Destination Bedford offers big, bold and unforgettable experiences. You’ll see stunning beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hear stories of bravery that will take your breath away at the National D-Day Memorial.
With over 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect place for vacationers and locals to relax, fish, and play in the water! While enjoying a gorgeous evening sunset, you will also be captivated by the mountains that are surrounded by the lake. It is Virginia’s largest lake and has about 22,000 people who call it home. If you visit Smith Mountain Lake, you may also want to call this beautiful place your home. If you are looking for a weekend getaway or a place to bring the family for a longer vacation, there are plenty of lodging choices, including vacation homes, cabins, condos, and more! You may even want to consider camping!
SML STATE PARK
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a wonderful place to go when visiting the lake. With 1,200 acres of land to explore, you can camp, picnic, fish, hike, use the boat ramp and much more. The park also offers 20 cabins and 24 trailer sites. This pet friendly park has a beach area with a concession stand and a picnic area. For park entry fees and information about special events, please check out the SML State Park website.
WATER SPORTS
If you are more of the adventurous type, then SML is the place for you! Sure it’s nice to relax, but sometimes you need to do something sporty. The lake has several water sports that you can enjoy, including: boating, wake boarding, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing and jet skiing. Fishing is one of the most popular sports in Virginia! All ages can enjoy it and it’s very relaxing and fun. If you visit Fish Virginia First, you can find out where you should go fresh water fishing, and what types of fish you will catch!
Water Sports & Boat Rentals
Smith Mountain Wake Company: 540-721-9253
Bridgewater Marina Boat Rentals:540-721-1639
SML State Park Boat Rentals: 540-297-3642
Mariners Landing Boat Rentals: 540-297-3642
Halesford Harbour Boat Rentals: 540-238-5606
Mitchell’s Marina: 540-484-3980
Parkway Marina: 540-297-4412
RESTAURANTS
With all of that swimming and fishing, you will definitely work up an appetite! Smith Mountain Lake has many great restaurants to satisfy any type of craving. Just to name a few: Jake’s Place, Drifter’s, The Dam Grill , Mitchell’s, Portside and many more! Click here for more restaurants at Smith Mountain Lake and other parts of Bedford County.
SUMMER EVENT
Pirate Days: Enjoy the kick off party known as The Pirate Ball, the on-the-water battles, live music, and lots of pirate fun all weekend long. Pirates will be coming from all over, so make sure you don’t miss them and this great event!
Event dates: July 17 – 19
COMING THIS FALL
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival: Enjoy this one of a kind wine festival at Mariners Landing! In addition to nearly 30 Virginia wineries, SML Wine Festival attendees can visit the booths of dozens of quality artisans, as well as food, craft beer and craft spirits vendors. Both days feature live music.
Event dates: September 26 – 27
For more events and other information on fun things to do at Smith Mountain Lake and around Bedford County, please visit our website at https://destinationbedfordva.com. Be sure to share your summer experiences on social media using #DestinationBedfordVA and #LOVEBedfordVA!
