Smith Mountain Lake State Park
RV Guide

There is always something fun and educational to do at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, no matter how old you are or what time of year you visit. Occasionally, the park’s Discovery Center, together with Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, hold special off-season programs for adults and kids annually in support of the parks projects and conservation efforts. From organized races around Smith Mountain Lake to junior rangers programs and winter lecture series, the park hosts multiple activities that support the environment and teach the public important information about the local ecosystem. For music lovers, there are live music performances at the beach pavilion on various dates throughout the year, so check for dates online to see who will be performing during your RV vacation.

The changing of the leaves is spectacular in Smith Mountain Lake State Park. In fact, several of the park’s trails are well-known for autumn hikes with the expressed purpose of leaf-peeping, as it’s called. In the area, the Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest is said to sport all shades of vibrant reds from late September through November. A popular trail within the park is the Chestnut Ridge Trail, just north and east of Smith Mountain Lake. Both of these trails allow dogs and are not overly challenging.

Then there’s the Opossum Trot Trail and Turtle Island Trail that combine to make an almost two-mile hike where you are not only likely to view some beautiful fall colors, but also some rabbits, white-tailed deer, and opossum. If you are really lucky, you may see the bald eagles that summer in the park begin to fly south for the winter. You can try the half-mile Beaver Den Trail, which leads to the calm lake waters where you can spot mallards, waterfowl, and osprey year-round. The Striper Cover Trail lined with the changing trees offers endless photographic opportunities as well.

Every year hunters descend on Smith Mountain Lake State Park with their deer licenses and muzzleloaders in hand. Deer hunting keeps deer populations healthy in the park and surrounding areas. The hunt usually only lasts for four days and licenses go very quickly, so if you are interested, make sure you have your Virginia state hunter’s safety card and check into buying a tag as soon as they are available.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a paradise year-round. It’s especially popular for its winter holiday events. Park your RV as late as the first week of December and head into nearby Bridgewater Plaza to sip some hot cocoa and pick up some gifts for the season. Attend the Hickory Hill Holidays event at Hickory Hills Winery with a wine-tasting for adults and mulled cider for the kids and bring some back to sip in the camper or cozy cabin. Roanoke is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Smith Mountain Lake where you can experience a variety of autumn and winter events such as fall and Christmas festivals. End a chilly day of fun warm in your Airstream before heading out for a day of hiking in the park.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers the best boating experience around. The crystal clear waters are perfect to launch your watercraft. Whether you paddleboard, waterski, or just like to float around and take in the scenery, Smith Mountain Lake is a great choice. You may even want to try your hand at kayaking, canoeing, sky-boating, or hydro-biking during your visit. Don't have your own watercraft? All of these in addition to fishing and ski boats are available to rent at the local marina.

One item you will absolutely not want to forget before heading to the lake is the required life vest for every member of your party. There are some strict safety rules to be aware of in the park, so make sure to check in with the marina before launching your skiff.

After a fun-filled morning on the boat, your crew will be hungry and ready for some dry land. The park has some excellent picnic areas perfect for this purpose. There is a huge playground where kids can enjoy running around after refueling on some healthy food and snacks. Once you're dried off, you'll be hoping for some shade. The grill area is equipped with shaded picnic tables, and fresh drinking water is on tap. Restrooms are also available nearby for your convenience. After lunch, you'll be energized and ready for more fun in the sun.

For nearly three decades, this 500-foot beach has been a paradise for swimmers. Smith Mountain Lake's sandy beaches are usually open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During peak season, you can rest easy knowing your kids are safe as there are highly skilled lifeguards overseeing the swimming area. Of course, small children should never be left without parental supervision. Other amenities in the beach area include a volleyball court, amphitheater, and a spacious parking lot, so you won't have far to haul those beach toys. Note: There is a separate fee to access the swimming area.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has always been known as a prime fishing destination in Virginia. You can park your RV near the boat launches and then proceed to the lake. Smith Mountain Lake is stocked with huge bass, muskie, and bluegill. Here you can fish from the ADA-accessible public fishing pier or from the shores. Smith Mountain Lake State Park holds regular fishing tournaments throughout the year such as Aspiring Angler Tournaments and Youth Fishing Clinics. If you're interested, you can inquire about their schedule in the park office.