There are eight beautiful lakes to enjoy at Virginia State Parks, and fall is the perfect time to take a scenic stroll or spend some time on the water before winter.

These lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but leaf peeping season provides one of kind views and many colors across the commonwealth as the leaves change and start falling from the trees.

Being around water sources can be calming and I find that a nice fall hike surrounded by vibrant colors and cooler temperatures is the perfect way to enjoy this season at a Virginia State Park.

1. Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Lake at Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks

This is one big lake that you can access at two Virginia State Parks—Staunton River and Occoneechee. This lake crosses borders and is referred to with different names depending on which state you are in. It is located in parts of Vance, Granville and Warren counties in North Carolina, and Mecklenburg, Charlotte and Halifax counties in Virginia. In North Carolina, it is known as Kerr Lake, but here in Virginia, we call it Buggs Island Lake.

Buggs Island Lake is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and is the largest reservoir in Virginia. At its maximum capacity, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeastern United States, covering approximately 50,000 acres and bordered by over 850 miles of shoreline.

Fishing and boating are very popular on this lake. Fishing during the cooler months (October-May) is ideal as striped bass are less stressed and do not suffer high catch-and-release mortality. Buggs Island Lake is also one of Virginia’s best places to catch crappie and is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn). Record-setting-sized catfish have been caught in this lake, and it is known to be one of the best places to catch bass in Virginia.

At Staunton River State Park, access to Buggs Island Lake offers freshwater fishing and boating, along with water skiing and many other aquatic activities. Fishing is not allowed at the docks of Boat Ramp 1. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing or North Carolina inland fishing license is required.

At Occoneechee State Park, boating is available year-round, and motorboats are allowed on Buggs Island Lake. There are two launch ramps at Boat Ramp 1 and one launch ramp at Boat Ramp 2, all three of which give access to Buggs Island Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats.

A Buggs Island Special Pass that covers boat launching and parking for Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks is available. A valid Virginia fishing license is required; purchase one in the park's visitor center. Annual boat launch passports are available by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

Visit each of the park’s webpages to get more information about boating, fishing and other recreational activities at these sites.

2. Lake Anna

Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater inland reservoirs in Virginia, covering an area of 13,000 acres and located 72 miles south of Washington, D.C., in Louisa and Spotsylvania counties (and partially in Orange County at the northern tip). The lake is easily accessible from Fredericksburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state.

There are many access points to Lake Anna, but in my opinion, Lake Anna State Park provides the best access for recreational activities. The park has a beach on one of Virginia's most popular lakes, a fishing pond accessible to children and the disabled, a bathhouse-concessions complex and a boat launch. You can even make the most of your stay by camping or staying in a cabin. Lake Anna State Park offers six camping cabins, four yurts, two six-bedroom lodges and 10 two-bedroom cabins. Seven cabins and the lodges have views of the lake.

Fishing at Lake Anna is well known for its largemouth bass, crappie and bream. A variety of other freshwater fish can also be found. A valid Virginia fishing license is required. A public boat launch ramp is available, along with many areas for bank fishing.

Annual parking passes are available through the Customer Service Center or the park. Discount swim coupons and annual swimming passes are available at the park only.

Weekdays are the best for taking a stroll on any trail, but for a nice view of the lake, Fisherman’s Trail follows the shoreline and connects you to the beach and the picnic area.

The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill" and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered in 1829, with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. In 1971, Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Virginia Power's nuclear plant. In 1972, work began on the acquisition and development of a water-oriented state park. Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983.

Visit the park’s webpage for more information about camping, educational programs and other recreational activities.

3. Holliday Lake

Located in Appomattox, Holliday Lake State Park provides a huge lake with numerous recreational activities for everyone to enjoy.

Unique to this park is a trail that you can travel while in the lake. The Sunfish Aquatic Trail is a self-guided water adventure that requires a boat and a free trail brochure. A brochure, map and numbered stops provide information about the lake and environment as you paddle around its edges. Be sure to pick up your guide at the park office.

The park’s longest trail meanders around the lake and takes you through a managed pine forest, around the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, through an old-growth oak-hickory forest, along wetlands, and across the dam. The highlight is halfway through, you find yourself atop the 40-foot majestic dam built in the 1930s. Other scenic vantage points include the Brennan Overlook, the Northridge Overlook, and the “Broken Bridge.” With several creek crossings, there is a chance you might have to get your feet wet. While it is rated difficult due to the length, most of the terrain is moderate to easy.

If you’re looking for excellent largemouth bass fishing, this scenic lake is for you. You’ll also find chain pickerel, crappie, catfish and yellow perch. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. You can purchase a license online at dwr.virginia.gov or at the park office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boat launching is available, but only electric motors are allowed. Gas-powered boats are not allowed.

There is a car-top boat launch between the swimming area and the trailered boat launch and those canoeing or kayaking are encouraged to use this for convenient access to the lake.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent Jon boats, canoes, single kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats seasonally from the park.

Visit the park’s webpage for more information about fishing, boating, camping and other recreational activities and events.

4. Bear Creek Lake

Bear Creek Lake State Park is comprises 326 acres located in Cumberland and includes an artificial 40-acre lake situated in the 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest. This location offers numerous trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll and have wonderful views of the lake. Fall provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and spend some time on the lake before winter.

Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps built Bear Creek Lake in 1938 as a project of the Virginia Department of Agriculture through the State Forestry Division. The lake was constructed using labor from local carpenters, farmers and unskilled laborers seeking jobs. In addition to the lake, two pavilions, a concession stand and six fireplaces were constructed. In 1940, the area opened as a forestry wayside with boat rentals and swimming. In 1958, the area was given to the Division of State Parks and was operated as a day-use recreation area. In 1962, the division added campgrounds, and the area's name was changed to Bear Creek Lake State Park.

The CCC’s legacy is still visible in many Virginia parks, and Bear Creek Lake is a great example of how their work laid the foundation for long-term public recreation spaces.

This lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The Willis River winds through the Cumberland State Forest and if you have a canoe or small boat, then you can enjoy fishing there. Two canoe launches with access to the river are in Cumberland State Forest. A boat ramp at Bear Creek Lake is available for non-gasoline-powered boats. The park also has a universally accessible fishing pier. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing. A hardware store in the Cumberland Courthouse area sells licenses, and you can purchase them online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

For those who don’t have their own equipment, don’t worry because canoes, rowboats, trolling motors, pedal boats, paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the park.

Those interested in fishing outside of the state park in the Cumberland State Forest lakes, including Arrowhead, Bonbrook, Oak Hill and Winston lakes, must obtain a State Forest Use Permit (in addition to a regular freshwater fishing license). Call 804-492-4121 or visit the state forestry department's website for details.

If you want to see the lake surrounded by decorations and lights, be sure to check out the park’s annual Lights at the Lake event that takes place on the first and second weekends in December on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Bear Creek Lake offers numerous activities, programs and events throughout the year, so be sure to check out the park’s webpage for more information.

5. Goodwin Lake and Prince Edward Lake at Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes State Park offers two magnificent lakes that are ideal for fishing and boating. Fall is the perfect time to see some vibrant colors along both lakes.

In the heart of central Virginia, this 548-acre historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Overnight accommodations include a 33-site campground and 11 climate-controlled cabins. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking.

The land for Twin Lakes State Park was initially bought from struggling farmers by the federal government during the Great Depression. Two parks, Goodwin Lake Recreational Area and Prince Edward Lake, were founded in 1939. In 1948, M. Conrad Martin was denied access to Staunton River State Park, and a subsequent lawsuit filed against the state led to the establishment of Prince Edward State Park as Virginia's eighth state park in 1950. The two lake parks operated as racially segregated parks until the early 1960s. In 1976, the parks merged, and the site was renamed Twin Lakes State Park in 1986.

Prince Edward and Goodwin Lakes are great for fishing. You can fish from the shore or rent a paddleboat. Both lakes contain channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and sunfish. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required and can be purchased at the main office.

Boating is allowed on both lakes, and electric motors can be used. There is a public boat launch for each lake.

There is a designated area for unguarded swimming available on Goodwin Lake. The lake is a great place to cool off in the summer, and in the fall, you will enjoy a stunning view of the many colors surrounding it.

Twin Lakes offers numerous programs throughout the year. Visit the park’s website for more information.

6. Smith Mountain Lake

On the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a water enthusiast's paradise. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

Smith Mountain Lake itself was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap. Construction of the dam was completed in 1966, and in 1967, Appalachian Power donated the first parcel of the park's land for the proposed park. The state bought the rest of the park's land over the next six years. The park opened to the public in 1983.

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s largest lake by volume. The park’s 500-foot beach is one of two public beaches on the lake. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised.

Located on Smith Mountain Lake, the park offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing. You’ll find striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and several other species. Be sure to stop by the park office to get more information about fishing tournaments.

Visit the park’s website for more information about the park as well as upcoming events.

7. Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake was formed when the Appalachian Power Company built a dam on the New River, just south of Radford, in 1939. It is the largest of the power company's 12 hydroelectric plants, with a total generating capacity of 83,000 kilowatts. In early 1944, the people of the surrounding area expressed an interest in the establishment of a state park on the new lake. The idea continued to grow, and in 1946, private citizens and businesses from Pulaski, Radford and Blacksburg raised the money needed to purchase 437 acres from Appalachian Power. This land was given to the state to be developed as Claytor Lake State Park. Due to a lack of operating funds, the Radford Chamber of Commerce operated the park during the summers of 1949 and 1950. The Division of State Parks took over the operation of the park in 1951. In 1962, 35 additional acres were purchased, bringing the total acreage to 472.

While the park is Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is well known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. You can reserve these online or by calling 800-933-PARK (7275). Boats longer than 24 feet cannot be accommodated. Between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee.

Motorboats are permitted in the lake except for the beach and cabin areas, and fishing is permitted from the shoreline throughout the park. The most popular types of sport fish found in the lake include bass, catfish, muskie, walleye and striped bass. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required, and licenses may be purchased at the Water's Edge gift shop when it's open or at the park office during the off-season.

Also located within the park is the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources launch ramp. This ramp is located at 4555 Bear Dr., Dublin, VA 24084. Since this is not state park property, we do not collect a daily parking/launch fee.

For those who don’t have their own equipment, Claytor Lake Water Sports at the marina offers various pontoons, motorboats, canoes and kayaks and can handle all your boat rental needs. Call 540-731-8683 or visit its website for details or to make reservations.

Also, at the marina, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company offers paddleboard rental, gear and lessons. They will also  deliver motorboats to guests' docks. Call 540-980-1488 or visit its website for details and reservations.

Please note that Claytor Lake is  sometimes lowered each year in November for maintenance that takes about two weeks to complete. Launching from the boat launch may be impossible during this time, and fishing from the shoreline is difficult. Those with larger boats should use the public boat launch on Bear Drive. Please contact the park office for additional details or visit claytorhydro.com.

Claytor Lake offers programs throughout the year, so be sure to visit the park’s website for more information.

8. Douthat Lake

A traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s stunning mountain landscape, Douthat State Park offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Visitors can immerse themselves in interpretive programs, cast a line along four miles of pristine stream fishing, or explore a 50-acre trout-stocked lake perfect for boating and swimming. The sandy beach area features a snack bar for refreshments, while a gift shop and camp store provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The Beach area is open May through October for unguarded swimming within the roped area, and the diving dock is off-limits. Swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.

Fishing at Douthat Lake offers something for every angler. During the fee season, the lake is stocked twice weekly with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, ensuring a vibrant and rewarding experience. Largemouth bass thrive here, and anglers can also expect fair catches of sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. For those targeting chain pickerel, October is the prime month to reel in a trophy.

A designated kids’ fishing area is available for children 12 and under along Wilson Creek, just below the dam—perfect for introducing young anglers to the sport. Please note: fishing is prohibited in Douthat Lake and Wilson Creek (upstream of the lake and from the dam to the Bath-Alleghany county line) for five days leading up to the first Saturday in April, ensuring healthy fish populations for the season opener.

Special seasonal regulations apply at Douthat Lake. Everyone 16 and older must have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. In addition, a Virginia Trout license or daily fishing permit is required, depending on the season. There is a daily creel limit of six trout with a seven-inch minimum. One pole per person is allowed; separate stringers are required. Licenses and permits are available at the camp store, the park office and anywhere Virginia DWR licenses are sold.

Douthat was one of six state parks planned by the Commonwealth in the early 1930s. The Douthat Land Company, a consortium of Virginia businessmen, donated the initial 1,920 acres of the present-day park. The rest of the land was purchased with a portion of the $50,000 in funds allocated by the General Assembly in 1933 for parkland acquisition. The establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the emergency Conservation Works by President Roosevelt in 1933 provided the means for the development of the parks. An estimated 600 men lived and worked at the three camps responsible for building Douthat's facilities. Between 1933 and 1942, these men cleared trails, built a dam and spillway, cabins, a restaurant, an information center, a superintendent's residence, a swimming beach, picnic areas and a maintenance building, as well as hinges, hand-wrought iron hardware, light fixtures and door and shutter latches. The built and natural features of the park have remained virtually unchanged since construction. In 1986, the 50th anniversary of Douthat State Park and the Virginia State Park System, Douthat was recognized as a Nationally Registered Historic District. In 1998, Douthat won the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association award for the best-operated and maintained dam for its Douthat Lake Dam. In 1999, Douthat received the Centennial Medallion from the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The park offers programs throughout the year, so visit the park’s website for more information.

Plan your next Virginia State Park visit.

Almost all of our state parks offer programs that are fun, educational and seasonally themed and now is the perfect time to leaf peep and check out the colorful reflections in these beautiful lakes. You can still enjoy some time on the water, and be sure to check out the reservation system to book your overnight accommodations where available.

Follow our 2025 Fall Foliage Report to see updated photos across the commonwealth this season. Share your park photos on social media, tagging us and using #VaStateParks.