Claytor Lake State Park
More actions
Location
Dublin, Pulaski County
Setting
Claytor Lake, in Southwest Virginia
Park hours
Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; confirm before visiting
Address
6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084
Claytor Lake State Park pairs wooded trails and picnic areas with a broad stretch of lake shoreline. The park covers 472 acres beside 4,500-acre Claytor Lake, a 21-mile-long reservoir on the New River; its roughly four miles of shoreline include a designated swimming beach. The lake is the main draw, but the park also offers places to hike, fish, camp and stay in cabins or lodges. [1]
Come for a day on the water or make the park a base for a longer stay. A marina, boat launch, fishing access, campground and overnight accommodations serve different kinds of trips. Seasonal services and activities—including guarded beach swimming and some rentals—can change, so check the park’s current advisories and contact the park before setting out. [2]
Plan a trip to Claytor Lake State Park
Why visit Claytor Lake State Park?
The lake gives this park its character. Visitors can launch a boat, fish from shore or a designated fishing platform, or spend time at the swimming beach. On land, several short trails wind through the park’s woods, while picnic spots make it easy to build in a slower afternoon. [3]
It is also a practical overnight destination, with camping and options that include cabins, lodges, yurts and a bunkhouse. That range makes it possible to plan a simple day visit or a longer lake-centered stay. Availability, rates and reservation requirements vary; check the official park page before booking. [4]
Start here
First-time visitors can orient themselves at the visitor center and Howe House, then use the park map to choose a route toward the beach, marina, trails or picnic areas. The official trail guide shows facilities and trail connections across the park; downloading it before arrival can help with planning. [5]
If swimming is the priority, check the seasonal beach schedule before you go. Guarded swimming is typically offered during the summer season, but weather or staffing can affect lifeguard service. The park advises visitors to swim only in the designated beach area. [6]
What to see and do
Get out on the lake
Use the boat launch or marina to explore Claytor Lake. Boat rentals may be available seasonally; check current services and launch details with the park before your visit.
Swim at the beach
The park has a designated swimming beach. Guarded swimming is seasonal and may be affected by weather or staffing, so confirm current conditions before traveling.
Walk or bike the trails
The park’s trail guide maps short routes including Lakeview, Poplar Leaf, Bent Tree and Shady Ridge. Shady Ridge is a self-guided interpretive loop aimed at helping younger visitors explore nature.
Fish from shore or a boat
Claytor Lake supports sport fishing, with access from boats, parts of the shoreline and a fishing platform. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required; review current rules before fishing.
Stay overnight
Choose from camping and several types of overnight accommodations, including cabins, lodges, yurts and a bunkhouse. Reservations and availability vary by season.
Visit the Howe House
The park’s visitor center and Howe House offer a place to learn about the lake and surrounding area. Check the official park page for current visitor-center hours and programs.
History and significance
Claytor Lake was formed after Appalachian Power Company built a dam on the New River in 1939. The state park followed several years later: Virginia purchased land for its development in 1948, with surrounding communities donating half the purchase price. The Radford Chamber of Commerce operated the park during the summers of 1949 and 1950; the state parks division took over in 1951. [9][10]
The park’s Christian Chimney recalls an older landscape altered by the creation of the lake. According to Virginia State Parks, the chimney was built around 1785 and was the only remaining structure above the water when the lake reached full pond in 1940. It was later moved and rebuilt on land near the park office, where visitors can see it today. [11]
Planning a visit
The park is at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive in Dublin. Virginia State Parks gives directions from Interstate 81 via Exit 101 and State Park Road. The posted general hours are 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, and parking fees apply. Check the official park page for current fees, notices, access information and seasonal schedules; call the park at 540-643-2500 with questions about conditions or amenities. [12]
Beach swimming, rentals, marina services and some visitor facilities operate seasonally or on changing schedules. Fishing requires a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. Check with the park before arrival for current lifeguard service, water access, rental availability and rules. [13]
For trail planning, consult the official guide for route lengths, difficulty and facilities. Virginia State Parks also provides a georeferenced map for use with compatible map apps; download maps in advance if you expect to be without cell service. [14][15]
Nearby attractions
New River Trail State Park
A long rail-trail experience in Southwest Virginia for walking, biking and exploring the New River region.
Southwest Virginia
Explore the broader mountain region around Claytor Lake, with outdoor recreation and small communities across the southwest corner of the state.
Virginia State Parks
Browse more parks across Virginia, from lakeside destinations to mountain trails and coastal landscapes.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ 5 must-do activities at Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, May 26, 2025. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History of Virginia State Parks, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Take a Hike Back in Time, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Claytor Lake State Park Trail Guide, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Park Trail Maps, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.