Updated August 2026
Best Kayaking Lakes in Virginia
Top 27 kayaking lakes in Virginia, ranked by Secchi clarity (clearer water makes for better paddling — you can see fish, plants, and the bottom).
- Low nutrient and algae readings
- No known access restrictions
- 50–2,000 acres
Kayaking-friendly rankings prefer lakes with low motor-boat congestion, interesting shoreline, decent water clarity, and public access. John Flannagan Reservoir tops the Virginia list.
Kayaking favors lakes with shoreline interest — bays, islands, undeveloped stretches — which tends to correlate with the larger, more remote Virginia lakes rather than the small, residential ones.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Clarity | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Flannagan Reservoir | Dickenson | VA | 13.1 ft | - | - |
| 2 | Sta Big Cherry Reservoir East of Big Stone | Wise | VA | 12.5 ft | 156 acres | ~15 ft est. |
| 3 | North Fork Pound Reservoir | Wise | VA | 12.1 ft | 154 acres | - |
| 4 | Carvins Cove Reservoir | Botetourt | VA | 11.5 ft | 569 acres | ~51 ft est. |
| 5 | Lake Witten | Tazewell | VA | 11.3 ft | 62 acres | ~13 ft est. |
| 6 | Wise Lake | Wise | VA | 10.5 ft | 58 acres | - |
| 7 | Motts Run Reservoir | Spotsylvania | VA | 10.2 ft | 160 acres | ~35 ft est. |
| 8 | Laurel Bed Lake | Russell | VA | 9.8 ft | 395 acres | - |
| 9 | Talbott Reservoir | Patrick | VA | 9.8 ft | 165 acres | - |
| 10 | Lake Keokee | Lee | VA | 9.7 ft | 109 acres | ~21 ft est. |
| 11 | Hidden Valley Lake | Washington | VA | 9.7 ft | 60 acres | ~27 ft est. |
| 12 | Little Creek Reserv Sta Lake | James City | VA | 9.5 ft | 996 acres | - |
| 13 | Near Spillway Lake Mooney | Stafford | VA | 9.2 ft | 518 acres | - |
| 14 | Above Dam Lake | Pulaski | VA | 9.2 ft | 168 acres | - |
| 15 | West Arm Lake | Pulaski | VA | 9.2 ft | - | - |
| 16 | Hungry Mother Lake | Smyth | VA | 8.7 ft | 124 acres | ~15 ft est. |
| 17 | Martinsville Reservoir | Henry | VA | 8.5 ft | 206 acres | ~46 ft est. |
| 18 | Hunting Run Reservior Lake | Spotsylvania | VA | 8.2 ft | 443 acres | - |
| 19 | Smith Lake | Stafford | VA | 8.2 ft | 225 acres | ~31 ft est. |
| 20 | Pedlar River Reservoir | Amherst | VA | 7.5 ft | 125 acres | ~34 ft est. |
| 21 | Sta Lake | York | VA | 6.9 ft | 351 acres | - |
| 22 | Hunting Run Reservoir | Spotsylvania | VA | 6.6 ft | 443 acres | - |
| 23 | Beaverdam Creek Reservoir | Loudoun | VA | 5.4 ft | 275 acres | - |
| 24 | Lee Hall Reservoir | Newport News city | VA | 4.8 ft | 390 acres | ~33 ft est. |
| 25 | Goose Creek Reservoir | Loudoun | VA | 2.1 ft | 120 acres | - |
| 26 | Waller Mill Reserv Sta Lake | York | VA | 3.9 ft | - | - |
| 27 | Diascund Reservoir Off Dam | New Kent | VA | 3 ft | 1,100 acres | - |
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New clarity and algae readings can move a lake on this list. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where to stay near Virginia kayaking lakes
Find cabins, campgrounds, and rentals near Virginia's clearest paddling water — live availability and prices for your kayak trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Virginia paddling lakes
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.