Quick Summary:

  • What makes Virginia's landscapes unique?
    • Virginia features spectacular landscapes, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the gently rolling hills of the Piedmont Valley. These scenic views make the state a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • What role do Virginia's lakes and reservoirs play?
    • Scattered across Virginia’s beautiful countryside are numerous lakes and reservoirs that serve multiple purposes, including:
      • Flood control
      • Hydroelectric power generation
      • Drinking water supply
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Virginia's lakes?
    • Virginia's lakes and reservoirs offer a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, such as:
      • Boating
      • Fishing
      • Canoeing and kayaking
      • Pontooning
      • Swimming
      • Relaxing on a sandy beach
  • Can visitors find a lake anywhere in Virginia?
    • Yes! Virginia offers tranquil bodies of water throughout the state, ensuring that visitors can enjoy lakeside activities no matter where they are.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Briery Creek Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Briery Creek Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Ljiljana - Fotolia.com

2. Carvins Cove Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Carvins Cove Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of hepjam - Fotolia.com

3. Chickahominy Lake

Category: Activities
Chickahominy Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Luca - Fotolia.com

4. Claytor Lake

Category: Activities
Claytor Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Steve - Fotolia.com

5. Douthat Lake

Category: Activities
Douthat Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Elena Dijour - Fotolia.com

6. Fairy Stone Lake

Category: Activities
Fairy Stone Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Szymon - Fotolia.com

7. Germantown Lake

Category: Activities
Germantown Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of R+R - Fotolia.com

8. Hungry Mother Lake

Category: Activities
Hungry Mother Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Robert Kneschke - Fotolia.com

9. John W. Flannagan Reservoir

Category: Activities
John W. Flannagan Reservoir | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Yuan - Fotolia.com

10. Kerr Lake / John H. Kerr Reservoir

Category: Activities
Kerr Lake / John H. Kerr Reservoir | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of ViDi Studio - Fotolia.com

11. Lake Anna

Category: Activities
Lake Anna | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Matthew Carroll - Fotolia.com

12. Lake Chesdin

Category: Activities
Lake Chesdin | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Molly - Fotolia.com

13. Lake Gaston

Category: Activities
Lake Gaston | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Jo Ann Snover - Fotolia.com

14. Lake Monticello

Category: Activities
Lake Monticello | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of demimerzie - Fotolia.com

15. Lake Moomaw

Category: Activities
Lake Moomaw | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of aruizhu - Fotolia.com

16. Lake of the Woods

Category: Activities
Lake of the Woods | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Grace - Fotolia.com

17. Leesville Lake

Category: Activities
Leesville Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of javarman - Fotolia.com

18. Little Creek Lake

Category: Activities
Little Creek Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of gabort - Fotolia.com

19. Mountain Lake

Category: Activities
Mountain Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Al - Fotolia.com

20. Occoquan Reservoir

Category: Activities
Occoquan Reservoir | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of davin - Fotolia.com

21. Philpott Lake

Category: Activities
Philpott Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of fotonaturali - Fotolia.com

22. Sandy River Lake

Category: Activities
Sandy River Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of gpointstudio - Fotolia.com

23. Smith Mountain Lake

Category: Activities
Smith Mountain Lake | Lakes in Virginia
© Courtesy of Christopher Spahr - Fotolia.com

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