CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK
Located on the 4,500 acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake (from which the park was named) in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, the park features the only full service marina in the state park system. In addition, there are miles of hiking trails, swimming, camping facilities, cabins and a visitor center. The visitor center is located in the historic Howe House.
The lake and the park are named after Graham Claytor (1886-1971), who was vice president of Appalachian Power and supervised construction of the dam.
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, lake swimming is available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. (Hours are somewhat shorter when local schools are in session in early June and late August.) The swimming season begins the weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend and runs daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The area features a swimming beach with diving tower, snack bar, and souvenir and gift shop.
Swimming is free for campers and cabin guests but cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control require that swimming be closed. We do not give refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.
Motorboats permitted.
Each year in November, the lake is drawn down approximately five feet for maintenance. During this period, usually two weeks, it may be impossible to launch boats from the Claytor Lake boat launch, and fishing from the shore is difficult. There is a public boat launch just outside the park from which guests may be able to launch unless they have particularly large boats. The lake level will return to normal over time depending on rain.
Bass, catfish, muskie, walleye and striped bass are among the popular sport fish found in the lake. A valid Virginia fishing license is required and is available at the marina when it is open or the park officue during the off-season.
Claytor Lake State Park is located near Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Dublin
Picnic areas include grills, drinking water and restroom facilities. Several restrooms and shelters are handicap accessible. Seven picnic shelters are available for rent through the reservation center by calling 1-800-933-7275. Shelter capacity varies from 30 to 100 people.
Seven shelters are available for rent. Large and small shelters are available. Shelters can be rented from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day). Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee. The park also offers for rent a special gazebo, which is quite popular for weddings.
Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.
About three miles of hiking trails are open year-round. Plant life is predominantly representative of a mature oak-hickory forest. Extensive reforestation is ongoing. White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels and other species are common.
The park offers birding opportunities with species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Eastern Bluebird. Other birds include Warblers, Woodpeckers and Sparrows. Birdwatchers can also spot waterfowl such as Ducks and Geese on the lake.
Stripers Landing At Rock House
3776 Rock House Rd
Pulaski, VA
(540) 980-1488
Elliott's Military Surplus
2114 1st St
Radford, VA
(540) 639-1038
From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). State Park Road ends at the park's entrance.
Ranger was very rude. Just looking for something to get us on. Other then that had a good time
My family wanted to go camping to celebrate my sisters graduation from college, too bad we choose Claytor Lake. Six people were arrested from my group for being drunk in public. There was no noise complaint, only 4 people were outside of their tents. I was asleep inside my tent and was arrested for being intoxicated in public. The lake was beautiful and the campsites were nice but sadly i did not get to go hiking, swimming, or make smores over the fire like i wanted. So, if you plan on having a beer with your burger on your campsite do not stay here. In my opinion Claytor Lake needs to remove that Ranger.
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