Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
The jewel of the Blue Ridge. 500 miles of shoreline, 13 luxury communities, and a lifestyle that turns vacationers into residents.
Virginia's Favorite Lake
Smith Mountain Lake sits in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and for many people it is more than a place to visit. It is a way of life. SML is the largest lake held entirely within Virginia. It covers 20,600 acres and has over 500 miles of shoreline, clean water, and a strong community spirit that has drawn vacationers for generations. For a growing number of them, a week-long trip turns into a plan to stay for good.
From our home base at RidgeRoost in Lynchburg, the lake is a scenic 45-minute drive. We treat it as part of our backyard, and this guide is built from real local knowledge to give you what you need, whether you are planning a first trip or a forever move.
Anglers know the lake as the "Striped Bass Capital of the East Coast." Trophy stripers often top 30 pounds, and the state record was caught right here. Beyond striper, the lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish all year.
At a Glance
Three Counties, Three Characters
Smith Mountain Lake's vast expanse touches three distinct counties, each with its own personality and appeal.
Franklin County
The Vibrant Hub
The busy heart of the lake. This is home to the Westlake Corner center, with grocery stores, medical offices, and restaurants. The Franklin side has the widest channels (the Roanoke and Blackwater arms), the most marinas, and the liveliest scene. This is where the action is. Property tax: $0.61 per $100.
Bedford County
The Classic Lake Experience
The north and east shores offer a more classic, relaxed lake life. This side holds SML State Park and some of the lake's most scenic, undeveloped shoreline. It strikes a good balance of amenities and quiet, with wide views of Smith Mountain itself. Property tax: $0.51 per $100.
Pittsylvania County
The Serene Escape
The quietest, most rural part of the lake. Less building, lighter boat traffic, and bigger lots. You drive a bit farther to shops and services, and in return you get deep privacy and an unspoiled tie to nature. Property tax: $0.60 per $100.
13 Premier Communities
Smith Mountain Lake has a strong set of planned communities, and each one offers a different lifestyle built around top amenities. Home values run from $300,000 to over $3,000,000.
The Waterfront Country Club
Bedford County | 750 acres
The first country club community on the lake. It is built around a 7,000-yard PGA Championship golf course by George Dillon and a grand 22,000-square-foot clubhouse with fine dining, tennis, and fitness. Here you will find a mix of stately waterfront homes and golf course villas.
The Water's Edge Country Club
Franklin County | 712+ acres
A refined, active community. It stands out for its equestrian center, with stables and riding trails. The 18-hole PGA golf course winds through the peninsula's rolling terrain. There is also a full country club, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
Mariners Landing
Bedford County | 1,000+ acres
A large resort-style community with a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship golf course. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis, pickleball, sandy beaches, and several places to eat. It feels like a self-contained resort all year.
Waverly
Franklin County | 138 acres | Gated
Often called the most prestigious address on Smith Mountain Lake. A gated retreat with its own deep-water 26-slip marina. Expect grand homes, large lots, and a firm focus on privacy and luxury.
The Boardwalk
Franklin County | 100+ acres
The only boardwalk on SML. Nantucket-style coastal architecture with clapboard siding and inviting porches. A charming, walkable waterfront lifestyle.
Bernard's Landing
Franklin County | 70-acre peninsula
Classic SML landmark. Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Multiple pools (including indoor), hot tub, beaches, tennis, pickleball, and full-service marina.
The Farm
Franklin County | 63 properties
Eco-focused luxury. Just 63 properties (17 on the water), with walking trails and green design that keep the natural land intact. Quiet and understated.
The Coves
Bedford County | Eco-conscious
Community-owned solar arrays, green building practices, miles of hiking and biking trails, community garden, and equestrian center. Forward-thinking lakefront living.
Copper Cove at Westlake
Franklin County | Semi-private golf
A tough 6,511-yard Russell Breeden course in a welcoming, easygoing golf community. It sits minutes from the Westlake shops and services, and it is a more affordable way into lake golf life.
South Harbour
Franklin County | 40 properties
A small community with lots from half an acre to 2.5 acres. 28 of the 40 properties sit on the water. You get real privacy and freedom to build, guided by protective rules.
Vista Pointe
Bedford County | 48 condos
48 luxury condominiums on a peninsula with 360-degree water views. Upscale finishes, community pool, zero exterior maintenance. Breathtaking scenery.
Cottages of Contentment Island
Franklin County | 62 townhomes
Maintenance-free waterfront living. Luxurious townhomes up to 5,000 sq ft with private boat slips. Perfect lock-and-leave for second-home owners.
Park Place
Bedford County | 138 acres
Blends lake living with Virginia wine country. It sits near the Virginia Wine Trail and has lovely common areas. A refined spot for anyone who loves both the water and the vine.
Thinking About Moving Here?
It happens every year. A family rents a house for a week, spends their days on the water, and a thought takes root: "What if we could do this all the time?"
Cost of Living & Taxes
Next to big metros, the SML region costs far less to live in. Housing is the biggest factor, but everything from groceries to services costs less too. Property tax rates are very low: Bedford County $0.51, Pittsylvania $0.60, and Franklin $0.61 per $100 of value.
Schools
Franklin County Public Schools and Bedford County Public Schools both receive solid ratings with strong academics and extracurriculars. Higher education is nearby: Roanoke College, Hollins University, Ferrum College, plus Liberty University and Virginia Tech within an hour.
Healthcare
Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount handles emergency and outpatient care. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, is under an hour away. From the Bedford side, Centra Health in Lynchburg is just as easy to reach. You can also see primary care doctors and specialists at Westlake Corner.
Internet & Broadband
Developed areas increasingly have fiber from Shentel (Glo Fiber) and Xfinity. Remote coves may need Starlink satellite internet. Always verify specific service at a property before committing.
Life at the Lake
On the Water
Boating, skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding. Marinas: Bridgewater, Parkway, Mitchell's Point, Halesford Harbour, Crystal Shores, Pelican Point.
State Park
1,500 acres with hiking trails, sandy public beach, campgrounds, and boat launch on the north shore.
Dining & Drink
Mango's Bar & Grill, The Landing Restaurant, Napoli by the Lake, Bruno's at Mariners Landing, Cafe del Lago, The Pointe Dining Room. Hickory Hill Vineyards, Ramulose Ridge, Sunken City Brewing.
Events Calendar
SML Wine Festival, Chili Cook-Off, Antique & Classic Boat Show, SML Charity Home Tour, Fourth of July lakeside fireworks, Holiday Flotillas (decorated boat parades), SML Pirate Days (summer family festival), seasonal farmers markets.
Day Trips
D-Day Memorial Bedford (30 min), Roanoke Star (45 min), Peaks of Otter (30 min), Poplar Forest (30 min), Downtown Lynchburg (45 min), Appomattox (45 min).