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If picturesque waterfront lake views with a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop are your style, then you have to visit Smith Mountain Lake. This majestic reservoir is the second-largest freshwater lake in the state of Virginia, and it’s well worth your time.
Whether you’re going for a balmy lake-front vacation during summertime or a cozy and aesthetic winter getaway, the Smith Mountain Lake area in Roanoke, Virginia, is a great place to stay. For most Smith Mountain Lake is the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains and I personally couldn’t agree more!
And since the lake itself is so huge with miles of shoreline, you can stay nearby or right on the water in a variety of great locations that all offer unique perks, lots of rich history, entertainment opportunities, and plenty of Virginian charm.
Here are 5 of the best, most relaxing, and most enjoyable places to stay around Smith Mountain Lake.
North Shore, Virginia
Nestled in Franklin County, which is located in the Roanoke region, North Shore sits, as the name implies, on the northwestern part of Smith Mountain Lake. This beautiful area occupies a peninsula about 6 miles long that juts into the lake.
Stay on the Waterfront
With its proximity to the lake, there are plenty of places to stay right on the waterfront for visitors who want to enjoy the shore to its full potential. The communities on the lake are a great, safe, and not-too-overcrowded place to enjoy either a weekend trip or a longer vacation.
Venture into Franklin County
If you want to split your time between sunbathing and sightseeing, then staying further into Franklin County is a great option. Every lodging option oozes quaint, small-town Southern charm and gives you proximity to lots of exciting activities, including Westlake Towne Center mall.
Nearby is the Booker T. Washington National Monument and plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and appreciating the Blue Ridge. You’ll also find wineries and distilleries aplenty since Franklin County is, after all, the Moonshine Capital of the World.
Moneta, Virginia
Another gem along the northern shores of Smith Mountain Lake is the small town of Moneta. Straddling Franklin County and Bedford County, this unincorporated community is laidback and offers a great chance for some R&R.
Stay Near Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Located near Moneta, the state park is a no-brainer for nature lovers visiting the area. Staying in Moneta near the park gives you access to all the beautiful hiking trails as well as opportunities for fishing, swimming, and more.
There are also plenty of campsites if you decide you want to spend a night or two of your trip roughing it and enjoying the beautiful views! Bring
Stay on the Waterfront
There are plenty of great places to stay in Moneta that will let you take full advantage of the Smith Mountain Lake area. There are resort and condo rentals, such as those in Bernard’s Landing. With full access to the waterfront and plenty of boat ramps and fishing piers, you can spend your whole weekend or more sunbathing, fishing, or boating.
Stay in Bedford County
Want to unplug a bit and take in the beauty of nature with a side of rich history? Bedford County is the perfect place to look back in time and appreciate the amazing history of this region of Virginia.
Between the Old Bedford Village, the Historic Lincoln Highway, the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, and even more, you’ll get a delightful dose of culture. Try out a great vacation home property or a bed & breakfast to really appreciate Bedford.
Roanoke, Virginia
If you’re looking for a more modern place to stay, then Roanoke has plenty of offerings to suit your needs. Located just slightly northwest of Smith Mountain Lake in the Roanoke Valley, the city of Roanoke is a short drive away from the water and also offers lots of attractions of its own.
Stay in Downtown Roanoke
For those interested in current arts and culture, downtown Roanoke has plenty to offer. Rent a beautiful spacious loft downtown and enjoy the popular Black Dog Salvage shop, the Center in the Square, the Mill Mountain Zoo, and plenty of amazing restaurants and breweries.
Stay in the Suburbs
For something a little quieter and with less hustle and bustle, check out vacation rentals in the suburbs of Roanoke. You’ll still have access to the lake and all the excitement of the downtown area, but you’ll have a relaxing cottage to return to at the end of the day.
Places like Salem, Cloverdale, and Cave Spring are clean, friendly, and very safe, so you can enjoy your visit and truly unwind without worry, all while having easy access to Smith Mountain Lake.
Lynchburg, Virginia
Located about 40 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake, Lynchburg is another historic area with lots to offer in the way of history and culture as well as entertainment.
As a college town, Lynchburg has just about everything you could want when vacationing. There’s access to lots of restaurants and shopping destinations as well as breathtaking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Stay in Downtown Lynchburg
Like downtown Roanoke, you’ll find downtown Lynchburg to be charming and full of unique shops and places to spend some time before heading to the lake.
There are spacious lofts as well as beautiful historic homes with proximity to places like an authentic British tea room, Old City Cemetery, the community farmer’s market, Percival’s Island walking trails, and Monument Terrace.
Huddleston, Virginia
Huddleston is another quaint small town in the Bedford County area. Located only a ten-minute drive away from Smith Mountain Lake’s shores, this is a great place to stay for a lake vacation.
Stay on the Waterfront
With property on the lakeshore, Huddleston offers lots of beautiful rental spaces where you can hunker down and spend your time right where you want to be: right on the water. From huge cabins on the water to cottages with a mountain view and lake access, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
Along the lake are also condos and resort-style structures, such as Mariners Landing, with individually rentable real estate properties that provide a great option if you want more modern amenities and more of a typical beach-like vacation experience.
Stay Near Bedford
If you journey away from the water a bit, there are plenty of other fantastic locations to spend your weekend or more. Bedford is known for its quaint small-town feel, complete with lots of history.
Privately owned rental properties are a great way to get an accurate feel and appreciation for the area. Immerse yourself by staying in Bedford County. Rent a boat, kayak, or water sports equipment for the day at the SML Boat Rentals shop, play a round of golf, take scuba lessons, or enjoy a winery!
Final Thoughts
Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful, relaxing destination for year-round fun as well as the hub for many beautiful areas in the Blue Ridge area that boast a rich history and a long list of fun attractions.
From museums to breweries and historical sites to beautiful natural wonders, Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to plan a family vacation or even a quiet weekend getaway. You’ll find lots to do, see, and eat that will help recharge your batteries and bring you back to nature.
If you’re planning a getaway to Smith Mountain Lake, you can take your pick of lots of great places to stay, from Bedford County to downtown Roanoke, with tons of amenities and perks. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to stay.
Find a wide variety of rental real estate properties and narrow them down to the best, ideal place to spend your picturesque mountain lake vacation by starting here! Take the first step to a relaxing lakefront vacation today!
