Stokes County Lake Quality
North Carolina, 2 lakes, average grade B (Good)
Stokes County has 2 graded lakes — a thin enough sample that one or two stressed lakes can move the county average noticeably. Use the per-lake pages below for what actually matters. The county-wide average lands at B — solid water quality with most lakes carrying clear summer transparency and low-to-moderate phosphorus.
The county's lakes lean shallow, which makes the grades sensitive to wind, sediment-resuspension, and any nutrient inputs from the watershed. The cleanest lake on the books is Belews Lake (A); the most-stressed is Hanging Rock Lake (C).
Quick Answers for Stokes County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Belews Lake — or check the official North Carolina fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Stokes County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belews Lake | A | 11.6 ft | - |
| 2 | Hanging Rock Lake | C | 5.9 ft | - |
Other Counties in North Carolina
See how Stokes County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 12 states.
Where to stay near Stokes County
Top-rated places to stay near Stokes County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Stokes County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Stokes County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.