’t interested in having them send it to us. We appreciated the phone call and asked them to donate it or they could keep it, but it really shows the high level of customer service that the staff have there at the park. We are definitely going back.!
