Smith Mountain Lake Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the lake?
From Roanoke, Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake is about 31 miles from Roanoke, Virginia. To get there, take VA-116 from Roanoke for 14.8 miles. Turn right at VA-122, and prepare for a quick, slight left at Burnt Chimney Road. Drive for 4.4 miles, then take a left at VA-834, which you'll travel for 2.9 miles. Take a right at Scruggs Road/VA-616, go for 7.2 miles, then take a slight left at VA-711. You'll go 0.7 miles. Take a slight right and you'll be at the lake.
From Danville, Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake is about 64 miles from Danville, Virginia. To get there, take VA-41 from Danville for 20.1 miles. Then, take a right at VA-57, go 0.3 miles and take a left onto Sago Road. Drive for 3.1 miles and continue on Museville Road for 8.8 miles. Take a left on VA-40, go for 8.7 miles, and take a right at VA-834. Continue for 10.5 miles, then take a right at Scruggs Road/VA-616. Go for 7.2 miles, then take a slight left at VA-711. You'll go 0.7 miles. Take a slight right and you'll be at the lake.
click here to view a map of the Smith Mountain Lake area.
What is there to do at Smith Mountain Lake?
You'll be sharing Smith Mountain Lake with old-style paddleboats. The lake has that kind of rustic, undeveloped air as a rule. The shoreline is mountainous and partly protected by Smith Mountain Lake State Park. You could do nothing but float along the banks for hours and be satisfied, but you might want to rent a smaller craft as well to get closer - or get faster. Powerboats and jet skis are readily available and water-skiing and wakeboarding are very popular. So is fishing - record-size fish have been caught in this lake.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hang of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It's helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
Earlier is better. If you're planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it's best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand.
What kind of fish are found in the lake?
Record striped bass (53 pounds) have been caught here and a record Roanoke bass caught very nearby. Striped and Roanoke bass are just two species of many, too. You'll also find smallmouth, largemouth and blackmouth bass, as well as muskellunge, catfish, crappy and walleye.
Is there camping along the lake shore?
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a number of campsites and there are several commercial campgrounds on or close to the lake shore.
