Here are 10 of the loveliest lakeside towns in Virginia, perfect for scenic views, recreation, and peaceful living:
Top Lakeside Towns in Virginia
Clarksville (Buggs Island Lake / John H. Kerr Reservoir): The only official Virginia lakeside town, Clarksville is famous for its historic downtown, vibrant festivals, boating, swimming, and waterfront dining at the 50,000-acre Buggs Island Lake.
Burke (Burke Lake): A community near the serene Burke Lake, known for hiking, fishing, and the popular Burke Lake Park. The town’s large loop trail and nearby lakes create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pulaski (Claytor Lake): Pulaski offers easy access to Claytor Lake’s scenic shores, popular for boating, kayaking, and Claytor Lake State Park’s beaches and trails, making it a peaceful retreat for families and nature lovers.
Rocky Mount (Smith Mountain Lake): Rocky Mount is near Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s largest, featuring 500 miles of shoreline, mountain vistas, and endless recreation—from fishing and sailing to lakeside dining.
Mineral (Lake Anna): Mineral sits beside Lake Anna, a noted water sports paradise with pristine waters, hiking trails, and a tight-knit lakeside community in central Virginia.
Hot Springs (Lake Moomaw): Near the jewel-like Lake Moomaw, Hot Springs offers mountain views, historic hotels, and prime swimming, fishing, and hiking in a peaceful setting.
Woodbridge (Occoquan Reservoir): Woodbridge features waterfront parks along Occoquan Reservoir—a great spot for boating, birdwatching, and easy access to several trails in bustling Northern Virginia.
Germantown (Germantown Lake): In Fauquier County, Germantown Lake’s beautiful forest scenery and lakeside park attract boating, hiking, and fishing fans.
Springfield (Lake Accotink): Lake Accotink Park, just Northwest of Springfield, offers waterfront fun minutes from the city—kayaking, hiking, and even a vintage carousel for families.
Chesterfield (Lake Chesdin): Located near Chesterfield, Lake Chesdin provides excellent fishing, wildlife viewing, and picnic spots, plus easy day trips from Richmond for lakeside leisure.
These towns boast a variety of lake experiences, from vast mountain reservoirs to charming smaller lakes with unique community atmospheres and abundant outdoor opportunities.
SOURCES
(https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/water-activities/lakes/)
(https://www.redfin.com/blog/lakes-in-virginia-to-live-on/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/Virginia/comments/1g37q8g/va_lakefront_living_recommended_lakes_anywhere_in/)(https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/10-top-virginia-fishing-waters-lakes/)
(https://www.islands.com/1830197/virginias-lakeside-town-perfect-boating-swimming-waterfront-dining-local-brews-clarksville/)
