Lakes in Virginia

Location: South of Farmville, Prince Edward County, Virginia

Recommended For: Anglers, and nature lovers.

What we Love: “Catch monster-sized largemouth bass and enjoy water-based sports in the serene surroundings of Briery Creek Lake.”

• Relax at Briery Creek Lake, a fantastic fishing and recreation destination located just south of Farmville in Central Virginia.
• Fish for a wide variety of species, including channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass (including some monster-sized ones!), and redear sunfish.
• Explore the lake, formed by the impoundment of Briery Creek and Little Briery Creek, with timber and brush left in place to create an incredible fish habitat.
• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area and the rolling hills of the Piedmont region.
• Unwind with water-based sports or a picnic in one of the park’s accessible spots—perfect for a relaxing day out in nature.

Cost: Free access for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Additional fees may apply for some activities

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall for optimal fishing, water sports, and enjoying the lake's beautiful natural surroundings

Local tips: Bring sunscreen, picnic gear, and plenty of bait for a fun day by the water. The area can get busy during peak summer days, so arriving early is recommended.

How to Get There: Briery Creek Lake is located in the Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area, easily accessible from Farmville on major routes.

Address: Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area, Farmville, Prince Edward County, Central Virginia

Location: Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, Salem, Virginia (Carvins Cove Rd)

Recommended For: Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, anglers, and families seeking a variety of recreational activities

What we Love: “A pristine reservoir surrounded by stunning mountain views, offering everything from hiking to waterskiing.”

• Relax at Carvins Cove Lake, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which serves as the primary water source for the city of Roanoke.
• Explore the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, home to Virginia’s second-largest city park, providing a serene environment for water and land-based activities.
• Enjoy the reservoir created by damming Carvin's Creek, providing both water supply and recreational opportunities.
• Engage in a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, and more.
• Observe the abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, making Carvins Cove Lake a fantastic spot for nature lovers.

Cost: Free access to trails and public areas; fees may apply for boating and certain activities

Best time to visit: Spring and Fall for ideal outdoor activity conditions, but Summer is great for water sports.

Local tips: Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and your camera for breathtaking scenic views. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for quiet nature viewing.

How to Get There: Located just outside of Roanoke, Carvins Cove Lake is easily accessible by car from Carvins Cove Rd in Salem.

Address: Carvins Cove Lake, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve: Carvins Cove Rd, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: 540-853-2236

Romantic Lakes

Location: Chickahominy River, Tidewater and Hampton Roads area, Virginia

Recommended For: Anglers, nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts

What we Love: “A beautiful, tree-lined reservoir filled with fish, perfect for a day of relaxation and recreation amidst stunning natural beauty.”

• Relax at Chickahominy Lake, a picturesque reservoir fed by the fertile waters of the Chickahominy River, attracting anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers throughout the year.
• Soak in the stunning scenery of this peaceful lake, created in 1943, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities in a natural setting.
• Enjoy the lake’s role as a water supply for Newport News Waterworks, originally built to support military bases during wartime.
• Fish in the lake’s excellent fishery for a variety of species, making it a popular spot for anglers.
• Explore the lake by boating, or take time to enjoy the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding area.

Cost: Free access to the lake; however, some recreational activities may require permits or fees.

Best time to visit: Year-round for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, but especially popular during the warmer months for outdoor activities.

Local tips: Bring a picnic for a relaxing day by the lake, and don’t forget your binoculars for birdwatching or your camera for photos of the beautiful surroundings.

How to Get There: Easily accessible from the Tidewater and Hampton Roads area, located in Virginia, just off the Chickahominy River.

Address: Chickahominy Lake, Chickahominy River, Tidewater and Hampton Roads area, Virginia

Location: Southwestern Virginia's Blue Ridge Highlands, Pulaski County, Virginia

Recommended For: Nature lovers, hikers, boaters, anglers, and families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience

What we Love: “A scenic 4,475-acre lake with a peaceful state park, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to boating.”

• Explore Claytor Lake, a 4,475-acre impoundment of the New River that stretches over 21 miles through the Blue Ridge Highlands.
• Relax in a beautiful setting, located near Interstate 81 and shared with the tranquil 475-acre Claytor Lake State Park.
• Engage in a wide range of recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and kayaking on the lake.
• Enjoy the abundance of wildlife and flora around the park, making it a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
• Discover the lake’s history, created in 1939 for hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation, and named after W. Graham Claytor, a former mayor of Roanoke.

Cost: Free access to the park, but some activities such as boating may require permits or fees.

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall for optimal hiking, fishing, and water activities.

Local tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and sunscreen for a fun day out on the water. The lake is popular in the summer, so early visits are recommended for a peaceful experience.

How to Get There: Conveniently located off Interstate 81, with easy access to both the lake and the state park.

Address: Claytor Lake State Park: Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084, Phone: 540-643-2500, website

Lakes for Families

Location: Douthat State Park, 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, Virginia

Recommended For: Nature lovers, anglers, hikers, boaters, and families seeking year-round outdoor adventures

What we Love: “A beautiful, year-round recreational paradise, offering everything from fishing to water skiing, all surrounded by the stunning Allegheny Mountains.”

• Explore Douthat Lake, a 50-acre reservoir set in the Allegheny Mountains within the 4,545-acre Douthat State Park.
• Engage in a wide range of land and water-based activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and even water skiing.
• Relax on the lake’s large swimming beach, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying protected swimming areas.
• Fish at Douthat Lake with access to two fishing piers and boat ramps for non-motorized boats, offering excellent opportunities to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout, black crappie, channel catfish, and chain pickerel.

Cost: Free access to park trails; fees may apply for camping, boat rentals, or some activities.

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall for outdoor activities, with summer being the most popular for water-based fun.

Local tips: Bring sunscreen for a day at the beach, and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots. Boat rentals are available, so plan ahead if you want to hit the water.

How to Get There: Accessible via Douthat State Park Rd in Millboro, VA, just a short drive from nearby highways.

Address: Douthat Lake, Douthat State Park: 14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460, Phone: 540-862-8100

Location: 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171, Virginia

Recommended For: Nature lovers, anglers, hikers, families, and those seeking a serene outdoor escape

What we Love: “A scenic, 168-acre lake surrounded by beautiful mountains, known for its rare fairy stones and perfect for outdoor adventures and fishing.”

• Discover Fairy Stone Lake, named after the rare staurolite diamond-shaped crystals found in the area, set within the 4,741-acre Fairy Stone State Park.
• Enjoy a variety of land and water-based activities, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming beaches, picnicking, and equestrian camping.
• Explore the park’s group camping areas and participate in ranger-led programs for all ages.
• Fish in the lake, which is popular for bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and redear sunfish.
• Relax and unwind in this peaceful location near the Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounded by Patrick County and close to towns like Floyd, Meadows of Dan, and Stuart.

Cost: Free access to park trails; fees may apply for camping and rentals.

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall for hiking, swimming, and fishing. Summer is the most popular season for family activities.

Local tips: Bring a fishing rod for the abundant fish and a picnic to enjoy by the lake. The fairy stones are a unique souvenir for those who find them!

How to Get There: Conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick County, accessible by local roads.

Address: Fairy Stone Lake, 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171, Phone: 276-930-2424

Lakes For Photographers

Location: C. M. Crockett Park, 10066 Rogues Rd, Midland, VA 22728, Virginia

Recommended For: Anglers, watersports enthusiasts, and nature lovers looking for a tranquil escape

What we Love: “A serene 109-acre lake nestled in the heart of C. M. Crockett Park, perfect for fishing, electric boating, and enjoying the peaceful woods.”

• Explore Germantown Lake, a 109-acre lake created in 1985 by damming Licking Run to help control flooding in the area.
• Catch a variety of fish, including channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass.
• Enjoy electric motor boats for peaceful boating, with shore access points and boat ramps for easy launches.
• Stay nearby in Warrenton, located just seven miles away from the lake in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Midland.

Cost: Free access to the park; charges may apply for boat rentals.

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall for fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Local tips: Only electric motor boats are allowed on the lake, keeping the waters peaceful and perfect for fishing and leisurely activities.

How to Get There: Located in C. M. Crockett Park, easily accessible from the town of Midland and only a short drive from Warrenton.

Address: Germantown Lake, C. M. Crockett Park: 10066 Rogues Rd, Midland, VA 22728, Phone: 540-422-8870