First-Timer’s Guide to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia | Stay at Smith Mountain Lake

If you’re planning your first trip to Smith Mountain Lake, you’re in for something special. Tucked into the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake (often called SML by locals) is one of those places people discover once—and then return to year after year. It’s relaxed without being boring, scenic without feeling crowded, and active without being overwhelming.This guide is for first-time visitors who want to know what to expect, how to plan, and how to make the most of their stay—whether you’re here for a long weekend or a full week on the water.

Where Is Smith Mountain Lake?

Smith Mountain Lake is located in south-central Virginia, roughly:

45 minutes from Roanoke
3 hours from Richmond
4–5 hours from Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC

The lake stretches across Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties and covers more than 20,000 acres of water with 500+ miles of shoreline. Despite its size, it still feels personal and peaceful—especially if you’re staying on the quieter arms of the lake.

What Makes Smith Mountain Lake So Popular?

SML has a rare mix that’s hard to find elsewhere:

Clean, clear water (great for swimming and boating)
Mountain views without mountain driving
Four true seasons, each with its own personality
Plenty to do, but no big-city chaos
Family-friendly and couple-friendly at the same time

Unlike many tourist-heavy lake destinations, Smith Mountain Lake hasn’t been overdeveloped. You’ll find marinas, restaurants, and shops—but also long stretches of quiet shoreline where the loudest sound is a passing boat or birds in the trees.

Best Time to Visit Smith Mountain Lake

Spring (March–May)

Spring is underrated at SML. The weather is mild, crowds are light, and everything starts turning green.

Best for:

Fishing
Quiet lake time
Hiking and exploring nearby towns

Summer (June–August)

This is peak season. Warm water, sunny days, and a lively lake atmosphere.

Best for:

Boating and tubing
Swimming
Family vacations

Good to know: Book your rental early—summer fills up fast.

Fall (September–November)

Many locals say fall is the best time to visit. Cooler temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer boats on the water.

Best for:

Relaxing getaways
Couples trips
Photography and hiking

Winter (December–February)

Quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly beautiful. While swimming is out, the views and calm are unmatched.

Best for:

Fireside weekends
Remote work retreats
Unplugging and slowing down

Things to Do at Smith Mountain Lake (Even If You Don’t Own a Boat)

Boating & Water Sports

You don’t need to bring a boat—there are several marinas offering pontoon, deck boat, and jet ski rentals. Many first-time visitors find pontoons easiest to handle.

Popular activities include:

Tubing and wakeboarding
Cruising the shoreline
Anchoring in coves for swimming

For trip planning basics, you can start with the local tourism site:
Visit Smith Mountain Lake.

Fishing

Smith Mountain Lake is well-known for:

Largemouth bass
Striped bass
Crappie and catfish

You can fish from docks, boats, or even the shoreline in some areas. A Virginia fishing license is required and can be purchased online via the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources:
VA Fishing License (DWR).

Hiking & Exploring

While the lake is the main attraction, the surrounding area offers scenic trails and overlooks, especially near the Blue Ridge foothills.

A great first-timer option is Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which offers hiking trails, beaches, picnic areas, and boat ramps. Learn more here:
Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Where to Eat at Smith Mountain Lake

Dining at SML is casual, local, and often right on the water. Many restaurants are accessible by boat, which is part of the fun.

Expect:

Waterfront grills and pubs
Seafood, burgers, and local favorites
Live music in summer

Pro tip for first-timers: Check hours in advance, especially outside peak season. Many lake restaurants adjust schedules based on weather and demand.

Grocery Stores & Essentials

Smith Mountain Lake is rural—but not remote. You’ll find grocery stores within 10–25 minutes of most rentals, plus local markets and convenience stores near marinas.

First-timer tip: Do a bigger grocery run on arrival, then supplement locally during your stay.

What to Pack for Your First Trip

Here’s what experienced SML guests recommend:

Water shoes (some shorelines are rocky)
Sunscreen & hats (shade varies by property)
A light jacket for evenings—even in summer
Groceries & drinks
Phone chargers & a portable battery
Bug spray (especially near coves)

If you’re staying at a waterfront STR, check whether life jackets, kayaks, or paddleboards are provided—many are.

Getting Around the Lake

The lake is made up of multiple “arms,” and travel by water can take longer than you’d expect due to no-wake zones and winding coves.

Helpful tips:

Allow extra time when boating to restaurants or marinas
Use GPS or a lake map (cell service is generally good)
Pay attention to buoy markers and depth changes

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating drive time on winding roads
Waiting too long to book summer stays
Assuming everything is open late year-round
Skipping a boat day (even non-boaters usually love it)

Why Stay at a Local Short-Term Rental?

Hotels are limited around Smith Mountain Lake. Staying in a local waterfront short-term rental gives you more space, better views, and often direct access to the water.

At stayatsml.com, we focus on helping guests experience Smith Mountain Lake the way locals do—comfortable, relaxed, and connected to the water.

Final Thoughts

Your first visit to Smith Mountain Lake probably won’t be your last. It’s the kind of place people come for a weekend and leave already planning the next trip. Whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or simply sit by the water and do nothing at all, SML has a way of meeting you exactly where you are.

If you’re ready to plan your stay, browse our waterfront rentals and local recommendations at
stayatsml.com.