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
Win a $3,000 Smith Mountain Lake getaway! 🍂
Our 2026 SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes is officially underway, with prizes designed to help you experience the best of the lake, including a two-night stay at Mariners Landing, courtesy of ML Hospitality – Carmela Adams and Mary Lou McDonald.
Ready for a fall escape?
𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 👉 Click the link in our BIO for CONTESTS or head to smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlva @mlhospitality @propertieswithmel_sml @mcdonaldmariners @bridgewatermarina
💙
This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules at smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes
Browsing the SML Community Calendar and spotted something that sounds fun?
Instead of saving another screenshot to your camera roll, add it straight to your personal calendar. 🗓️ A small feature that makes planning what to do around Smith Mountain Lake a whole lot easier.
Discover more: link in bio!
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened in 1983, Bridgewater Plaza followed in 1986, and the very first SML Wine Festival took place in 1989.
Three milestones that helped turn the lake into much more than a weekend getaway.
Explore our special anniversary section for more stories and a fascinating decade-by-decade look at Smith Mountain Lake’s history.
Check it out: link in bio!
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
🎣 A visit to SML isn’t complete without a trip to Bridgewater Marina to feed popcorn to the huge, hungry carp that gather around the docks. Bags cost just $1 and all proceeds support Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.
Find over 100 more free and low-cost things to do at Smith Mountain Lake! 👆 Link in BIO under ACTIVITIES.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
📸: Andie Gibson
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@franklincountyshines
@bridgewatermarina
🎟️ GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎟️
Who wants to see Michael Franti live at @covesatsmlva Amphitheater on Oct. 10?!
We`re giving away a pair of tickets to this evening of positive energy, feel-good music and unforgettable live performance as @michaelfranti takes the stage with special guests the @wheelandbrothers.
𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 👆 Link in BIO and under CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS.
#SmithMountainLake #LoveSML #VisitSML #SMLInsiders #visitfranklincova #covesatsmlva #michaelfranti
@visitsmithmountainlake.com
@visitfranklincova
@franklincountyshines
Good luck! 🍀
🚤🍴Tiff’s Lakefront at Mariners Landing is one of those Smith Mountain Lake spots that makes arriving by boat part of the experience. Think fresh salads, seafood, sandwiches, pasta, cocktails, live music and lake + mountain views.
Just about 10 minutes up Craddock Creek from channel marker C1, it’s an easy stop for lunch, dinner, or drinks by the water.
Insider tip: If you use the shortcut between the islands at the entrance to Craddock Creek, take it slow when water levels are low.
Discover more waterfront restaurants in our article: link in bio!
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
Need a plan for the weekend? Or maybe just something different to do?
Check our SML Community Calendar. Browse events, save what sounds fun, and add it straight to your personal calendar so you actually remember it later. 😄
Your next plan might already be there.
Discover more: link in bio!
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
Fall sailing at Smith Mountain Lake just hits differently. ⛵🍂
Cooler air, colorful shorelines, and beautiful lake views make it a pretty perfect time to get out on the water.
Get curated SML news and events sent each Thursday to your inbox by signing up for our eNewsletter!
📩 smith-mountain-lake.com/newsletter
📷 Amy Hunter
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders
