Head to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for family fun this summer. With a little planning and a short drive, your family can enjoy a day at the beach, a hike in the woods, a kayak or canoe ride on the lake, a camping trip or lots of fun ranger-led activities.
Our family's favorite activities at Smith Mountain Lake are boating and swimming in the lake. At the beach section of the lake, we bring floats and rafts to enjoy the gentle waves and watch the boats speeding across the lake. Sometimes we bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the lake, but there's also a variety of foods available for purchase at the concession stand.
We've recently started a summer tradition of renting a pontoon boat for a day to head out on the lake for a family fun day. The kids also love taking a paddle boat out on the lake. If you're looking for an adventure on the lake, rent jet skis or stand up paddleboards.
Plan a family trip to Smith Mountain Lake and enjoy the great outdoors. The swimming beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is open year-round. You will pay a small fee for parking and the admission fee to the lake is very reasonable.
Every year, Pirate Days are held at various marinas and venues around Smith Mountain Lake near the middle of July. Pirate ships can be seen out on the lake, pirate water fights take place between vessels and among visitors, and there are children's activities as well.
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