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Welcome to

Smith Mountain Lake

Framed by Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and offering over 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake (SML) is the largest body of water in the state. With more than 20,000 acres of pristine waters, visitors flock here for boating, watersports, hiking trails, and to enjoy the friendly community atmosphere.

Located just southeast of Roanoke, Virginia, this refreshing recreational getaway is particularly popular for family and group gatherings. SML’s natural beauty, wide variety of outdoor activities, and exciting day trip opportunities further attract couples in search of cozy lakeside retreats or retirees planning extended stays.

Smith Mountain Lake is also one of Virginia's premier fisheries, known particularly for striped bass. Boating enthusiasts enjoy easy access to marinas, while swimming coves make floating, swimming, and picnicking fun for all.

Water activities aren't the only thing you'll find in this stunning landscape. Smith Mountain Lake State Park features a sandy beach, camping sites, and hiking opportunities. Nearby golf courses and top-rated waterfront restaurants add more allure to a getaway.

Best of all, the region is beautiful year-round, making any season ideal for a vacation. Spring arrives with blooming dogwoods and redbuds. Summer offers peak lake life and tepid water for swimming. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage reflecting on the water. Winter is peaceful and uncrowded. Toss in annual events like the Wine Festival, and a vacation at Smith Mountain Lake will make lifelong memories.

Locally Owned & Operated

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake

Casago Franchise Owner

Smith Mountain Lake is one of Roanoke, Virginia's standout attractions. With its distinct mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure, vacationers find options ranging from water sports and hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains to quiet lakeside evenings.

Our locally based Casago Smith Mountain Lake team is here to deliver high-quality property management for homeowners along with exceptional experiences for guests. Stacy Claytor, General Manager at Casago Smith Mountain Lake, provides a strong foundation in organization, guest service, and attention to detail. Her extensive knowledge in hospitality management and business aligns perfectly with Casago’s commitment to both homeowners and guests.

Casago Smith Mountain Lake stands apart with our hospitality-driven approach, focusing beyond bookings to the full guest journey and from first impressions to post-stay follow-up. Our love for the lifestyle offered by the lake is enhanced by our commitment to the broader community. Our General Manager Stacy is actively involved in the community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and graduate of the Leadership Academy.

Anticipating the needs of our guests and homeowners, proactively solving problems, and ensuring every detail reflects care and professionalism are key characteristics of our Casago Smith Mountain Lake team. In addition, our commitment to home safety and the well being of our guests and owners is further exemplified by our successful completion of Breezeway Safety Certification

While our personal favorite thing within this stunning landscape is being on the lake, staying engaged locally allows our team to better serve our homeowners and contribute positively to the area we represent. Our local presence contributes significantly to ensuring unforgettable lake memories for our guests.

Locally Owned & Operated

Things to do

What you need to know

A vacation at Smith Mountain Lake is a springboard into adventure. From boating, water skiing, tubing, and swimming to exploring museums and nearby Roanoke, there's something for young and old alike.

Recommended by locals

Smith Mountain Lake attracts water enthusiasts, while Mariners Landing Country Club appeals to golfers, the Booker T Washington Monument to historians, and Fables & Feathers Winery to beer and wine connoisseurs.

Gifts Ahoy

Gifts Ahoy

Gifts Ahoy is a combination fudge and gift shop, located in the Smith Mountain...

Restaurants

What you need to know

Smith Mountain Lake offers a variety of dining choices. From docking your boat at a marina for juicy burgers and beers to driving to award-winning restaurants, you'll find it all.

Recommended by locals

Unique flavors and locations make dining on the lake a treat. Discover Italian and Japanese cuisine, as well as creative American classics, many of which are accessible by boat.

Vinny's

Vinny's

Vinny’s is an Italian restaurant, styling itself much like a neighborhood...

Drifters

Drifters

If you’re in your Smith Mountain Lake vacation rental and wondering where to go...

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Book with Confidence

Sightseeing

What you need to know

While the shores at Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop are breathtaking, be sure to explore the museums and restaurants in Roanoke, stroll garden pathways, or play a round of golf.

Recommended by locals

Go fishing, boating, or tubing on the lake, tour the Virginia Museum of Transportation and visit Mill Mountain Star in Roanoke, or pay homage at the National D-Day Memorial.

Mill Mountain Star

Mill Mountain Star

If you’re anywhere near Roanoke, Virginia, you should make a point of visiting...

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Day Trip to Roanoke

Day Trip to Roanoke

Ask anyone what Roanoke, Virginia is known for and they’ll tell you about the...

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Franchise with Casago

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Franchise with Casago

Frequently Asked Questions

Smith Mountain Lake is located about 45 minutes southeast by car from Roanoke, Virginia and an hour drive from Lynchburg. As Virginia’s largest lake, SML is a popular drive-to destination from a number of east coast metro areas - at about 3 hours from Richmond, VA and 4 hours from Washington, DC.

If flying to the area, the closest airports to Smith Mountain Lake are Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional (ROA) or Lynchburg Regional (LYH).

The months of May through September represent the high season at SML as the weather is ideal for water sports and outdoor fun. While October through April are considered to be the low season, spring and fall are great times to visit the lake as autumn colors dot the landscape while spring buds start to bloom.

There are several boat rental companies and marinas at Smith Mountain Lake, which makes renting a boat easy. From fishing boats to jet skis and charter cruises, to guided tours, there’s a boatload of experience for your entire crew.

Definitely! Ongoing monitoring of water quality at Smith Mountain Lake is carried out annually by a dedicated team of volunteers from the Smith Mountain Lake Association. Stay alert to announcements as to partial lake closures, as applicable.

Some of the best spots to get in the water include Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which has a large sandy beach, or from the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park - where you will find seasonal lifeguards.

Smith Mountain Lake is host to numerous festivals, concerts, and festivities throughout the year. In addition to holding one of the top lakeside 4th of July fireworks displays, some of SML main events include:

  • SML Poker Run (May) - Charitable event featuring boating across the lake to several scenic spots
  • Pirate Days (July) - A swashbuckling affair on Smith Mountain Lake for over a decade
  • SML Wine Festival (September) - The region’s premier outdoor weekend event welcoming over 10,000 wine enthusiasts
  • Antique and Classic Boat Show (September) - For over three decades, this fun-filled event has provided boating enthusiasts an opportunity to see and be seen on the pristine waters of Smith Mountain Lake.
  • SML Charity Home Tour (October) - Voted Best Annual SML Community and Charity Event
  • Chili Festival (November) - The perfect blend of fall foliage and intensely hot chili cook-off competition
More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

We'd love to help answer your questions!