Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County, Virginia is located on Claytor Lake, a 4,500 acre, 21 mile long artificial lake on the New River created for a hydroelectric project of Appalachian Power Company. It is named for W. Graham Claytor (1886-1971) of Roanoke, Virginia, a vice president of Appalachian Power who had supervised construction of the dam and creation of the lake.

Claytor Lake State Park has hiking trails, a freshwater swimming beach, boating and fishing opportunities, a full-service marina, visitor center, concession, beautiful lakeside cabins, camping with full hookups, interpretive programs and six rental shelters accommodating large groups.

GENERAL INFO: Located on the 4,500-acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake (from which the park was named) in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of activities for water and land enthusiasts. Easily accessible from Interstate 81, the park offers miles of hiking trails, swimming, camping, cabins and a visitor center. The visitor center is located in the historic Howe House. The lake and the park are named after Graham Claytor (1886-1971), who was vice president of Appalachian Power and supervised construction of the dam. New in 2007: Three family lodges, three-bedroom cabins and marina complex.

LOCATION: From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). State Park Road ends at the park's entrance.

Drive Time : Northern Virginia, 5 hours; Richmond, 4 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 5 hours; Roanoke, 1 hour

PICNIC SHELTERS: Picnic areas include grills, drinking water and restroom facilities. Several restrooms and shelters are handicap accessible. Seven picnic shelters are available for rent through the reservation center by calling 1-800-933-7275. Shelter capacity varies from 30 to 100 people.

Seven shelters are available for rent. Large and small shelters are available. Shelters can be rented from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all day), or 6a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (half day). Please note the hour in between for half day rental times. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee. The park also offers for rent a special gazebo, which is quite popular for weddings.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.

Shelter #1 (large): Shelter can accommodate 100 people. Handicapped accessible. A restroom is about 140 feet from shelter, a. large parking area is approximately 120 feet away, and the lake is roughly 140 feet away. Sidewalk from parking area to shelter with handicap ramp to shelter. Shelter overlooks lake and is shaded. Small open area beneath shelter next to lake for games. Features electrical outlet, water spigot, two horseshoe pits (guests must bring their own horseshoes) and two fireplace grills on one side of shelter. No lights.

Shelter #2 (small): Shelter can accommodate 30-40 people under the shelter. A restroom is about 470 feet from shelter, a. large parking area is approximately 125 feet away, and the lake is roughly 65 feet away. There's no sidewalk to shelter, which has the best view of the lake. The shelter, however, is not shaded. Has level area for games. Features water spigot, horseshoe pit (guests must bring their own horseshoes), one fireplace grill on end of shelter and two pedestal grills (one on each end of shelter). No lights or electrical outlets.

Shelter #3 (small): Shelter can accommodate 30-40 people under the shelter. Steep terrain to shelter from parking lot, therefore it is least liked by elderly guests. Restroom is about 140 feet from shelter. Small parking area about 260 feet from shelter. No sidewalk to shelter. Has nice view of cove and only 30 feet from water’s edge and is semi-shaded. No flat area in immediate vicinity for games. Features electrical outlet, water spigot, horseshoe pit (guests must bring their own horseshoes) and two pedestal grills on one side of shelter. Closest shelter to swimming area. No lights.

Shelter #4 (small): Shelter can accommodate 30-40 people under the shelter. Handicap accessible. A restroom is about 220 feet from shelter, a. large parking area is approximately 140 feet away, and the lake is roughly 354 feet away. Has level sidewalk from parking area to shelter. Does not have view of lake but is shaded. No flat area in immediate vicinity for games. Features electrical outlets, water spigot, horseshoe pit (guests must bring their own horseshoes) and two pedestal grills (one on end and one on side of shelter). No lights.

Shelter #5 (large): Shelter can accommodate 80-100 people under the shelter. Restroom is about 230 feet from shelter. Favorite of guests with children because of it’s close proximity to our playground equipment (144 feet). A parking area is only 25 feet from shelter, and the lake is about 320 feet away. No sidewalk from parking area to shelter. Has partial view of lake and is not shaded. Has large level area for games. Features electrical outlets, water spigot, horseshoe pit (guests must bring their own horseshoes). Close to playground and has two pedestal grills (one on each end of shelter). No lights.

Shelter #6 (small): Available only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The shelter accommodates up to 30. It's attached to the beach bathhouse; the shelter has no electricity or water. Guests may use the bathhouse restroom. The firegrill is a few feet from the actual shelter.

Shelter #7 (small): Available only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The shelter accommodates up to 30. It's attached to the beach bathhouse; the shelter has no electricity or water. Guests may use the bathhouse restroom. The firegrill is a few feet from the actual shelter.

Official Website: Claytor Lake State Park

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