This park is one of those ones that feels like a private to public site; the majestic house at the…read morelakefront has been turned into a visitor center. The visitor center has a room or two of exhibitions on hydrology and wildlife but is not anything big. I came seeking a New Year's hike and expecting some scenery while being unsure if the amount of trails available would be enough. I managed to spend a solid two hours circumnavigating the place. In summer, swimming and boating are more likely the activities du jour, and it appears to be an excellent place for such activities. While the park looks close to the highway on the map, it feels like being at a park and there isn't any road noise. Like most VA state parks, they do charge for parking (waived for New Year's Day).

Don't let all my NJ posts fool you. I was born and raised in southwest Virginia and most of my…read morefamily still lives there. Although I am forever grateful that my parents moved us out of the area when we were younger - especially when I get a peek at the local electoral maps - my heart remains in the mountains. Can't say my brains remain here though because it took until today to realize Claytor Lake was 1) a state park and 2) gorgeous and amazing. All these years I just thought it was nowhere special that my cousins would go fishing. And to think I road trip all the way to NH and Maine every year and could have just driven 7 miles from my grandmother's for an equally rewarding experience. I had cabin fever today at my granny's and caught the local Outdoors magazine write up about Claytor Lake. There's camping?? Swimming?? Trails?? I watched a few videos on YouTube then got in the car to see for myself. Need to know: -There's a booth at the entrance - closed after 4pm. $7 parking fee for most paid by the honor system with cash or check or by card through the QR code during after hours. There are 4 campgrounds - I only saw Campground D open and it was overwhelmingly being used by those with RVs, teardrops, and campers. These are NOT wooded lots, rather gravel pull-ins and you'll likely be very close to your neighbor. A lil too close for me but I can see it not being a huge deal since everyone had campers to sleep in. I took a drive through this campground to see if I would feel comfortable and I didn't see any displays that would make me think I wouldn't (you picking up what I'm putting down?) Trails and paved paths galore. I saw one trail today but didn't get to explore much. Apparently the only shoes I packed for this trip were Crocs. Paved paths snake through the park and are accessible for those with mobility devices. The "lake" was created by damming the river. The water is clear by the shore. We love clean river water! Tons of shelters, grills, benches. There is something for everyone! Not sure if shelters are first come first serve or if you need to book them in high season - check the website. There's a gift shop but it was closed. I was bummed because you know I love stickers! I am counting down the days until I can return in the warmer weather. I would not be opposed to camping here or swimming once they reopen the beach for the season. I also look forward to exploring the trails. Fantastic solo outing. What a gem in my little country corner of the world.

We called one day ahead (on a Thursday) and asked about kayak rentals. The girl who answered said…read moreyes the river levels were appropriate and we could rent kayaks on Friday -- "just call us around 10am tomorrow and we will let you know when we can get you out" she said. We drove across the state, bought a hotel, and called on Friday at 10am; the girl on the phone immediately said "hold on" and handed the phone to a gentleman who informed me that she is "new" and was mistaking and that for the last couple weeks they had only been running on weekends. I attempted to complain but only response from gentleman was "I don't know what to say, she's new and got it wrong." Needless to say, we were beyond furious at the expense we had put into a wasted trip. Will NEVER use this company (or try to use them) again!

Very nice little park. Has a pretty lake for fishing. Stuff for kids and mini golf in good…read moreweather. The disc golf course is very nice but could use better signage. There are tennis courts and looks like a new amphitheater

This was a surprise find while I was traveling the area...even more surprising was that the park…read morewas larger than what appeared to be. If you take the narrow road it keeps going and there are many spots on the lake and picnic shelters back beyond initial view.

First time fly fisher person, here, and boy was I surprised how much I enjoyed fly fishing…read more Setting is perfect, the Lodge along Knapps Creek, is spacious and comfortable. Excellent morning coffee! Anne took me out and taught me some basics and before long, I was in waders and in Knapps Creek fishing. Caught my very first trout! Highly recommended excursion. You will be welcome and well-cared for.

Second time this year spending the day fishing with Ann and Mark. I have learned so much from both…read moreof them this year. Unfortunately the water was very low and the fish were very spooky ( well it was Halloween weekend after all). But we still hooked a few and saw lots of other wildlife including several adult Eagles in the area. All ready planning another couple of trips for next year!

Brian took a group of ladies and created a strong team that hit the New River. He was able to build…read moreeveryone's confidence and we challenged "the surprise" rapids. So proud of gurl power.

Our guide, Lindsey, was fantastic! Safety was clearly a priority, but she was also entertaining…read more Interactions with both kids and adults were enjoyable, and she made the trip a memorable experience. I would recommend her 100%!

called ahead day of and Mike said he would take us. made reservation for 1:30. showed up at 1:30…read moreand Mike told us they were closing and couldn't take us. drove over an hour to get there with no warning. waste of time

Good outfit! We rented kayaks, and they drove us to the launch point and picked us up without…read moreissue. Pretty stretch of river. Made for a pleasant day.

My friend and I used Maury River Smallmouth for a spring float trip on the Maury River. Jamie is a…read moregreat guy. He's very nice, accommodating, and knows his stuff both smallmouth bass fishing in general and about the Maury River. I highly recommend him as a guide. If you need to rent kayaks he has very nice sit-on-top fishing kayaks available. Thank you for a great day on the water Jamie/MRS!

Captn Kathy was GREAT. She was persistent and didn't give up to get us on the fish. We felt like we…read morewere with family and had a wonderful day and caught our limit, which she cleaned, prepped, and coached me how to prep and cook. We will be booking with her and Captn Spike again and again!