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Claytor Lake State
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State Park Overview:
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.
Trails:
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.
Picnicking:
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), or 6a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3
p.m. to 10 p.m. (half day). Please note the hour in between for half day rental
times. 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.
Boating:
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.
Swimming:
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, lake swimming is available from 10 a.m. to
7 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 10 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.
Fishing and Hunting:
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. |
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