Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Smith Mountain Lake?

How many times have you thought about heading to Smith Mountain Lake, and then realized you have NO idea how to get here?

When you talk to any marina or park employee at Smith Mountain Lake, they all chuckle about the most commonly asked question when they pick up their phone:

"How do I get to the lake?"

These kind and patient people who answer the phones pause, take a deep breath, and then say:

"The lake has over 400 miles of shoreline. That shoreline covers three counties. Do you have a GPS or maybe one of those trusty old road atlases?"

The next question that usually follows is:

"What is there to do at the lake?"

Another long pause, a deep breath, and then they "answer a question with a question":

"What do you WANT to do?"

Once you find the lake (we're about 45 minutes from all the major towns ... Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Martinsville), Smith Mountain Lake has endless opportunities for recreation, casual to fine dining, arts and culture, lake events, and so much more. The "so much more" includes, but is definitely NOT limited to:

Watersports

Watersport adventures are endless—boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more. Numerous marinas offer rentals including Tritoons, Pontoons, Partytoons (those have a slide and top deck), wakeboards, fishing boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and houseboats. If it can float on water, you can rent it (or even buy it) at the lake.

Golf

There are several exceptional golf courses at Smith Mountain Lake. These fairways wind around the shoreline and woods and offer a challenge even to seasoned golfers. Some vacation rental properties even include golf access in their rental packages.

Camping

There are many high-quality campgrounds around the lake. A great short-term campground is Smith Mountain Lake State Park, where you'll find cabins, camper sites, and tent sites.

Hiking

If you're looking for scenic trails, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is your destination. Trails range from historic to wildlife habitat routes, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.

Fishing

Smith Mountain Lake is home to major fishing tournaments like the BFLs and Heavy Hitters by Major League Fishing, as well as seasonal Big Bass Tournaments. But the magic of fishing under Smith Mountain for striper at dusk or after dark can't be beat.

The lake is teeming with species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, flathead catfish, yellow perch, white perch—and on occasion, walleye and muskie.

Beaches

Looking for public beaches? Franklin County offers the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, complete with sandy beaches, kayak launches, picnic shelters, and a playground. Bedford County offers the beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, with concessions, cultural events, and sweeping lake views.

Dining

Craving something special? Smith Mountain Lake is home to a variety of top-notch restaurants—many accessible by boat! Whether you're in the mood for lakeside fine dining or a casual dockside bite, there's something for every craving. Explore local dining options here.

Plan Your Visit with the Smith Mountain Lake Guide

Once you find your way to Smith Mountain Lake, the opportunities for year-round adventure are endless. Need help with what, where, when—even the specific channel marker? Lodging? Rentals? Food? Directions?

The all-inclusive Smith Mountain Lake Guide is your key to unlocking every adventure at the lake. Complete with a map of the entire lake, channel markers, and activity listings, the guide is available at many locations—but the best place to get one is right here at MKB, REALTORS® at the Lake, located at Bridgewater Plaza.