7. Occoquan Reservoir
Occoquan Reservoir is on the southern border of Fairfax County and serves as a major source of drinking water for northern Virginia. It provides a plethora of opportunities for water recreation, as well. One place to enjoy recreation facilities is Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station. A boat launch allows outdoor enthusiasts to set off in canoes, kayaks or small power boats. There are also boat rentals and kayaking tours available. If you need to stock up on fishing supplies, you can stop by the bait shop. There are multiple trails surrounding the lake, including hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, for even more outdoor exploration. Budget-friendly Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge is 9 miles southeast of Fountainhead Regional Park.
8. South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake stretches 7,580 acres across southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. Located south of Abingdon, this lake is particularly scenic as it’s surrounded by forest. From the wooded shoreline, visitors can launch a recreational boat, a stand-up paddleboard, a kayak or a canoe for a fun day on the water. The reservoir is home to sportfish like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie and walleye, and it’s stocked with brown, rainbow and lake trout. Campsites on the Virginia side of the lake are located at Washington County Park and Wolf Lair Campground. Otherwise, consider moderately priced hotels in nearby Abingdon, such as Country Inns & Suites by Radisson, Abingdon, VA, with rates that include breakfast.