The Best Places To Say In Smith Mountain Lake VA
Abby and Sam PriceSmith Mountain Lake (SML) is one of Virginia’s most beautiful lakes and is an excellent place to have a getaway any time of year.
This amazing lake is home to great fishing, beautiful sunsets, incredible people, and has something to offer for everyone.
Looking for the best places to stay in Smith Mountain Lake can be pretty difficult because the lake is pretty local and there are not many hotels around the area.
That is why we created this list of the best places to stay at SML to help you book your next lake vacation!
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is one of my favorite lakes on earth. It’s where my husband and I met and where we have spent countless summers hanging out with family and friends.
It’s a very local lake, which we love, but it also means that it is increasingly hard to find a place to stay in SML.
Our most recommend form of accommodation to check out when visiting SML is to rent a house, condo, or townhouse!
There are not many hotels to chose from surrounding the lake, especially, no big name brand hotels such as Hilton or Marriott.
We recommend renting a place so that you can truly get the SML experience and enjoy the lake like a local.
Below we have provided you all with a list of our favorite places including rentals, hotels, B&B’s, campgrounds, and much more! Enjoy!
1. Rental Houses and Rental Condos
Mariner’s Landing
My personal favorite option for those looking to rent a condo for a bit is Mariner’s Landing!
These condos are extremely local and they are right on the water.
Plus, Mariner’s Landing is home to an exceptional 18 hole golf course, The Landing Restaurant, an awesome pool and beach area, and so much more.
Bernard’s Landing
Bernard’s Landing Resort is full of condos and townhouses right on the water.
Bernard’s is an extremely popular area that locals live at but they offer some rental homes and condos too for visitors to enjoy!
If you are looking for a local experience be sure to check out Bernard’s. Plus, they are known for their Napoli Restaurant.
Emerald Cove
The Emerald Cove is an adorable vacation rental is 6 beds and 6 bathrooms and perfect for a family or a friends getaway to SML.
Plus, the balcony and the window views of the lake are unreal.
Hastings on Hickory
The Hastings on Hickory is a beautiful house right on Smith Mountain Lake. This house boasts 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
Additionally, this vacation rental is decorated beautifully and has exceptional views of SML.
Plus, there is an amazing dock and outdoor shower for your enjoyment!
2. Hotels
Gills Creek Marina and Lodge
Gills Creek is in Wirtz, Virginia and is home to some of the best lodging on the lake when it comes to a hotel like stay! Its location is excellent, right on the water.
Plus, the Marina offers daily boat and jet ski rentals if you’d like to rent a vessel for a day out on the water!
Halesford Harbour Resort
Another fabulous option for hotels in the area is staying at the Halesford Harbour Resort Inn in Moneta, Virginia.
They have over 20 rooms that are beautifully renovated and the location is awesome.
Plus, they offer dog friendly rooms so that your furry friend can come along on your lake getaway!
Westlake Waterfront Inn
Another option for a hotel stay in Smith Mountain Lake is the Westlake Waterfront Inn in Hardy, Virginia.
This hotel provides you with some beautiful views of the lake and you can rent a boat from the nearby Westlake Rental Boats!
3. Bed and Breakfast
Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast
If you are looking for a quaint Bed and Breakfast near Smith Mountain Lake, look no further.
The Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast is full of warmth and charm. There are four rooms within the B&B and each are uniquely and cozily designed for your enjoyment.
The hosts are exceptionally kind and a warm breakfast is served each day.
4. Campgrounds
Smith Mountain Campground
The Smith Mountain Campground is found in Penhook, Virginia and home to some awesome lakeside amenities.
This campground offers various accommodation options including a lodge, full hook up options, and pull through options.
The campground is just 5 miles from a boat ramp down the road and the campground boasts a playground and catch and release pond for fishing.
Eagle’s Roost Campground
Another awesome option for camping in the area is Eagle’s Roost Campground in Huddleston.
This campground boasts two bath houses, great fishing, and much more.
Blue Ridge Campground and Marina
The Blue Ridge Campground and Marina is an excellent option for camping in Smith Mountain Lake.
This campground has several bath houses along with a laundromat. Plus, they have an awesome swim area to swim in the lake.
Sweetwater RV Park
The Sweetwater RV Park is a great option for those looking for a family friend campground with several amenities.
This RV park has a playground for children to enjoy, a pool for the whole family to relax and have fun, along with some great facilities for you and your family to use.
Camp Karma
Another excellent option to check out for camping near Smith Mountain Lake is Camp Karma. This campground has various sites for tents and small trailers.
Additionally, they have fire rings, private restrooms, and much more.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not only one of the best places to camp in the area but it is also home to some of the best things to do in Smith Mountain Lake.
This state park is home to an incredible beach area, a playground, countless grills and picnic areas, pier fishing, and much more.
If you are looking for a place to stay with unlimited opportunities and activities, SML State Park is the place to be.
5. Houseboats
Parrot Cove Boat Rentals
If you are looking for a completely unique experience and you are confident behind a big boat, check out renting a Houseboat at Parrot Cove Boat Rentals.
Although we have not personally rented a houseboat on Smith Mountain Lake, we have rented a houseboat on Lake Powell and it remains one of my favorite vacations to this day!
Renting a houseboat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you will be able to take in SML and all its glory.
The Best Places to Stay in Smith Mountain Lake: Surrounding Towns to Check Out
Roanoke
If you are looking to stay close to Smith Mountain Lake but would like a little more to do, be sure to check out Roanoke!
This city is home to some phenomenal hotels, amazing restaurants, and countless activities to enjoy within a small city like atmosphere.
Roanoke is about an hour away from Smith Mountain Lake State Park so you will need to prepare yourself for a bit of a drive.
👉🏼 If you are looking for a great place to stay in Roanoke, check out the Hotel Roanoke.
Lynchburg
Another city to check out that is close to Smith Mountain Lake is Lynchburg, Virginia. Lynchburg is a bit smaller than Roanoke but has great hospitality, terrific hikes nearby, awesome restaurants and bars, and a variety of hotel options to choose from.
👉🏼 We recommend that you stay at The Virginian for an upscale hotel experience that is walking distance to some excellent dining and bar options.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to stay in Smith Mountain Lake!
