15 Smith Mountain Lake Islands You Can Explore
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Public islands at Smith Mountain Lake offer a slice of paradise right here in Virginia — no passport required.
Imagine relaxing in a hammock strung between two trees, sipping a frosty drink and gently petting your dog as he or she naps beside you. Your boat is anchored nearby, and a stunning lake view stretches out before you. It’s not a dream or a faraway Caribbean escape. This is island life at Smith Mountain Lake!
SML boasts numerous islands scattered across its waters. Fifteen of these islands are owned by American Electric Power (AEP) as part of the Smith Mountain Lake Hydroelectric Project and all are open to the public. The remaining islands are privately owned, offering a mix of public and private access for those seeking a slice of lake paradise.
Finding Smith Mountain Lake Islands
AEP-owned islands are located on both the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers. All islands are within the bounds of Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties.
| AEP-Owned Public Islands on Smith Mountain Lake | ||
| Name | County | Nearest Channel Marker |
| Betty’s Island | Franklin | Between R26 and R27 |
| Striper Island | Franklin | R15 |
| Rabbit Island | Franklin | R11 |
| Cup Island | Franklin | R8 and B1 |
| Lost Island | Franklin | B8A |
| Key Island | Franklin | B10 |
| Chimney Island | Franklin | B10A |
| Lucky Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Little Bit Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Belle Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Birds Island | Pittsylvania | R6 |
| Middle Island | Bedford | R4/R6 |
| Brides Island | Bedford | R4 |
| Bar Island | Pittsylvania | R1 |
| Dam Island | Pittsylvania | R1 |
Insider Tips for Visiting SML Islands
There are plenty of ways to enjoy island life while keeping SML clean and safe.
Pack In, Pack Out
Take everything with you that you’ve brought on the island with you when you leave. Trash and litter left on an island will end up in the lake. Items that stay on the land can accumulate. According to the Boy Scouts of America, a banana peel will last three to five weeks. An aluminum can will last 200 to 400 years!
Use Public Restrooms
Public boat ramps offer the convenience of public restrooms, including Oak Grove, Hales Ford, Scruggs, Penhook and Anthony Ford. Use them before and after you head out. None of the public islands has facilities and human waste will cause lake water quality issues.
Neither the islands or the lake are public restrooms. If you dig a hole or just poop where you may, your fecal matter will end up in the lake. If you don’t think you can make it to a public ramp with a toilet or a private marina, it would be wise to purchase pack out kits online in advance.
Pick Up After Pets
As with human fecal matter, pet poop will also end up in the lake. No one wants to swim among pet poop particles. Yuck! Pick up after your dog just as you would anywhere else. When you visit Lucky Island, dog waste bags are available.
Skip the Fire
Fires are prohibited on AEP-owned islands. Cutting vegetation on an island is also not allowed.
Enjoy SML Islands
Public islands on Smith Mountain Lake offer great views and fun recreation. Keep in mind that these islands are also part of the lake ecosystem and we all want to keep them clean and safe. Enjoy these resources and do your part to make sure that they are available for everyone to enjoy safely for years to come.
Where to Stay When Visiting Islands of Smith Mountain Lake
Use this interactive map to easily search for and compare Smith Mountain Lake house rentals, cabins, cottages, condos and hotels.
Rob Sanders
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rob, a full-time SML resident since 2018, is a retired chemistry teacher, coach and assistant/associate principal. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, where he holds the position of Corporate Secretary and is an active member of the Water Quality Committee.
