12 Lakes for Swimming, Kayaking, and Boating near Roanoke, VA

Roanoke is a gateway to plenty of lakes and reservoirs, many of which are suitable for swimming, kayaking, and boating. Some options are well-developed, while others are more remote and wild.

By Dan Wild
Published: December 10, 2021

Roanoke has lots to offer when it comes to swimming, boating, and paddling. You have a choice of vast developed lakes, as well as more primitive but scenic options.

However, the only lake nearby that can be used in the evenings is Carvins Cove Reservoir. The rest of the options are further away and require a day trip or, better, a weekend stay.

We didn’t include small private lakes that Roanoke has lots of. Instead, the list comprises options that everyone can enjoy.

Lakes near Roanoke:

Smith Mountain Lake
Mountain Lake
Otter Lake
Carvins Cove Reservoir
Leesville Lake
Moncove Lake
Douthat Lake
Lake Moomaw
Claytor Lake
Cave Mountain Lake (Apr – Nov)
Sherando Lake (Apr – Nov)
Philpott Lake

1. Smith Mountain Lake

Official Page: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Distance from Roanoke: 30 miles (45 min)
Activities: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Camping, Hiking, Nature Trips

Smith Mountain Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Virginia and one of the top recreation lakes in the whole country.

At over 20,000 acres, there is plenty of space to pursue any water activity imaginable. From going for a swim in one of the dozen sandy beaches to wakeboarding and jet skiing, the lake has it all.

If you don’t have your own kayak or a boat, no problem, you can easily hire one and explore the myriad of coves that the lake offers.

Unlike many other reservoirs, Smith Mountain Lake offers lodging options, mainly lakefront houses, and cabins. Still, most people prefer to stay at numerous developed campgrounds right by the water.

Other facilities include restaurants, diners, wineries, a couple of marinas, and an airport. Yes, you read that right, the Smith Mountain Lake Airport.

Needless to say, the lake is very developed and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, which can be a disadvantage if you’re trying to avoid the crowds or looking for solitude. But, on the other hand, you will never get bored here.

2. Mountain Lake

Mountain Lake Lodge — Photo: Andrew Mike / CC BY-SA 2.0

Official Page: Mountain Lake Lodge
Distance from Roanoke: 59 miles (1h 5min)
Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips

Mountain Lake is the wild card on this list because it’s not a typical lake destination. In fact, because of the prolonged drought, the lake has completely dried out and was only recently refilled, although partially.

Yet, there are a couple of cool facts about this place that you may find interesting. First, it’s one of only two natural lakes in Virginia; the other one is Lake Drummond near Norfolk.

Second, Mountain Lake was the setting for the legendary film – Dirty Dancing. Keen eyes would point out that the location had changed a lot since 1987 when the film was produced. Yet, many fans are convinced that the romantic atmosphere is still preserved in that place.

The main attraction in the area is Mountain Lake Lodge which offers a comfortable stay, hosts weddings, and organizes activities. It is also the only place to stay as there aren’t any campgrounds nearby.

When it comes to the outdoors, the options are kayaking, canoeing, SUPs, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. The most popular choice is a short hike to the Bald Knob Overlook. So even if you are not a fan of dirty salsa, the area is worth visiting.

3. Otter Lake

Official Page: Otter Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 52 miles (1h 5min)
Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Otter Lake is a small 7-acre reservoir that was created by damming Otter Creek. It’s located near Big Island, off Highway 501.

Because of its small size, the water recreation options are limited. Fishing is the most popular one, and you can go for a paddle in a canoe or a SUP, and that’s pretty much it.

But there is one thing the lake has going for it – its charm. It is a scenic place with an interesting dam that looks like a brick wall, far nicer than the modern concrete monsters.

Also, there is a hiking trail that loops the lake; it will take you 45 minutes to complete – the perfect leg stretch on a road trip.

Otter Lake isn’t worth the one-hour drive, but rather it’s an excellent stop when exploring the state.

4. Carvins Cove Reservoir

Official Page: Carvins Cove Reservoir
Distance from Roanoke: 10 miles (25min)
Activities: Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips

Carvins Cove Reservoir is a 630-acre lake just 10 miles away from Roanoke. It is the nearest lake recreation spot, but unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed here.

However, you can kayak, canoe, and SUP, as well as motorboat with restriction to 10hp. In fact, there is even a rental shop with paddle boats.

When it comes to facilities, there are boat ramps, restrooms, and picnic tables. But the area is most known for hiking and mountain biking trails; there are plenty of those around, especially if you drive to the Bushy Mountain side of the lake.

As a day-use area with strict environmental standards, camping and lodging options around the reservoir are nonexistent. Still, due to the lake’s proximity to the city, it’s a solid choice, especially if you come for paddling or hiking.

5. Leesville Lake

Official Page: Leesville Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 46 miles (1h 5min)
Activities: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Leesville Lake is located near Altavista. It is a large reservoir (3,400 acres) that sits on the Roanoke River.

Like its neighbor, Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville is well developed with marinas, restaurants, a campground, and a few lodging options. You get the same package of facilities but in less quantity which makes this lake a better choice if you want to avoid the crowds.

And just like the bigger brother, the reservoir offers fantastic opportunities for every kind of water sport imaginable. Boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, SUPs, jet-skiing, you name it, the options are limitless here.

Where this location lacks, though, is hiking and mountain biking. There aren’t many developed trails, and the whole area is relatively flat.

Another criticism is debris in the water that make boating and swimming dangerous. But this tends to be season-related, and there are efforts to clean up the water.

6. Moncove Lake

Official Page: Moncove Lake State Park
Distance from Roanoke: 68 miles (1h 30min)
Activities: Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping, Boating (under 5hp)

Moncove Lake is Virginia’s best-kept secret. Located near Lewisburg, this 144-acre reservoir is big enough for most water activities yet too small to attract crowds.

Moncove State Park hugs the lake, and the whole area feels off-grid, with no phone or internet signals. Still, there is a pool, paddle boat rentals, and several campsites with access to the lake.

Kayaking, canoeing, SUPs, and fishing are the most common activities on the lake. And, there is a selection of trails for hiking. But mostly, the location is perfect for resting from the city hustle and recharging your batteries in nature.

7. Douthat Lake

Official Page: Douthat Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 55 miles (1h 10min)
Activities: Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping, Boating (electric motors)

Douthat Lake is a part of the Douthat State Park located near Clifton Forge. It’s a 50-acre reservoir known for trout fishing (in winter), sandy beach, and clear water.

Being one of the highest-rated recreation spots in Virginia, the lake certainly attracts a crowd at high season. So if you’re looking for some solitude, this option may not be ideal for you.

The facilities here include boat rentals, a gift shop, and a snack bar. Also, there are 43 cabins and a few larger lodges to stay at. And if you prefer a more primitive experience, there is a developed campground right by the lake.

Another nice thing about this location is that there is a selection of highly-rated hiking and MTB trails. For example, you can take the 15-mile loop around the park or visit the nearby Blue Sack Falls.

8. Lake Moomaw

Official Page: Lake Moomaw
Distance from Roanoke: 92 miles (2h 10min)
Activities: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

At 2,530 acres, Lake Moomaw is one of the larger reservoirs in Virginia. It is located near Covington amid Alleghany Highlands.

It will take you two hours to get here from Roanoke, but the lake is worth it because of its size, selection of activities, and undeveloped natural setting.

Despite its size, you won’t find any fancy cabins or restaurants nearby. Instead, there are a few primitive campgrounds for accommodation. Other facilities include boat launching ramps, beaches, and a few restrooms. And that’s pretty much it.

The lake is known for fishing as you can catch both warm water and cold water fish here. Also, there is plenty of space for boating. In fact, there are no boat motor restrictions on the lake, which means you can wakeboard and jet ski to all your heart’s desire.

However, you have to bring all the equipment with you as there are no boat rental facilities, even if you’re planning on kayaking or SUPing.

The lake is known for its crystal clear waters, and primitive setting, which makes it worth the two-hour drive, and its high ratings are testament to that.

9. Claytor Lake

Official Page: Claytor Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 52 miles (55 min)
Activities: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Claytor Lake is 21 miles long reservoir on the New River. Located near Radford, it is under an hour’s drive away, which is relatively close compared to other options on the list.

The location is very well developed. There is a marina, boat launching ramps, and a selection of cabins and lodges for winter stays.

Also, there is Claytor Lake State Park on the western shore. It features a well-kept campground with restrooms and showers, as well as yurts and bunkhouses. Plenty of accommodation for everyone!

There are also boat rental facilities; you can hire kayaks, SUPs, and canoes to explore the lake. And if you don’t want to get your feet wet, there are hiking, and mountain biking trails with a few lake overlooks.

Thanks to the lake’s proximity to Roanoke, its size, and its facilities, it is one of the best options on the list.

10. Cave Mountain Lake (Apr – Nov)

Official Page: Cave Mountain Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 49 miles (55 min)
Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Cave Mountain Lake is a small, 7-acre reservoir located amid Jefferson National Forest, near Glasgow.

There are quite a few restrictions in this location. For example, there is no watercraft of any kind allowed. You can only swim or fish here. Also, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach. But most importantly, the area only operates between April 1st and October 31st.

Such measures are necessary to preserve the habitat. Still, these limitations mean that the lake attracts fewer people overall, making it a peaceful option.

However, it’s not all wild. There is a developed campground with restrooms, showers, and several picnic tables. Perfect for hot summer weekends.

Another thing to mention is there are a couple of hiking trails in the area. For example, Devil’s Marbleyard trailhead is only a short drive away. It’s a strenuous but highly-rated climb with scrambling to the 360-degrees panorama.

11. Sherando Lake (Apr – Nov)

Official Page: Sherando Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 95 miles (1h 40min)
Activities: Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Sherando Lake is a 25-acre reservoir on the edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, near Staunton. It is a spring-fed lake known for clear water.

Like Cave Mountain Lake, this reservoir is closed for the winter season. Yet, there are more activities to pursue here than just swimming and fishing; you can kayak, canoe, and SUP, too.

Also, several hiking trails start from the lake. You can climb to Torry Ridge or stroll around the reservoir.

When it comes to facilities, there are restrooms, warm showers, numerous picnic areas, and a developed campground with RV hookups (only electric).

Despite the long, hour and forty-minute drive, the lake is worth the visit, especially if you are looking for fresh, clear water and hiking opportunities.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Upper Sherando Lake nearby – a smaller neighbor. So really, you get two in one in this location.

12. Philpott Lake

Official Page: Philpott Lake
Distance from Roanoke: 45 miles (55 min)
Activities: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, SUP, Canoeing, Hiking, Nature Trips, Camping

Philpott Lake is a 2,880-acre reservoir south of Roanoke. The best thing about this location is that it has very few restrictions. Yet, it’s large enough to accommodate thousands of people while remaining tranquil.

There is no overarching state park or recreation area that governs the lake. Instead, there are plenty of smaller parks and recreation spots that provide a multitude of facilities like marinas, boat launching ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beaches.

You can do any type of boating or paddling on the lake. From jet ski to kayak and SUP, there is plenty of space and coves to explore.

Hiking and mountain biking are also popular here, so there is still something to do if you don’t want to get wet. Overall, it’s a great alternative to Smith Mountain Lake, although it has fewer cabins and lodges.

More Lakes in Virginia:

Hiking Trails in Virginia: