Welcome to the
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 tips—so you can enjoy the best of lake life in every season.
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.
SML Insiders is the definitive publication for living, playing and exploring at Smith Mountain Lake, featuring local stories, expert guides and insider tips for residents and visitors alike. Find it in print at 75-plus key locations around the lake and online in digital flipbook form.
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.
Every season at Smith Mountain Lake brings new ways to explore, play and create lasting memories on and off the water.
You’ll find activities all year with outdoor adventures, events and festivals, water sports and more.
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.
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!
Vacation costs at Smith Mountain Lake shift with the seasons, offering options for every budget.
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.
From relaxing cruises to thrilling water sports, the lake offers endless opportunities for exploration on the water.
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.
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.
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.
Relocating here means trading busy city life for lake views and neighborly connections.
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.
Considering a move to SML? Visit our Real Estate Agent Directory for a list of experienced professionals that service the entire SML area.
Whether you’re driving in for a relaxing getaway or flying, options abound.
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.
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
Plan a history day, SML‑style.! 🗺️ Cue toe‑tapping heritage music on The Crooked Road, hands‑on folkways at Ferrum, Jefferson’s architecture bathed in Lynchburg light, and a moving guided walk at Bedford’s D‑Day Memorial. Each stop is close enough to pair two comfortably in one day. 🎻🏛️🌳
📍 Franklin County: The Crooked Road music stops 🎶 + Blue Ridge Institute & Museum 🪕
📍 Lynchburg: Poplar Forest grounds 🏠 + Blackwater Creek Trail 🚶♀️
📍 Bedford County: D‑Day Memorial guided tour
Explore the full list of Historical Attractions!👆 Link in BIO under MAGAZINE | Fall 2025
📸: Courtesy of Blue Ridge Institute and Museum
#BedfordVA #DayTrips #LynchburgVA #RoanokeVA #SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #ThingsToDo #VirginiaHistory
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
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@franklincountyshine
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@destinationbedford
Pirate Days weekend is finally here! 🦜🏴☠️ Our comprehensive SML Pirate Days Guide has everything you need to know.
⚓ The full festival schedule
💦 Pirate water battles
🚢 A pirate cruise
🎶 Live music and entertainment
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly activities (including a mermaid meet-and-greet!)
🍴 Food, vendors and special events
📍 Plus a few hidden gems you might otherwise miss!
👆 Link in BIO under BLOG
Did we miss something? If your business or organization is hosting a Pirate Days event or special activity that`s not listed, send us a message! We`ll be happy to add it so everyone can find all the fun in one place.
One final reminder: If you`re taking part in any of the on-the-water activities, please use extra caution. While Pirate Days is full steam ahead, Smith Mountain Lake`s lower-than-normal water levels mean it`s especially important to watch for shallow areas, follow marked channels and boat responsibly. A little extra care will help ensure everyone has a safe and memorable Pirate Days weekend. ☠️⚓
@smlpirates
@mangossml
@windvineyardssml
@beaconseafoodpubportside
@coasterssml
@mkbrealtors
@goodhueblackwater
@jessipughmusic
📸: Clark Lupton, @airviewsmedia
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlpiratedays
Whether you`re new to boating or have been navigating Smith Mountain Lake for years, understanding channel markers is an important part of staying safe on the water. 🚤
From red and green lateral markers to the new Preferred Channel markers added this year, our guide explains what these markers mean and how to use them to navigate with confidence.
Read the full article on our website. (link in bio)
📷 Courtesy of Smith Mountain Lake Association, @smithmountainlakeassociation
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
🥥🍋 THIRSTY THURSDAY AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
Looking for your next favorite cocktail?
The Key Lime Pie at Drifter`s tastes like summer on the lake. Coconut rum, whipped cream vodka and lime create a smooth, dessert-inspired cocktail with bright citrus flavor in every sip.
See all 20 signature cocktails featured in our SML Dining Guide. 🍹 Link in BIO.
#ThirstyThursday #SmithMountainLake #VisitSML #SMLVA #LakeLife #VirginiaEats #SMLInsiders #LoveSML #SMLDining #visitVBR #Drifters
A little time on the water, a few scenic stops and plenty of beautiful views along the way. ☀️ Sounds like a pretty good day to us!
Want to stay up to date on everything happening around the lake?
Explore our website for local events, activities, guides and more. (link in bio)
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, dining by the water or simply relaxing with a view, everyone has a favorite. 😎 What`s yours?
Get curated SML news and events sent each Thursday to your inbox by signing up for our eNewsletter!
📩 Link in BIO
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Add this to your Smith Mountain Lake bucket list! 🌊
Head to Bridgewater Marina, grab a $1 bag of popcorn and feed the famous carp that gather at the docks.
This 30+ year SML tradition is fun for all ages and helps support Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.
Looking for more things to do at Smith Mountain Lake? Read our article for more ideas: link in bio!
📷 Photo by Andie Gibson
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #bridgewatermarina #makeawish
🍦 Looking for frosty treats on the water? Just listen for the music of Smith Mountain Lake`s Ice Cream Boat. Head toward the sound and carefully approach for a fendered tie-up. Or, use findtheicecreamboat.com to track it with GPS.
Read more about this sweet Smith Mountain Lake tradition. 👆 Link in BIO under BOATING.
📸: Dr. G. Chaconas
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@destinationbedford
@visitfranklinco
