Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals and Lodging Guide (2024)

Welcome! This guide to lodging and vacation rentals at Smith Mountain Lake is designed to be the ultimate resource to help you find the best places to stay at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

SML offers a wide range of accommodations to fit every budget. Here we’ll explore the most popular lodging types, including Smith Mountain Lake rental homes, hotels, houseboats, B&Bs, campgrounds, and resorts and conference centers.

Table of Contents

Use this interactive map to easily search for and compare Smith Mountain Lake house rentals, cabins, cottages, condos and hotels.

Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals have become extremely popular, especially on the Bedford County side of the lake where there are fewer restrictions. From cozy one-bedroom condo rentals to sprawling lakeside mansions, you’ll find vacation accommodations here are abundant and affordable.

You may also search for SML vacation properties with the best amenities for your family or friends such as a pool, hot tub and private beach. So much fun!

More Reasons to Choose Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals

We also recommend Smith Mountain Lake home rentals because they can be a great money-saving option if you’re traveling with multiple families. The cost is split, thereby reducing the amount everyone pays.

When you choose a vacation rental with a kitchen or kitchenette area, you don’t have to eat every meal out (though we do have amazing restaurants you’ll definitely want to try). Oh, and you can prep snacks and lunches for days out on the water, an especially convenient option when you have kids along.

Finally, we should mention you don’t have to choose a big house. Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals also can be found in the form of a smaller condo, townhome or cottage. Get started now by filling out the info below.

Can you rent cabins at Smith Mountain Lake? Yes! Visitors looking for a more serene lake experience, away from the hustle and bustle of some of SML’s more populated areas, will definitely want to look into cabin rentals at Smith Mountain Lake, VA.

The Smith Mountain Lake State Park cabins are also popular. During the high season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), the cabins are rented by the week. Off-season, it’s either a two-night or three-night minimum.

There are 20 SML State Park cabins with two-bedroom and three-bedroom frames, some with water views. There’s also a more rustic bunkhouse, which is a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds. It has air conditioning but no heating so it is only open from early March to early December.

The benefit of booking Smith Mountain Lake cabin is proximity to all of the outdoor adventure to be enjoyed right within the park. There are miles of hiking trails that meander along the lake and in the scenic woods, a boat launch, sandy beach (with lifeguards), picnic areas and a playground.

If you’re looking for family fun, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider when planning your trip to Smith Mountain Lake. Rent a cabin! SML State Park also offers camping opportunities. Keep scrolling to read more details.

Top Vacation Rental Cabins and Cottages

Here are our top choices for cabins and cottages for rent at Smith Mountain Lake.

Individual Rentals

A great variety of off-water and waterfront cabins and cottages are available in a wide range of sizes and prices. Most can be booked for nightly and weekly rentals. Find your perfect SML cabin or cottage.

Halesford Harbour Inn

Lakefront motel rooms and efficiencies, suites and private cabins. Bedford County, 540-297-9000. Visit website

Smith Mountain Campground

Rentals of a private, modern lakeside cabin that sleeps 6. Pittsylvania County, 434-927-4198.. Visit website.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

20 rustic cabins set within SML State Park. Bedford County. Visit website.

There are several well-established resorts at Smith Mountain Lake that offer lake visitors a more upscale stay complete with condos, suites, on-site dining, private pools, beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, and fitness centers.

While each can accommodate families and small groups, these resorts and conference centers at Smith Mountain Lake are the ideal choice for larger groups that need amenities for business meetings, conferences, reunions, parties and the like.

All are located on the water with stunning views of the lake and mountains, which makes them popular for Smith Mountain Lake weddings, too.

Bernard’s Landing

Lakefront resort at Smith Mountain Lake. Rent a one-, two- or three-bedroom condo or townhome. Bernard’s Landing has an on-site restaurant, beach, pools, fitness center and more, plus gorgeous views of Smith Mountain. Franklin County, 540-721-8870. Compare lodging options here.

Mariners Landing

Extensive resort at Smith Mountain Lake with homes, townhomes and condos for rent (studios up to 4 bedrooms). On-site restaurants, 18-hole golf course, beach, pools, fitness center and more. Among the best views on the lake. Bedford County, 540-297-9393. Visit website or see vacation homes for rent in and around Mariners Landing.

W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center

Lakefront, multi-purpose facility for meetings, retreats, adult education, youth programs and more. Can accommodate 400-plus people in dormitory or hotel-style lodging. Extensive recreational areas. Franklin County, 540-721-2759. Visit website

While our region has seen much commercial development over the past 20 years, Smith Mountain Lake hotels and traditional motels are still fairly limited.

The options below for SML hotels and motels are particularly popular with fishermen and water sport enthusiasts because they provide easy access to the lake and ample space for boats and trailers.

Gills Creek Marina Lodge (Waterfront)

Lakefront motel rooms with kitchenettes. Franklin County. Call for reservations: 540-721-2451. View website | Read ratings and reviews.

Halesford Harbour Resort (Waterfront)

Lakefront motel rooms and efficiencies, suites and private cabins. Bedford County, 540-297-9000. View website

Lake Inn (Off water)

Motel rooms and efficiencies. Franklin County, 540-721-3383. Find out more.

Westlake Waterfront Inn (Waterfront)

Lakefront motel rooms. Franklin County, 540-721-3307. Read ratings and reviews.

Just Down The Road…

If you’re willing to drive 20-30 minutes (or have points to use) you’ll find a Days Inn by Wyndham in Bedford and a Hampton Inn in Gretna. Likewise, nearby Rocky Mount has a Holiday Inn Express and a Baymont by Wyndham.

You’ll find a handful of B&Bs and historic estates in the Smith Mountain Lake region that offer intimate and homey atmospheres perfect for a romantic getaway. We recommend going this route if friendly proprietors, impressive views and peaceful seclusion are high on your priority list.

Bedford Landings, the Smith Mountain Lake airport bed and breakfast, is one of the more unique lodging options you’ll find here. Jack Phillips and Karen DeBord operate the gorgeous timber frame home that offers four themed rooms, as well as aircraft tie-downs and a hangar for private planes.

Bedford Landings

Four-bedroom B&B adjacent to the SML airport. Bedford County, 540-296-5670. Find out more.

Just Down the Road…

The historic Belle Garden Estate, which dates back to the 1700s, is located in Franklin County and offers an historic feel with a mix of modern elements, plus stunning mountain views.

Early Inn at the Grove in Rocky Mount is a Greek revival-style home that sits on more than 10 acres surrounded by lovely oak trees. Confederate Gen. Jubal Early kept his law office on the property, which was constructed in 1854.

Both are popular venues for weddings and other special events.

If you’re looking to spend your SML vacation literally on the water, consider houseboat rentals. Smith Mountain Lake has one company – Parrot Cove – that offers rentals of houseboats ranging from 39 to 53 feet.

The houseboats sleep 6-10 people depending on the model you choose. All come standard with a fly bridge, sundeck, barbecue grill, kitchen with linens, utensils, range, sink and refrigerator. Each bathroom includes a toilet, sink and full-sized shower.

With a houseboat, you can explore different spots on the lake, or find the perfect quiet cove to enjoy swimming, floating, fishing and more — all with the comforts of home at your disposal. Many houseboats come with a slide to keep the kiddos entertained for hours on end.

Prices for Smith Mountain Lake house boat rentals vary depending on the season, the size of the boat and the length of your vacation.

Parrot Cove Boat Rentals & Sales

Franklin County, 540-721-5363. Visit website | Read reviews

Those who enjoy the great outdoors will appreciate the many options for camping at Smith Mountain Lake. In addition to SML State Park where there are sites for tents, vans, pop-ups, campers and RVs, SML offers a number of private campgrounds.

Smith Mountain Lake campgrounds offer seclusion, lake access and a rustic, back-to-nature experience that many couples, friends and families enjoy. Most offer easy access to Smith Mountain Lake’s most popular outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and water sports.

So whether you prefer primitive camping, a comfortable RV or something in between, you’re sure to find it at one of these Smith Mountain Lake campgrounds.

Arrowhead Campground

Camping spaces for RVs (annual leases only). Boat ramp, walking trails, swimming area. Franklin County, 540-420-7625. Visit website

Blue Ridge Campground & Marina

Camp sites for tents and campers with water and electricity. Access to boating, swimming and fishing. Franklin County, 540-721-3866. Visit website

Camp Karma

Upscale primitive campground on 42 scenic acres in Bedford County. 540-297-5762. Visit website | Read reviews

Eagle’s Roost Campground

Seasonal sites only. 40 acres of woods for walking and hiking, boat launch. Bedford County, 540-297-7381. Visit website

Halesford Harbour RV Park

RV sites with electric and water/sewage hookups, bath houses, laundry facilities. Bedford County, 540-297-1500. Visit website

Mitchell’s Point Marina & RV Park

RV sites with waterfront and non-waterfront views. Annual lease only. Bedford County, 540-484-3980. Visit website

Smith Mountain Campground

Rentals of a private lakeside cabin and a fifth-wheel RV, as well as full RV hookup sites available nightly. Pittsylvania County, 434-927-4198. Visit website | Read reviews

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Cabins and camp sights for tents and campers. Access to beach, boat launch, trails, playground and picnic area. Bedford County, 540-297-6066. Visit website

Sweetwater RV Park

RV sites in a quiet, comfortable, relaxing family environment. Daily, weekly and monthly rates. Bedford County, 540-296-0522. Visit website | Read reviews

When you choose Smith Mountain Lake rentals, you are convenient to all the things there are to see and do in our slice of heaven in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you prefer a fun-filled day out on the water tubing with the family, exploring one of our outstanding breweries or vineyards or dining at a lakeside restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the sunset, your Smith Mountain Lake vacation is sure to be memorable.

If this is your first time traveling to Smith Mountain Lake (or even if you’re a seasoned visitor), check out our Things to Do at Smith Mountain Lake page for tons of ideas to fit your style.

Known for its natural beauty, gorgeous water, miles of shoreline to explore, and abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, beautiful Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect destination for your next vacation with family or friends.

We look forward to seeing you soon at SML!

Interested in planning your vacation around one of the many fun-filled events that take place at Smith Mountain Lake each year? Be sure to check this comprehensive blog post.