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Claytor Lake State Park - Water Sports

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Located near Roanoke, VA, Claytor Lake is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering a plethora of opportunities for adventure and leisure alike. Framed by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic reservoir provides a stunning backdrop for aquatic escapades.

Boating aficionados can explore the tranquil waters aboard motorboats, pontoon boats, or sailboats, reveling in the freedom of open exploration. Motorboats are permitted throughout the lake, except for designated areas like the beach and cabin area.

Adrenaline seekers can indulge in the thrill of water skiing and wakeboarding, carving through the pristine waters with skilled precision. Claytor Lake's calm conditions create an ideal environment for mastering new tricks or simply enjoying the rush of gliding across its glassy surface.

Swimmers can cool off in the refreshing embrace of the lake, with a designated swimming area boasting a snack bar and gift shop for added convenience. Additionally, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding enthusiasts can paddle along the shoreline, exploring hidden coves and soaking in the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Claytor Lake Water Sports at the marina offers a variety of pontoons, motorboats, canoes, and kayaks for rent, providing visitors with easy access to equipment for their aquatic adventures. Moreover, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company, also located at the marina, offers paddleboard rental, gear, and lessons, catering to both novice and experienced paddlers.

With its diverse range of water sports opportunities, convenient amenities, and breathtaking scenery, Claytor Lake stands as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts near Roanoke, VA, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Directions
Accommodations
Sports Facilities
Recreation
Cabins & Cottages
Directions
  • Directions: From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). State Park Road ends at the park's entrance. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, 5 hours; Richmond, 4 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 5 hours; Roanoke, 1 hour
  • Major Access Routes: I-81
Accommodations
  • Kitchen/Kitchenette:
  • Microwave:
  • Total Number of Rooms: 18
  • Pet Policy: A fee is charged per pet per night for cabin stays.
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Refrigerator:
  • Additional Information: Cabins, lodges, yurts, camping lodge (bunkhouse), and camping is available at Claytor Lake State Park.
General Facility Information
  • Additional Information: Swimming, hiking, sport fishing, boating
Recreation
  • Additional Information: TRAILS: The park has six trails - a total of 7 miles of easy-rating hike or bike trails - open year-round. Plantlife is predominantly representative of a mature oak-hickory-poplar forest. Extensive reforestation is ongoing. White-tailed deer, various birds, raccoons, squirrels and other species are common. Within the trail system lies a 5K cross-country trail designed by Boy Scout troop 244. The park's Shady Ridge Trail, a .66-mile self-guided interpretive loop trail, is part of TRACK Trail Adventures, a program that uses brochures to help kids explore nature. SWIMMING: Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, guarded beach swimming is available for a fee. The swimming area has a diving tower, snack bar and gift shop. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Weather and other issues may occur at times force suspension of guarded swimming. When guarded swimming is unavailable, guests may swim at the beach’s designated area but do so at their own risk. Swimming elsewhere in the park is not advised. FISHING/BOATING: Motorboats permitted. Except for the beach and cabin area, fishing is permitted from the shoreline throughout the park. Bass, catfish, muskie, walleye and striped bass are among the popular sport fish found in the lake. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. The park offers boat slip rental, a launch ramp (no charge to overnight guests), gasoline sales, fishing supplies and licenses, and a gift shop. WATER SPORTS: Claytor Lake Water Sports at the marina offers various pontoons, motorboats, canoes and kayaks, and can handle all your boat rental needs. They also rent bicycles for all ages and sizes. Also at the marina, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company offers paddleboard rental, gear and lessons. It also will deliver motorboats to guests' dock.
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Cabins & Cottages
  • Additional Information: Three lodges and 15 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat.
  • Children Allowed:
  • Credit Card Accepted:
  • Fireplace:
  • Number of Handicap Rooms: 4
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Private Baths:
  • Total Number of Cottages or Cabins: 15
Facility Info
  • DescriptionClaytor Lake State Park is a 472-acre park encapsulated by the beautiful 4,500-acre Claytor Lake. The park has approximately three miles of lake frontage and includes an indoor facility that overlooks the lake, as well as a gazebo surrounded on three sides by water. The Water’s Edge Facility at Claytor Lake State Park offers a beautiful setting for weddings, receptions, engagement parties and more. The room overlooks the lake and has a scenic view from the water’s edge. It can accommodate up to 125 people.
  • Floorplan FileFloorplan File
  • Reception Capacity125
  • Theatre Capacity125
  • Type of Space Indoor & Outdoor Space
  • Banquet Capacity72
  • Number of Rooms1
  • Classroom Capacity90