3. Bear Creek Lake
Bear Creek Lake sits at the center of Bear Creek Lake State Park in central Virginia, about 55 miles west of Richmond. Surrounded by Cumberland State Forest, this scenic spot is popular in warm-weather months for swimming, fishing and boating. Visitors will find a sandy beach (with lifeguards Memorial Day to Labor Day) and a pier with motorboat, rowboat, paddleboat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe and kayak rentals at this state park. Anglers can try their hand at catching largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The state park also has horseback riding, biking and hiking trails, as well as an archery range. Spend the night here in a rustic lodge or cabin, or rent a tent or RV campsite. Outside the state park, Tru by Hilton Farmville is a budget-friendly lodging option about a 20-mile drive south.
4. Sherando Lake
Sherando Lake is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, specifically the George Washington National Forest, about 40 miles west of Charlottesville. The 25-acre spring-fed lake is part of the developed Sherando Lake Recreation Area, with opportunities for picnicking, boating, hiking, swimming from a sandy beach and fishing. A smaller upper lake that’s also part of the recreation area is used primarily for fishing. A campground between the two lakes offers sites for tents and RVs. The sprawling Wintergreen Resort is a 10-mile drive west and offers multibedroom condos and homes for rent, as well as single-bedroom guest rooms.