Located on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in western Virginia is beautiful Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This Virginia state park gives visitors access to Virginia’s second largest freshwater lake for boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and more!
Impounded (dammed) in 1963, Smith Mountain Lake has long been a popular recreational destination, and the state park is located approximately 40 miles from Lynchburg and Roanoke, and about 140 miles from Richmond.
Follow along our visitor’s guide so you can be prepared for your visit to this spectacular Virginia state park!
[Want to see more? Explore some of the best Virginia State Parks in our full guide.]
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Information
Address: 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104
Phone: 540-297-6066

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for day use and parking are $7 for weekends and weekdays. An annual pass can be purchased and used for admission, which is valid at all Virginia state parks.
A boat ramp is also available at Smooth Mountain Lake State Park, which is $3 for a daily pass.
The parking and boat ramp fees are waived for overnight visitors of the park. Fees vary by overnight accommodation, which we’ll explain in more detail shortly.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Camping and Lodging
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a plethora of camping and lodging options. Minimum stays may apply during the peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so make sure to check with the park office.
Overnight reservations must be made in advance through www.reservevaparks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK.
Tent & RV Camping
Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers 26 standard non-electric campsites, 19 30 foot back in electric and water sites (EW), and 5 50-foot pull through EW sites.
All campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and are within walking distance of the campground bathhouses.
The nightly fees for campsites are $25 for standard sites, and $35 for EW sites. These fees represent the rates for Virginia residents. Nightly fees for campsites are slightly higher for Virginia non-residents.
Cabins
A total of 20 cabins are available to reserve at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Minimum stays of up to a week are to be expected for most of the year.
Cabins are two or three bedrooms, and some of the three-bedroom cabins have a water view and dock for visitors to dock their boat. All cabins include:
- Heat and AC
- Full kitchen
- Fold out sofa
- Dining table
- Full bathroom
- Wood stove/fireplace
Guests are reminded to bring their own linens. Nightly rates for standard two-bedroom cabins are $130, $144 per night for two-bedroom water view cabins, and $149 per night for three-bedroom cabins.
There is also a bunkhouse available for $92 per night. Bunkhouses can sleep up to 14 people and have a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Bunkhouses do not have running water or heat/AC.

Things to Do in Smith Mountain Lake State Park
With several miles of hiking trails and a seemingly endless amount of water to explore, everyone is sure to find something fun to do at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Hiking Trails
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has 13 trails throughout the park, all of which are dual use for hiking or mountain biking.
The trails at Smith Mountain Lake are rated as easy or moderate difficulty because of their short length and minimal grade changes. These trails are accessible for individuals of most levels of hiking ability.
The park’s longest and most interesting trail, striper cove, is 3.1 miles long with gentle grading and occasional views of the lake through the trees. Striper cove is the perfect trail for visitors looking for a relaxing day hike.
Swimming
Swimming is another favorite activity for many park visitors at the 500ft long swimming beach. The Smith Mountain Lake State Park beach is one of only two public beaches on the lake.
The swimming beach is watched by lifeguards during peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. A snack bar is also available at the beach in season during the day.
Overnight visitors can enjoy swimming at no additional fee, but daily users must purchase a swimming pass. Swimming pass fees at Smith Mountain Lake State Park are:
- Ages 2 and under – free
- Ages 3-12 – $3 (weekdays), $4 (weekends)
- Ages 13 and up – $4 (weekdays), $5 (weekends)
Fishing
Smith Mountain Lake is a popular fishing destination and is regarded as one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state of Virginia. Fishing can be accessed from the bank in various areas of the park, or by launching a boat at the park’s boat launch.
A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. For more information about Virginia fishing regulations and licenses, visit https://dwr.virginia.gov
Anglers at Smith Mountain Lake can catch a variety of popular species. These include:
- Striped bass (stocked annually)
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Various sunfish species
- Catfish
- Crappie
As a popular fishing lake, fishing pressure is known to be high at Smith Mountain Lake. Quality fishing for largemouth can be had in the lake’s many coves where you can get away from heavy boat traffic.

Boating & Water Sports
Many boats frequent Smith Mountain Lake for a day of pleasure cruising, fishing, or water sports.
Smith mountain lake state park offers a boat ramp for a small daily fee of $3 for day visitors. For those staying overnight at the park, the boat launch fee is waived.
Boat rentals for paddle craft (canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats) are available during peak season, as well as pontoon boats, ski boats, and jet skis. Fees vary by rental type and the length of the rental. Contact the park office for more details, as availability may change.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park FAQ
Where is Smith Mountain Lake State Park located on the lake?
A: Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a 1,248-acre state park located on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, Virginia.
Do I have to pay the boat ramp fee if I’m staying in a cabin at Smith Mountain Lake State Park?
A: No, the boat ramp is free for overnight guests at the park. Guests staying in the water view cabins may dock their boat at the cabin’s boat slip, but trailers must be parked in the overflow parking lot.
What fish species should I fish for at Smith Mountain Lake State Park?
A: Largemouth bass are plentiful and achieve good sizes throughout the lake. Smith Mountain Lake is known as one of the best lakes to fish for Largemouth bass in Virginia.
Explore Other Virginia State Parks
You’re guaranteed to find a beautiful state park nearby wherever you travel in Virginia.
Near the Richmond area, Pochahontas State Park is one of the top visited state parks in the state and full of easy to moderate, flat hiking trails. Grayson Highlands State Park, located in far western Virginia, hosts the highest peak in the entire state and First Landing State Park is an awesome destination if you want to visit Virginia Beach.
You can also find guides to other Virginia State Parks in our list below.