Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake State Park offers a resort-style experience on a beautiful 4,500-acre lake in Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills. With 3 lodges, 15 cabins, 110 campsites, a full-service marina, and a guarded swimming beach with diving tower, this is Virginia’s premier lakeside destination. Explore the historic Howe House visitor center—a National Register landmark!
Lodges & Cabins
| Lodges | Bedrooms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 2-Bedroom Lodge | 2 | Smaller groups |
| 🏠 3-Bedroom Lodge | 3 | ADA accessible option |
| 🏠 6-Bedroom Lodge | 6 | Large groups! |
| Cabin Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Cabins | 15 total |
| 🍳 Kitchen | Fully equipped |
| 🔥 Fireplace | Included |
| 🌳 Outdoor | Screened porch, picnic table, fire pit |
| 📅 Prime Season | Weekly rental (Memorial–Labor Day) |
Camping
| Camping Options | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Campsites | ~110 (some 30-amp RV hookups) |
| 🛖 Yurts | Available |
| 🏕️ Bunkhouse | Camping lodge |
⚠️ 2025-26 Closures
Campground Birch (including yurts) is closed through 2025 season.
Marina & Beach
| Water Recreation | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚓ Marina | Full-service (docks, fuel, supplies) |
| 🚤 Boat Rentals | Pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards (seasonal) |
| 🏊 Beach | Guarded swimming (Memorial–Labor Day) |
| 🎯 Diving Tower | At beach |
| 🍦 Snack Bar | Beach area |
Howe House Visitor Center
| Historic Howe House | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Built | 1876-1879 |
| 📜 Status | National Register (2008) |
| 🖼️ Exhibits | Claytor Lake ecology |
| 🎫 Virtual Tour | Available 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodations are available?
Claytor Lake offers 3 lodges (2, 3, and 6 bedrooms—the 3-bedroom has an ADA accessible option), 15 cabins with full kitchens and fireplaces, and approximately 110 campsites including some with 30-amp RV hookups. Yurts and a bunkhouse are also available. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.
What about the marina?
The full-service marina offers docking slips, fuel, refreshments, and supplies. Boat rentals (pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards) are available seasonally through private concessionaires starting in April. Note that the lake level is typically lowered each November for maintenance.
When is the beach open?
Guarded swimming is available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (fee applies). The beach area includes a diving tower, snack bar, and gift shop. Outside this period, swimming is at your own risk in the designated beach area.
What is the Howe House?
The Haven B. Howe House (built 1876-1879) serves as the park’s visitor center and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2008). It features interactive exhibits on Claytor Lake ecology. A virtual tour is available throughout 2026.
What are the park hours?
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. The visitor center is open 8 AM to 4 PM.
🌊 Virginia’s Lake Resort
Stay in lodges or cabins, swim at the guarded beach, and explore a historic visitor center. Visit the official Claytor Lake State Park website for reservations.
Explore More Virginia State Parks
Claytor Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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