Simply put, there is no shortage of outdoor activities in Virginia. But, with so many options of things to do and see and experience, sometimes it’s nice to have a shortlist. These Virginia lakes, found all over the state, should make that list without a doubt.

Although there are only two natural lakes in Virginia — Mountain Lake in Giles County and Lake Drummond in Chesapeake — there are countless other lakes that have been formed by dams or other man-made methods. Many of these lakes are within state parks or recreation areas and offer beaches, camping, fishing, boating, and a full range of activities perfect for Virginia summers. Whether you’re looking for “clear lakes near me,” beautiful swimming lakes, or perfect picnic spots, we’ve got you covered.

1. John H. Kerr Reservoir / Buggs Island Lake, Clarksville
Buggs Island, Virginia 23917, USA
Melissa Wilkins / flickr
Virginia's largest lake and a nationally recognized fishing site, Bugg's Island can be reached from Occoneechee State Park and Staunton River State Park. Both of these lakeside state parks in Virginia are worth exploring!
2. Lake Phoenix, Rawlings
Lake Phoenix Scuba Park, Family Campgrounds & Paintball, 1 Quarry Ln, Rawlings, VA 23876, USA
Jeffrey Bice / flickr
Scuba diving is the big draw for this lake. What sets it apart, aside from its obvious beauty, is clear water. Divers can explore underwater sites including an airplane, school buses, cars, old boats and more. It's pretty incredible that it's possible to go scuba diving in Virginia.

3. Lake Moomaw, Covington
Gathright Dam, Hot Springs, VA 24445, USA
US Army Corps of Engineers / flickr
RobDurfee / flickr
The Gathright Dam was built over 30 years ago to provide flood control for the area north of Covington. The resulting Lake Moomaw is now a beautiful and peaceful place for camping, swimming and boating. Of all the Virginia lakes, Lake Moomaw might just be one of the most beautiful.
4. Lake Anna, Louisa
Lake Anna Drive, Lake Anna Dr, Virginia 23024, USA
VA Department of Conservation and Recreation / flickr
The third-largest lake in Virginia, Lake Anna is a 13,000-acre oasis with sandy beaches and recreation areas for picnicking, camping, fishing, boating and more. This lake is also a popular vacation home site for many around the state. There's so much to explore when you visit this beautiful lake in Virginia.

5. Lake Drummond, Great Dismal Swamp, Chesapeake
Lake Drummond, Virginia, USA
US Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region / flickr
One of only two natural lakes in Virginia, Lake Drummond is part of the historic Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Special fishing and boating opportunities are available in this carefully preserved habitat. This breathtaking wildlife refuge in Virginia is a picture-perfect day trip destination.

6. Lake Gaston, South Hill
Lake Gaston Soccer Association, 330 Rideout Ln, South Hill, VA 23970, USA
Jeff Self / flickr
This beautiful lake on the border of Virginia and North Carolina is a favorite vacation spot for many around the state. Huge open waters are perfect for boating, skiing and other water sports. It's one waterfront destination in Virginia that belongs on your bucket list.

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7. Philpott Lake, Bassett
Bassett, VA 24055, USA
Vicky Somma / flickr
Eight campgrounds and six beaches make this lake accessible to everyone. While you're visiting, you can also enjoy swimming and hiking at this beautiful destination in southwestern Virginia.
8. Sherando Lake, Lyndhurst (George Washington National Forest)
Sherando Lake Road, Sherando Lake Rd, Virginia 22952, USA
Stan-n-Deb Horst / flickr
Located in the George Washington National Forest, this gorgeous lake has onsite, waterfront camping in Virginia and plenty of opportunities for fishing and hiking along it shores.
9. Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke Region
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, USA
Tess Shebaylo / flickr
Des Runyan / flickr
Probably the most popular lake in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is also the second largest. With 500 miles of shoreline, the lake offers huge open water spaces ideal for water sports, sailing and much more. Both vacation and holiday homes are popular at this lake.
10. South Holston Lake, Abingdon
Lake Road, Lake Rd, Virginia 24211, USA
Big Ed's Photos / flickr
mandy / flickr
Nestled in the mountains of southwest Virginia, this beautiful lake has unparalleled views and is perfect for camping, fishing and boating. Plus, the water of this beautiful Virginia lake is a breathtaking blue.
12. Lake Fairfax, Reston
Lake Fairfax, Reston, VA 20190, USA
Marc Benton / flickr
Lake Fairfax Park is all about recreation. Rent paddle boats, take a boat tour or spend the weekend camping - you'll never run out of things to do at this awesome park in northern Virginia. Plus, while you're there, be sure to check out this amazing burger joint in Virginia.
13. Lone Star Lakes Park, Suffolk
401 Kings Hwy, Suffolk, VA 23432, USA
Michael Tefft / flickr
This unique park is actually made up of 11 lakes with fishing, natural trails and picnic areas available throughout the park. Looking for another beautiful area to explore nearby? Check out this gorgeous boardwalk trail in Virginia.

Grab your boat shoes and sunscreen and start exploring these beautiful Virginia lakes and parks. We want to hear about your favorites, as always, so be sure to let us know in the comments below! Looking to explore more beautiful places this season? Check out our list of these scenic and easy trails in Virginia. There’s something for everyone on this list!

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More to Explore

Virginia lakes

Beth C. | June 15, 2022

Where can I go tubing in Virginia?

Some excellent places to go tubing in Virginia include:

  • James River State Park
  • Shenandoah River near Luray
  • New River Junction

 

Summertime is all about finding ways to stay cool and beat the heat. Fortunately, Virginia is home to countless places for swimming, splashing, and floating. In fact, there are several lazy rivers where you can go tubing in Virginia for the perfect afternoon of rest and relaxation. Some of our favorite lazy rivers in Virginia can be found at James River State Park, the Shenandoah River near Luray, New River Junction in Blacksburg, the Maury River, the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and the Clinch River.

Are there any natural lakes in Virginia?

Most lakes you happen upon in Virginia are man-made, with the exception of two natural lakes in Virginia. These two lakes are called Lake Drummond and Mountain Lake. Mountain Lake is unique in that it was the setting of the famous film Dirty Dancing. Learn more about the mysterious Mountain Lake in Virginia and why, after so many years, it's spontaneously filling up with more water.

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