One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in Virginia Is Surprisingly Overlooked

Few things can compare to spending a day on the lake. Considering Virginia has hundreds of man-made lakes and reservoirs, it’s never too hard to find a nearby lake to enjoy. Popular lakes like Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake certainly draw their deserving crowds, but there are plenty of beautiful lakes in Virginia where you can enjoy an escape from the masses. For those in the area, Fairy Stone Lake isn’t exactly a hidden lake in Virginia, but it is surprisingly overlooked by most Virginians. Whether you’re looking for a secret swimming spot or a scenic lake to do a little fishing, consider heading over to this beautiful lake in Virginia.

What Makes This Lake So Beautiful

Fairy Stone Lake is a 168-acre lake nestled within Fairy Stone State Park. It tends to get overshadowed by its neighbor, the 2,800-acre Philpott Reservoir, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventure without the large crowds. The park itself is the largest of the original six Virginia state parks and boasts more than 4,700 acres to enjoy. 

What You Can Do at This Lake

Swimming

Virginia may have over 110 miles of coastline and plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy, but the beach at Fairy Stone State Park is one of the best secret swimming spots in Virginia. The beach at Fairy Stone State Park is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and the designated swimming area is separate from boaters and fishing. Grab some pool noodles and float the day away!

Fishing

Fishing is certainly a great way to spend the day on Fairy Stone Lake, and it offers opportunities for all skill levels. Since the lake has plenty of panfish, it's a great spot to teach kids how to fish, while more serious anglers can target largemouth bass or trout. A Virginia fishing license is required, which can be purchased online or at the park office.

Fossil Hunting

As the name of the state park and lake may have tipped you off, you might enjoy taking a little stroll around the lake to find the iconic fairy stones that are commonly found here. These cross-shaped stones are actually staurolite, a reddish-brown mineral. The park often hosts Fairy Stone Hunts where you can learn more about the lore surrounding how they got their name, plus a chance to hunt for your own fairy stones to take home.

Boat Rentals

One of the best ways to enjoy Fairy Stone Lake is by boat. There is a boat launch at the park, plus several boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and paddleboats. Grabbing a paddle and setting out on the water is my favorite thing to do on this beautiful lake in Virginia; it gives you an entirely new perspective of the park and lake itself.

What To Know Before You Go

As with most Virginia state parks, there’s a $ 7-per-vehicle parking fee. Fairy Stone State Park offers several overnight options, including cabins, lodges, yurts, bunkhouses, and traditional campsites, which are a great option if you want to turn a day trip into a weekend adventure. Visit the Fairy Stone State Park website to learn more.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic lake that the whole family can enjoy or a secluded fishing spot, Fairy Stone Lake might be your new favorite lake in Virginia. If you’re on the hunt for more secret swimming spots in Virginia, these are some of the best swimming holes to make a splash this summer.