If you’re looking for an easy, quiet vacation with hiking, swimming, mountain biking, boating, fishing, nature tours, a more – look no further! Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers tent sites, RV sites, cabins, boat rentals, a public beach, two nature centers, and places to hike, fish, and mountain bike.

We used the trip as a screen detox and completley unplugged for the week, other than pulling up directions or looking up a hike or activity online. The cabins are very simple and clean with a small kitchen, table, a couch, and no TV or other electronics. Each cabin also has a fire circle and picnic bench outside.

The tent sites have water provided and public bathrooms.

Our favorite swimming spot was Turtle Island, which required a short walk down a trail.

One of our favorite things to do was the nature tours. We went on a bat tour, a boat tour, and did a bee lesson at the nature center.

And if you’re looking for hikes that aren’t too steep or difficult, most of the trails easy or moderate. Nearby, a longer, more intense hike is available at Peaks of Otter, a full day long hike. We unfortunately didn’t make it there because our kids wanted to be on the water all day. But we did find lots of mushrooms.

The main activity at the lake is boating and fishing. We took kayaks and a paddle board out and it was super fun. The park staff mentioned it does become super busy and crowded on the lake, mostly Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

Every sunset filled the sky with gorgeous colors.

Please share your own adventures at Smith Mountain Lake!