You can't think about summer break without instantly hearing the sounds of children laughing and splashing in the water and the memorable scent of SPF45 sunscreen permeating your mind.

What is it about summer that we love so much? Maybe it was that freeing time as a kid when you could run, skip, throw and use your outside voice to your heart's delight. Perhaps it was the cooking-out we loved, when the hot dogs and burgers sizzled on the red hot charcoal grill, or when Mom packed a picnic, and we sat around dripping wet eating it together on a beach blanket or at a picnic table. Or perhaps it is all of the above; I know for me it is.

Regarding the hot summer months, we are fortunate to have places to cool off right here in Virginia State Parks. I discovered more fantastic lake swimming beaches for you to enjoy the water and related activities, so here are the next three in this series:

HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK

There is no better fun than being together as you cool off in the mountain lake.

SUMMER IS A TIME

FOR KIDS TO BE KIDS

We learn to love sand early in life, especially if we can dig and build sandcastles with Dad.

Sun, sand and water wings are the perfect combination of summer fun

The park has lifeguards and staff on duty at the swimming beach for the safety of all park guests

Hungry Mother State Park is a well-known family favorite with beautiful woodlands and a tranquil 108-acre lake tucked away in the heart of the mountains. This park has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak and paddle), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier.

Although Hungry Mother State Park is a short drive from I-81, it feels like you are a hundred miles away from civilization. It is that relaxing.

Learn more about this park here.

CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK

An excellent swimming beach on one of Virginia's most popular water recreation spots 

A quiet swimming beach and lawn area before opening for the day

The peak time to visit the swimming beach is during the Summer Festival in June

The swimming area has a  snack bar and gift shop. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Unguarded swimming is available at other hours. 

WiFi is also available in that area. This is a great reason to take fun photos like the ones above and share them on social media.

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/VirginiaStateParks
• Twitter: @VAStateParks #vastateparks
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vastateparks/ #vastateparks @vastateparks

Learn more about this park here.

BEAR CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

Have oodles and noodles of fun at the swimming beach

Picnic tables are nearby to stop for a lunch break at the swimming beach

You can check out the beach and the lake from the water if you rent a paddle boat

Casting Call fishing program at Bear Creek Lake State Park

This 40-acre lake is located in the heart of Virginia and is a fun, family-friendly place to cool off in the summertime. The swimming beach has a bathhouse and Lakeside Snack Bar, which offers refreshments.

There are also great ranger-led activities like archery, hikes, arts and crafts and nature programs; more here.

At Bear Creek Lake State Park, you can also borrow a park pack for the day from the office. The Birder Pack has binoculars, bird call audio identification cards, and player and bird field guides. Our Forest Pack has info on animal tracks and scat (what's that?), tree identification, flower pocket guides, magnifiers and other helpful items to let you find and explore at your own pace.

These packs are loaned free of charge and may be reserved from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily or during posted office hours. Only one of each pack is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Learn more about this park here.

PARK IT RIGHT HERE
FOR SUMMER FUN

WHEN DO THE SWIMMING BEACHES OPEN?

BEACHES ARE OPEN BETWEEN THE SATURDAY OF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND LABOR DAY

Memorial Day is the official weekend opener for summer fun at Virginia State Parks. While camping and cabins may be used before this time, this is the date chosen for swimming at our parks.

WHAT IS THE COST?

Fees for beach swimming apply only when a beach is guarded. Click here for swimming fees. You can also purchase a season swimming pass that includes the parking fee or a swimming coupon book (if you plan to utilize the park's beach often this year). 

UNGUARDED SWIMMING

When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach's designated area but do so at their own risk. There is no fee for this. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised.

WEATHER

If there is inclement weather, the beach is closed to everyone. You will be given a swimming rain check to come back and swim another day. If you are not sure if they are open or not, by all means, call ahead and ask the park directly. 

FREE SWIMMING

All three parks above offer campgrounds, cabins and yurts to rent. Cabin and camping guests can swim for free (one pass for each occupant for every night rented), and you will be given daily swimming passes when you check in. Click here to check availability, reserve online, or call 800-933-PARK.

Read Part 1 in this series for more swimming options.

FIND YOUR BEACH