FISHING, BOATING: Fishing - A valid Virginia fishing license, which can be bought at the park office, is required. Smith Mountain Lake offers fishing with a handicapped accessible fishing pier and a public boat launching ramp with year-round restroom facilities. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries stocks the lake yearly with muskie and striped bass.

Boating - Boat launching fee required for day-use public; overnight guests launch for free. There are no overnight mooring areas except in the cabin area for cabin guests only. The campers must return their boats to the campsite or overflow parking area. Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and jet skis) are available at the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park concessionaire also rents boats offsite the rest of the year. Reservations are taken for those wishing to rent more than six hours. From Memorial Day through Labor day, call (540) 297-3642 for information and reservations; call (540) 721-1639 the rest of the year. Purchase an annual boat launch fee by calling 1-800-933-PARK.