Shared by Dianne Mills, as Guest Blogger.

The kids are screaming in the backseat, “Are we there yet?” or the teenagers are nagging you with “Why do we have to go?” and you feel as if this road trip will never end.

Then, suddenly, you wind down those country roads and there it is beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. You have arrived. 

Smith Mountain Lake is a destination all its own in Virginia.

The Lake is packed with fun things for the whole family, including a popular state park.

The kids all quiet down as they look in awe over the landscape before them. What an incredible place to see. Your question now is, “What is there for families to do at Smith Mountain Lake?”

Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy your stay.

ARE WE THERE YET?

1. Get Out On The Water! Rent a boat or jet ski from the marina and head out on the lake for a couple of hours. There are plenty of places to rent boats, canoes, kayaks, and personal watercraft. You can rent them directly from the Smith Mountain Lake State Park concession area. They will get you out on the water in no time and you may never want to come back. Smith Mountain Lake has incredible views and it is a must to experience them on the water.

Spending time on the water is great summer fun.

You too can canoe at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

3. Experience the Park! Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County offers water-related activities including swimming, boating, and fishing. In addition to these are miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. If you desire more strenuous hiking trails, a short drive up the road will take you to the Peaks of Otter which is on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Plan a family picnic and enjoy it at one of the parks.

Enjoy the park and then explore nearby fun stuff. 

5. See A Movie! Take in a first-run movie at the air-conditioned Westlake Cinema, a four-plex theater with stadium seating, concessions, and games at the Westlake Towne Center.

6. Tell Campfire Stories! When you camp at Smith Mountain Lake State Park and enjoy s’mores while telling stories around the fire. Many of the state park cabins and campsites have areas that will allow you to have a little campfire. There’s the magic that comes from being under the stars by the waters of Smith Mountain Lake with the smell of marshmallows and graham crackers permeating your senses. Check the campground rules and be sure to ask permission before lighting your fire. The Park Rangers almost always have a Friday night welcome campfire with s'mores.

8. Learn The History! There is a lot of history surrounding the lake. Be sure to visit the Visitor’s Center at The Smith Mountain Lake Dam. See how electricity is generated and try out the hands-on exhibits. Take a picnic lunch, sit by the overlook and enjoy the view. Spend a day on the farm when you visit the birthplace of Booker T. Washington on the Burroughs Tobacco Farm on Route 122, or drive to Bedford and visit The National D-Day Memorial.

Spend a day on the farm when you visit Booker T. Washington National Monument.

9. Take A Sight Seeing Cruise! If you don’t want to rent a boat, let the Virginia Dare do the driving for you. A sightseeing cruise on a 19th-century replica side-wheeler is a unique family experience. Travel aboard the Virginia Dare and see what makes Smith Mountain Lake such a desirable vacation destination.

Check with the park as the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park now have a pontoon that they are hosting wildlife and other nature cruises with narration by a park ranger or Virginia Master Naturalist. Click here to view the parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

Pontoon wildlife and nature programs at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

10. Fish With A Guide! Smith Mountain Lake stripers are some of the most sought-after game fish in Virginia.  If you have never fished for stripers, then definitely consider hiring a guide to fish for that “ultimate” striped bass and the picture to take home and show all of your friends. Catching fish has never been so much fun.

BONUS

Harvester Performance Center in nearby Rocky Mount has live shows throughout the year.

Spend an evening out at the Harvester Performance Center in nearby Rocky Mount Virginia. Live shows are held weekly.

These are just a few of the many family activities you can enjoy at Smith Mountain Lake. What are other fun activities that your family has enjoyed?

CAMPING AND CABINS

Virginia State Parks provide comfortable and economical overnight lodging choices with more than 300 cabins to choose from of various sizes throughout the state. Many of these cabins are available year-round, consider an off-season getaway. In addition to cabins, we also offer family lodges, bunkhouses and yurts. Learn more about these offerings at Virginia State Parks.

Click here to check on availability and to reserve online, or call 800-933-7275 during business hours.

Visit Dianne's Facebook page here for more information on Smith Mountain Lake events, sights of interest and even more cool things to do during your visit to Smith Mountain Lake State Park.