Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Last updated on August 04, 2022

I think I was the only one at Smith Mountain Lake State Park last week that didn't have a trailered bass boat parked outside my cabin. I have to admit I was a little bit envious of the fishermen and women who spend their early mornings out on the beautiful calm waters of one of Virginia's largest lakes.

Smith Mountain Lake is known by many as a fishing paradise, where you can easily catch Striped Bass longer than your arm.

The park is featured in popular fishing tournaments throughout the year, and there's even a permanent building near the launch and dock area dedicated to the largemouth bass weigh-ins and their quick release. 

There are two launches side by side at Smith Mountain Lake State Park with plenty of trailer parking

There are two launches side by side at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, with plenty of trailer parking.

A BIG LAKE

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is located on the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is a fishing enthusiast's paradise. It has over 500+ miles of shoreline and encompasses 40 miles with 20,000 acres of water.

There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

LOCATION

The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. Here's a Google map with directions.

The perfect way to start a day at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Virginia is out on the water

The perfect way to start a day at Smith Mountain Lake State Park is out on the water

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

There are some great little cabins at this park. Some of them are water-view, but all of them have dock access near the cabin area.

And if you don't own a boat, it's fun to sit on the dock and fish for bluegill or other small fish in the coves or visit the public fishing pier.

Cabin 13 is a 2 bedroom cabin with wood stove and outside picnic table, firepit and grill at Smith Mountain Lake State Park (no waterview)

Cabin 13 is a 2-bedroom cabin with a wood stove and outside picnic table, fire pit and grill.

There are 11 two-bedroom cabins and 8 two-bedroom with a water view, and 1 three-bedroom cabin. In addition to the bedrooms, they all feature a fold-out sofa.

These are the only cabins in the state parks with wood stoves and an outside fire pit and grill. The park gives you the first lot of firewood and you can purchase more at the park.

Campsites are semi private at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, reservations can be made for half of them

Reservations can be made in advance for 50% of these great campsites.

The campground is treed and has various site types, from tent (no water or electricity) to full RV sites, a few of which are pull-through sites.

  • Full-service bathhouse with hot showers and wash sink for dishes.
  • All sites have a picnic table, fire ring grill and a post for a lantern.

Click here for pictures of the sites.

Boat launching is always free for overnight guests.

Learn more about cabins and camping at this park here. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online here or call 1-800-933-PARK during regular business hours.

FISHING PIER

The universally accessible fishing pier is located near the boat launches (and offers restrooms, parking and wonderful picnic areas) at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Va

The universally accessible fishing pier is located near the boat launches (and offers restrooms, parking and wonderful picnic areas). Pack a lunch and spend a day out here on the lake watching the leaves fall as you cast and reel, cast and reel.

Bill Cochran of the Roanoke Times shared this story in April, "Big stripers reach 20-year high at Smith Mountain Lake," and mentions some of the citation fish caught last year at the lake. He says that the time to catch the whoppers has increased, but they are still viable. But you can't catch any fish without your line in the water.

And after you cast your line, you quickly learn what Virginia State Parks are all about, just as one of my favorite Trace Adkins song declares, "This ain't about fishin'."

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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