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Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide

Tucked in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is a refreshingly different place to unwind, explore and connect. Whether you’re planning a vacation, relocating or just looking for things to do, SML Insiders is your go-to guide. Our seasonal magazine, dining guide and weekly email deliver stunning photography, local events, can’t-miss experiences and insider tipsβ€”so you can enjoy the best of lake life in every season.

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Book vacation homes, condos and area hotels

Staying Here

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Previews of the top SML area happenings

events & festivals

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Marina maps, boat rentals, and boating tips

boating

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Area attractions for indoor and outdoor fun for all ages

things to do

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Comprehensive SML dining and entertainment guide

food & fun

Relaxing outdoor deck with blue lake and trees in background at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

Showcasing the best of every season at SML

our magazine

Find Your Home Base

Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals and Other Lodging

Planning a weekend escape or extended stay? Smith Mountain Lake offers waterfront rentals, cozy cabins, resorts, hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and houseboats. Many are pet-friendly and great for families, groups or couples. For extra comfort, explore luxury rentals and full-service resorts for a more relaxing and upscale experience.

Use two fingers to zoom in/out on the map

Scroll down for more listings

Use two fingers to zoom in/out on the map

Scroll down for more listings

food and drink scene

Smith Mountain Lake Dining & Entertainment Guide

Our annual guide to food and fun is your passport to the best bars and restaurants at SML. From laid-back bites to waterfront fine dining, it’s packed with maps, pet-friendly picks and insider tips. Available in print and online, it’s the go-to resource for unforgettable lakefront meals on and off the water.

photo of a woman holding the Smith Mountain Lake Dining Guide while sitting lakeside

aerial photo of houses at smith mountain lake va

Every season at Smith Mountain Lake brings new ways to explore, play and create lasting memories on and off the water.

Any time is a good time to plan a visit

You’ll find activities all year with outdoor adventures, events and festivals, water sports and more.

SML’s lakefront includes six free public boat launching sites, plus paid launches at more than a dozen marinas. In addition, some lakeside developments maintain their own private ramps. Get more details from our directory map of boat ramps and local marinas.

Photo by Kathleen Riordan

Off-water you’ll enjoy sightseeing that includes many spectacular views of Smith Mountain Lake’s gently mountainous 500-mile shoreline, plus peaks and ridges along the nearby Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway.

Four challenging golf courses surround the lake (two private, two public).

The SML State Park and Franklin County’s Smith Mountain Lake Community Park both include public access beach areas and miles of hiking trails. Smith Mountain Lake beaches are also available at a number of vacation rental homes.

The lake also offers picnicking, camping, hunting, antiquing, shopping, and relaxing. Restaurants on the waterfront and nearby offer everything from pizza and sandwiches to prime rib buffets and gourmet cuisine.

Well-maintained, winding roads with often-narrow shoulders make bicycling unsafe. (Drivers: Please pay careful attention to the road ahead at all times.) Most land and water activities are available at the State Park or within a short drive… so rent a lakeview or lakefront vacation home, and enjoy yourself for a week or two!

Tourism seasons at SML

Vacation costs at Smith Mountain Lake shift with the seasons, offering options for every budget.

SUMMER – peak-season:

June-August rates for most waterfront Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals run from $700-$15,000 per week, with size, amenities and geographic location the primary determinants of cost. During peak season, you’ll typically need to check in and out on a Saturday, and rent for a full week.

SPRING & FALL – mid-season:

In the 4-6 weeks preceding and following summer (also referred to as the ‘shoulder-season’) you can expect warm pleasant weather, fewer visitors, modest discounts from peak rates, flexible check-in and check-out dates – plus weekend and daily rate options.

WINTER – low-season:

Generally, in mid-October through mid-April, you can expect mild weather, fewer visitors, discounts of 20-50 percent on your vacation rental, flexible check-in and check-out dates – plus weekend, daily, and monthly rate options.

Boating on SML is a year-round adventure

From relaxing cruises to thrilling water sports, the lake offers endless opportunities for exploration on the water.

When you boat at SML, please be careful and courteous. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is an excellent source of information about safe boating, boating laws, and public access launches/ramps. Below are some important highlights for new boaters at SML.

Photo by Andie Gibson

Boating Courtesy and Safety at Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s busiest recreational freshwater body of water. In 2006, the Virginia Assembly increased funding for enforcement of boating safety and noise laws; Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries) increased the number and visibility of patrols on the lake’s 20,600 acres.

In 2007, the Virginia Assembly passed a law mandating safe boating education for operators. If you don’t have a valid Virginia boater’s license and plan to rent rent from an SML marina, you must present a valid driver’s license so you can be temporarily licensed by watching a safety video and completing an in-person orientation.

  • Safety Equipment: You are required by law to carry this safety equipment in your boat: a wearable and properly-sized personal floatation device for each rider; a whistle or horn, a fire extinguisher, a flat throwable flotation cushion, your boat rental agreement (if applicable) and your boat registration certificate. Children under 13 are required to wear a personal floatation device. If you violate any of these safety equipment laws, prepare to pay a fine and processing fees.
  • No-Wake Coves: In a no-wake cove (indicated by no-wake buoys) you are required by law to operate your boat at your boat’s lowest possible navigable forward speed. If you don’t, prepare to pay a fine and processing fees.
  • Other Rules and Regulations: Please review Virginia boating regulations carefully before you boat at SML! Read them online or grab a copy at any marina.
  • Boating Violations: To report boating violations, call the Virginia Wildlife Crime Line at 800-237-5712 from 7AM-5PM daily. Be sure to record the boat registration number before you call. A description of the boat’s operator and passengers will help, as will a second witness (preferably not related to you).

SMLA successfully lobbied for the boater safety education mandate, but their request for boating speed limits failed to pass the Virginia legislature in 2007 and 2008. There are currently no boating horsepower limits on SML.

Boat Rentals and Sales at Smith Mountain Lake

Several companies on SML’s shoreline rent and/or sell power boats – pontoon boats, deck boats, ski boats, PWCs, fishing boats, house boats, and more. Many also sell marine gas and rent kayaks, paddle boards, tubes, skis, wake boards, knee boards, and more. For more information, see our list of boat rental companies.

Smith Mountain Lake Public Boat Launches / Ramps

Public boat launch ramps are plentiful here, so getting on the water won’t take all day. Visit our SML public boat ramps and marinas page for a complete list.

Smith Mountain Lake Marinas

Full-service marinas around the lake are a great place to park your watercraft and enjoy a lake day from land. Many marinas here are also a great place to rent watercraft, fill up your gas tank, get snacks or even a stop at a restaurant to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner.

View our digital map of SML Marinas or download a free, printable version.

Full-time life at Smith Mountain Lake

Relocating here means trading busy city life for lake views and neighborly connections.

Smith Mountain Lake offers a wide range of housing types and real estate prices, on the water and off. From one-bedroom starter condos to magnificent waterfront estates, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to call home here. Read more about living here.

Smith Mountain Lake shoreline with waterfront homes
Photo by Andie Gibson

Considering a move to SML? Visit our Real Estate Agent Directory for a list of experienced professionals that service the entire SML area.

Getting to SML: Driving and airport information

Whether you’re driving in for a relaxing getaway or flying, options abound.

Getting to Smith Mountain Lake in scenic Southwest Virginia is a breeze. A small local airport serves the area, while larger regional airports in Roanoke and Lynchburg (both about an hour away) offer easy access. Plus, Amtrak stops in both cities.

If you’re traveling by car, there are many ways to reach the lake. Most approaches involve mountain roads that can be challenging, especially at night.

Here’s a route that’s not the shortest possible, but it’s nearly free of bad curves. Follow I-81 toward Roanoke, then I-581 east approximately 7 miles to State Rt. 24 (I-581 Exit 6). Follow State Rt. 24 east for about 22 miles until you reach State Rt. 122. Follow State Rt. 122 southwest about 6 miles to Moneta. Moneta is just north of the only major bridge that crosses Smith Mountain Lake and offers easy access to any part of the lake.

If you enjoy driving winding mountain roads, consult a map and try approaching Moneta daytime via Rt. 43 (toughest), Rt. 116 “Windy Gap,” the Blue Ridge Parkway to its Virginia Rt. 24 exit, or Rt. 634 “Hardy Road” (easiest).

Smith Mountain Lake Map

For a map and driving directions, start with this interactive map: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia – courtesy of Google.

If you plan to arrive by private airplane, there’s a general aviation airport, Smith Mountain Lake Airport (airport identifier: W91), with a 3,100-foot paved runway. It’s located in Bedford County on the north side of the lake, about 2 miles from SML State Park, at 1090 Cutlass Rd., Moneta. Contact: 540-297-4859.

Warren Theis and Lisa Raub, refueling Warren's 1966 Mooney at Smith Mountain Lake Airport. Photo Copyright 1999 by Brian Raub

You can also check W90 (New London Airport), to the north of the lake in Forest Virginia, near Lynchburg as an alternative airport.

If you’re not flying your own plane, three commercial airports are nearby. Roanoke Virginia Airport (ROA, 40+ flights daily) is located 30-75 minutes northwest of SML.

The smaller Lynchburg Virginia Airport (LYH, 5 flights daily to and from Charlotte, NC) is located to the northeast, 30-75 minutes from the lake.

The Greensboro NC Airport (GSO, about 60 flights daily), aka Piedmont Triad International Airport is located 75-120 minutes south of the lake.

Airport drive times vary widely because the lake itself is 40 miles long. Be sure to check airfares at all three airports.

Explore #SMLInsiders on Instagram

🌼 Ready to grow something new this year? With spring on the way β€” and our annual SML Home & Garden issue in the works β€” we wanted to share a great opportunity for anyone looking to level up their gardening skills:

🌸 Become a Master Gardener!

Imagine a garden filled with blooms, butterflies and fresh-picked fruits and veggies. The 2026 Master Gardener class will teach you how to improve soil, propagate plants, manage pests, support local ecosystems. It will also connect you with fellow gardeners through community projects.

πŸ“… Starts: Thursday, Jan. 22
πŸ—“οΈ Runs through September
πŸ’² $150 per person
⏳ Enroll by: Jan. 20 πŸ‘‰ brfal.blogspot.com

Find more things to do at SML in our January events guide πŸ‘‰ Link in BIO!

πŸ“Έ: Seven Oaks Landscape-Hardscape

#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
πŸ¦™πŸŒΏ Looking for family fun and furry friends? Discover the wonders of alpaca farms and shops near Smith Mountain Lake! Get up close with these gentle creatures and learn about alpaca fabrics and their importance. Educational tours and exciting activities await visitors of all ages.

Discover more than 100 additional free and low-cost things to do at Smith Mountain Lake! πŸ‘† Link in BIO under ACTIVITIES.

#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr

@visitsmithmountainlake 
@visitvbr
Our teammate Jerry Hale captured this stunning winter sunset last night at Contentment Island. 😲 We'd love to see YOUR lake photos! Email andie@smlinsiders.com. 

 #smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
πŸ’ Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day, and Smith Mountain Lake offers an incredible range of settings to match every style and vision.

πŸ‘‰ Read the full story to explore some of the most beautiful wedding venues around Smith Mountain Lake β€” from elegant indoor spaces to scenic waterfront locations β€” and find inspiration for creating a celebration that feels uniquely yours.

πŸ‘† Link in BIO under Weddings.
	
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvb #smlweddings

πŸ“Έ: @meganlampertphotography
SML Community Spotlight πŸ’™ 🎣 Reel Connections for Kids as started in 2022 with a simple goal: give kids who might not otherwise have access a chance to fish learn and smile. 

With partners like Lake Christian Ministries and @smlgoodneighbors, the program now includes β€œTake a Kid Fishing” events, a ReConnect day of games and skills, lifetime fishing licenses for qualifying youth, plus outreach for children with disabilities and health challenges.

Learn more under LIVING HERE at the link in our BIO! πŸ‘†

Want to help or take part? Visit reelconnectionsforkids.org to volunteer donate or learn more.

#TakeAKidFishing #ReelConnectionsForKids #smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
Show your love for Smith Mountain Lake and your country in style! πŸ’™β€οΈ This patriotic SML tee is perfect year-round. Available in 5 colors + ships free!

Click the link in our BIO and choose SHOP. πŸ‘†  Or visit shopsml.com!

#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #shopsml
πŸš‘ Big news for Smith Mountain Lake: Around-the-clock emergency care is coming to Westlake, marking a major step forward for healthcare access in our growing community.

Our Winter issue explores plans announced by @carilionclinic to open the Carilion Westlake Emergency Department, a freestanding ER designed to serve SML residents and visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This feature looks at:

 β€’ What a freestanding emergency department is β€” and how it differs from urgent care

 β€’ Why 24/7 emergency access is a game-changer for a lake community

 β€’ How the Westlake ER will connect patients to Carilion’s regional hospitals and specialists

 ☝️ Link to the story in our bio

πŸ“Έ: Andie Gibson

#smithmountainlake #smlva #smlinsiders #lovesml #visitsml #visitvbr #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova
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