The sounds, sight, and enjoyment of water has a relaxing effect, which is why so many vacationers seek it out each summer. Enhance our list of Seven Super Water Adventures for the Family with a waterfront accommodation. 

It’s the perfect aquatic reprieve for a hot summer.

Here are eight spots in Virginia's Blue Ridge where your overnight stay can include a view of the water.

1. Bernard's Landing Resort, Moneta

 

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This sprawling, 70-acre peninsula resort at Smith Mountain Lake offers pools, a beach area, watercraft rentals, excellent dining, and a great deal more to occupy you and a significant other or the whole family. Reunions and groups are welcome!

Accommodations include vacation rental condos, villas, and homes. The variety of sleeping options ensures your family’s needs are easily met.

2. Inn at Riverbend, Pearisburg

The view from Inn at Riverbend will take your breath away. Perched high above the New River, the mountains, sunset, and surrounding area are yours to admire. 

The bed and breakfast is a repeat award-winner and member of Select Registry. One TripAdvisor reviewer raves, “You just can't take your eyes off the view. Even from two miles away, you can hear the rushing water of the New River, and the slow romantic horn of an occasional passing train evokes another era.”

3. Peaks of Otter Lodge, Bedford

 

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Along the Blue Ridge Parkway you’ll find Abbott Lake, a shimmering gem in the shadows of the Peaks of Otter. Stroll the one-mile trail around the lake, enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a lake view, and then stay the night in one of the newly renovated rooms. Hiking trails are plentiful and nearby wineries will give you an additional taste of the region.

4. Gills Creek Marina & Lodge, Wirtz

 

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Newly renovated rooms on the water make this full-service marina an easy place to stay. Gills Creek is a Smith Mountain Lake tributary. Bring your boat or rent a pontoon or jet ski to access “the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” for a laid back or high energy day on the water.

5. New River Retreat, Draper

This collection of vacation rental homes are top-notch for small families and large. Choose a place on the river or on Claytor Lake, whichever body of water your heart longs for. Fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming…it’s all within reach at any of these 26 beautiful properties.

6. Woodberry Inn, Meadows of Dan

 

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The Woodberry Inn is a pet-friendly Blue Ridge Parkway accommodation with a restaurant on site, and a serene pond that reflects the surrounding landscape. Woodberry Inn is a great home base for visiting the ever popular Mabry Mill and nearby wineries.

7. Gala River Front Campground, Eagle Rock

Set up camp along the James River! The 11 basic sites include a picnic table and fire ring for your ease of outdoor cooking and enjoyment, but you will need to bring your own water. 

Those who love to paddle and float will find Gala to be the perfect place to put in and relax on the river for the 25 miles to Buchanan. Owned by Twin River Outfitters, a canoe, kayak, or float is just a call away.

8. Virginia State Parks

Whether you enjoy camping or setting up house in a cabin, the state parks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge are a perfect fit with waterfront accommodations to choose from. All three parks have water to enjoy, play in, and relax by, as well as rental equipment to enhance your visit. 

Plan your summer escape to Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone, or Smith Mountain Lake State Park.


Here's a map of the locations featured in this blog post.


Take a look at our Water Sports section for more ideas on ways to enjoy the water in Virginia's Blue Ridge and remember to check our complete list of accommodations to help you plan your next getaway.

Have questions? Let us know by leaving a comment or reaching out to us on our Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Facebook page.