Boating at Lake of the Woods

Main Lake: Full Boating with LOWA Rules

The 500-acre Main Lake is a multi-use amenity: fishing, water skiing, pleasure boating, personal watercraft (PWCs), swimming, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking are all permitted. The daytime speed limit is 36 mph and power boats must travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the lake at all times. A series of no-wake buoys marks slow zones between the buoys and the shore throughout the lake — boats operating between the buoys and the shoreline must operate at no-wake speed for both safety and erosion control reasons. The lake is patrolled by LOWA Security during the boating season and violations can be cited.

The Main Lake ranges from 2 feet at the shallow upper southwest end (where Flat Run enters) to 45 feet near Veterans Memorial Dam. Buyers and boaters new to the lake should review the LOWA lake depth contour map before taking a larger vessel into upper-lake areas. Tree stumps and rocks exist as underwater hazards throughout the lake bottom, which was not fully cleared of standing trees before filling in 1968. LOWA recommends visual inspection of any underwater area before swimming or diving.

Boat Size and Equipment Rules

Powered boats and sailboats with a single displacement hull are limited to 22 feet or less in length, exclusive of motors. Pontoon boats are limited to 25 feet or less in overall length. Deck boats are subject to the 22-foot limit. Watercraft equipped with any toilet — including portable toilets and port-a-potties — are not allowed on any LOWA lake. Boats over 18 feet that are operated on LOWA lakes must be titled, though state registration is not required unless other use requires it.

Registration, Decals, and the Boater Safety Course

All watercraft used on LOWA lakes must be registered annually by May 1 and display a current LOWA decal. Registration requires proof of passing the LOWA Boater Safety Course, a current member or tenant ID card, and proof of craft type, ownership, and adequate watercraft insurance. Registration is handled at the Holcomb Building inside the community. Guest watercraft without LOWA decals cannot be launched on any LOWA lake.

The LOWA Boater Safety Course is an association-specific requirement separate from Virginia state boating education requirements. Every person who operates a powered watercraft on LOWA lakes must complete the course and pass the test before operating — regardless of age and regardless of Virginia state certification. New LOW residents and buyers should plan for the course as a prerequisite to boat use after purchasing.

Keaton's Lake: Electric Only, No Wake

Keaton's Lake in Section 13 operates under entirely different rules from the Main Lake. Only electric-powered motors are permitted — no gas motors of any kind. The speed limit is no-wake at all times. No personal watercraft, no water skiing, no gas powerboats. The lake is open to swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. One boat launch area and Cumberland Beach on Cumberland Circle provide access. Keaton's Lake provides a quiet alternative to the Main Lake for anglers, kayakers, and families with young children.

Marinas

The Main Marina is located on Riverdale Lane adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Dam spillway. The Small Marina is located on Lakeview Parkway near the back gate. Both marinas offer boat slips on a first-come, first-served annual rental basis for LOWA members, a boat launch site, and trailer parking. The Main Marina offers ethanol-free gasoline and boating merchandise. Main Marina hours run from April through late October; summer hours are Tuesday through Sunday noon to 7 PM weekdays and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM weekends. Closed Mondays. Opening day 2026 was April 4.