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
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake isn't just a destination; it's a lifestyle. The largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, SML spans 20,600 acres with over 500 miles of shimmering shoreline, pristine waters, and a vibrant community spirit that has captivated vacationers for generations. But for a growing number of visitors, the magic of a week-long trip quickly transforms into the dream of a lifetime.
From our home base at RidgeRoost in Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake is a scenic 45-minute drive. We consider it an essential part of our backyard, and this guide is crafted from deep local knowledge to give you everything you need, whether you're planning your first trip or your forever move.
The lake is legendary among fishermen as the "Striped Bass Capital of the East Coast." Trophy-class stripers regularly exceed 30 pounds, and the state record was caught right here in SML's waters. Beyond striper, the lake teems with largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish year-round.
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 bustling, energetic heart of SML. Home to the Westlake Corner commercial center with grocery stores, medical facilities, and restaurants. The Franklin side has the widest channels (Roanoke and Blackwater arms), the most marinas, and the most social atmosphere. This is where the action is. Property tax: $0.61/$100.
Bedford County
The Classic Lake Experience
The northern and eastern shores offer a more traditional, relaxed lake life. Home to SML State Park and some of the lake's most scenic, undeveloped shoreline. A perfect balance of amenities and tranquility. Spectacular views of Smith Mountain itself. Property tax: $0.51/$100.
Pittsylvania County
The Serene Escape
The quietest, most rural portion of the lake. Less development, lighter boat traffic, larger parcels of land. The trade-off for the longer drive to commercial centers is unparalleled privacy and an unspoiled connection with nature. Property tax: $0.60/$100.
13 Premier Communities
Smith Mountain Lake is home to an exceptional collection of planned communities, each offering a distinct lifestyle built around world-class amenities. Property values range from $300,000 to over $3,000,000.
The Waterfront Country Club
Bedford County | 750 acres
The original country club community on the lake. Anchored by a 7,000-yard PGA Championship golf course designed by George Dillon and a magnificent 22,000-square-foot country club with fine dining, tennis, and fitness. A masterful blend of stately waterfront homes and golf course villas.
The Water's Edge Country Club
Franklin County | 712+ acres
The pinnacle of refined, active living. Unique for its impressive equestrian center with stables and riding trails. The 18-hole PGA golf course weaves through the peninsula's varied topography. Luxurious country club, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
Mariners Landing
Bedford County | 1,000+ acres
A sprawling resort-style community with a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship golf course. Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, sandy beaches, and multiple dining options. Feels like a self-contained resort year-round.
Waverly
Franklin County | 138 acres | Gated
Often regarded as the most prestigious address on Smith Mountain Lake. A gated sanctuary featuring a private deep-water 26-slip marina. Grand architecture, spacious lots, and an absolute commitment to 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 waterfront), preserving the natural landscape with walking trails and sustainable design. Quiet, understated elegance.
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
Challenging 6,511-yard Russell Breeden course. Accessible, welcoming golf community. Minutes from all Westlake shops and services. More affordable entry into lake golf life.
South Harbour
Franklin County | 40 properties
Intimate community with lots from half-acre to 2.5 acres. 28 of 40 properties are waterfront. Significant privacy and architectural freedom with protective covenants.
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
Combines lake living with Virginia wine country. Prime location near the Virginia Wine Trail with beautiful common areas. A refined environment for those who appreciate both water and 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
Compared to major metros, the SML region is significantly more affordable. Housing is the biggest factor, but everything from groceries to services costs less. Property tax rates are remarkably low: Bedford County $0.51, Pittsylvania $0.60, Franklin $0.61 per $100 assessed 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 provides emergency and outpatient services. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, is under an hour. Centra Health in Lynchburg is equally accessible from the Bedford side. Primary care and specialists are available 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).