Posted: Nov 02, 2015 l Updated: Dec 15, 2016  

Just a few miles off Interstate 81 in Pulaski County is where you will find Claytor Lake State Park, November’s Park of the Month. Although it’s a short distance from the well-traveled highway, the park seems like a world away.

The iconic gazebo here at Claytor Lake State Park is a popular wedding venue

Tucked along the shoreline of Claytor Lake, from which the park takes its name, Claytor Lake State Park has been a popular getaway for generations of students and visiting families from nearby Virginia Tech and Radford University.

The park is also home to the Water's Edge Conference Center, a modern meeting facility overlooking the lake and marina. With its iconic gazebo, reception venue, and lodging, this park has become one of the most desired wedding locations around.

Water's Edge Conference Center is well equipped for meetings or receptions

Claytor Lake State Park offers many opportunities for recreation on the water. The quiet coves around the park lend themselves to fishing, paddling, or even yoga on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Inside the park Claytor Lake Watersports operates a concession, with everything from kayaks to pontoons available for rent. The marina offers a place to keep your boat year round, and there is a fishing pier as well as a public boat launch for day users.

The quiet coves around the park are perfect for paddling

Picnic shelters make this a great spot for a group outing

The Track Trail offers family friendly outdoor adventures

A day at the beach in the mountains is fun for everyone

Children of all ages enjoy the beach in summer, and there is a concession for snacks and other beach necessities. Playgrounds and picnic shelters make this park an ideal spot for a group outing. There is also a paved walking trail through the woods, easily accessible if you are pushing a stroller or wheelchair. There is even a Track Trail, part of a network of "family-friendly outdoor adventures."

One of our six-bedroom lodges is perfect for a holiday get together

Overnight facilities include three universally accessible six-bedroom lodges, 12 two-bedroom cabins with water views, one three-bedroom accessible cabin with water view, and more than 100 campsites of various types. There is also a camping lodge. These popular cabins fill up fast, so reserve early for your choice of weeks, especially in summer (or Virginia Tech game weekends).

For a location map of Claytor Lake State Park click here.

For overnight reservations at Claytor Lake State Park click here, or call our Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK (7275).

For more information about the history of Claytor Lake State Park, and events that take place here throughout the year, watch for future featured blogs throughout the month of November.

Editor's Note: Newly built cabins will open at this park in 2017. Also, unique to this park is that all lodges and cabins are waterfront. This blog originally titled "November Park of the Month: A great getaway, just off the beaten path" posted on Nov 02, 2015 | Updated on Dec 15, 2016