Boating Virginia’s lakes provide some of the best boating experiences in the region, whether you’re cruising on a motorboat or enjoying a relaxing paddle. Smith Mountain Lake spans 20,600 acres with 500 miles of shoreline, making it a prime spot for boating. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and jet skis at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston. In Moneta, several private marinas offer boat rentals, including houseboats. Hungry Mother Lake in Marion offers a peaceful setting for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Seasonal boat rentals, including hydrobikes, are available at Hungry Mother State Park. The 108-acre lake has a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a boathouse, making it easy to enjoy the water and the views. Claytor Lake , covering 4,500 acres in Dublin, is tops for motorboating and sailing. Claytor Lake State Park offers a full-service marina, a swimming beach, and picnic areas with lake views. Boat rentals, including pontoons, motorboats, and kayaks, are available seasonally on-site at the park from Claytor Lake Water Sports. With more than 200 miles of shoreline, Lake Anna is ideal for jet skis, motorboats, and pontoons. At Lake Anna State Park, enjoy easy lake access via a public boat ramp. While the park doesn’t offer boat rentals, the nearby towns of Mineral and Bumpass rent boats for cruising and water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding. KELSEY JOHNSON Smith Mountain Lake 35
Virginia Travel Guide Virginia Travel Guide 2026: Page 35
