As summer gets under way, are you looking for a family friendly fun place to cool off? Want to spend some time in the sun and sand? How about a mountain lake that has its own beach? Well I have a secret I am hesitant to let out of the bag...Claytor Lake State Park is awesome midweek!

I took these photos last Thursday, the water a gentle 75-80 degrees, no shock and jumping up and out of the water screaming when frigid water hits your midriff!

Midweek is the way to go to avoid the crowds at Claytor Lake State Park!

$3 admission to use the beach midweek at Claytor Lake State Park

Ample parking, snack bar, restrooms, gift shop, lifeguards, hiking trails, paved bike paths, clean - this park is clean, so clean it borders immaculate.

Learn more about all 35 Virginia State Parks here. From the mountain lakes, streams, and rivers of the piedmont and Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean - Virginia State Parks has something for everyone! Pack a lunch, the dog, the kids, the sunscreen, hiking shoes, camera and bug spray and get on out there!

Celebrate 75 years of Family, Friends and Fun at Virginia State Parks!

Don't forget to participate in the 75 Days of Summer contest. There are two components - an in-park contest, in which participants must visit a state park, and an online version. Both run from June 15 through Sept. 5. The online contest has 75 prizes, and the in-park contest has 33 prizes. Prizes for the online drawing will be awarded daily; prizes for the in-park will be announced on Sept. 12. Weekly prizes include a camping trip with a fully furnished camper trailer from Road Trip Rentals.