Boating at Smith Mountain Lake

Understanding the Lake's Two-Arm Geography

Smith Mountain Lake is shaped by the confluence of two river systems. The Roanoke River arm runs northeast from the main lake body toward Hardy Ford Bridge and the upper reaches above Hales Ford Bridge. The Blackwater River arm runs northwest from the main lake, accessible from the Moneta and Franklin County sides. Most of the lake's commercial activity, marina density, and residential development sits below Hales Ford Bridge on the main channel and in the approaches to both arms.

Above Hales Ford Bridge on the Roanoke arm, the lake narrows, shallows progressively, and carries more current during high-inflow periods. Largemouth bass density is highest in this upper reach, which draws fishing-focused buyers. Boat traffic is lighter than on the main channel, making it more appealing for leisurely cruising and fishing. Above buoy B26 on the Blackwater arm, similar conditions apply — narrower, quieter, with pockets of excellent bass habitat in coves and along timber structure.

The main channel below the Bridge — running south from Hales Ford toward the dam — is the widest, deepest, and most trafficked water on the lake. This is where wake boats operate, where the annual Bassmaster Classic tournaments set up their competition fields, and where the primary navigation channel runs. No horsepower restrictions apply on the main channel. Jet skis and personal watercraft are permitted lakewide.

On-Water Rules

Virginia boating law requires a no-wake speed (no more than idle speed) within 50 feet of the shoreline and within marked no-wake zones in coves and marina approaches. These zones are marked with buoys and enforced by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and local law enforcement. All boats must carry required safety equipment under Virginia law: life jackets for each person aboard, a throwable device, fire extinguisher, and navigation lights for after-dark operation. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing from a boat; a separate saltwater license endorsement is not needed since SML is entirely freshwater. Registration of the boat with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is required, and county personal property tax applies to boats registered to an address in Franklin, Bedford, or Pittsylvania County.

Major Marinas

Smith Mountain Lake has more than a dozen marinas ranging from full-service complexes with fuel, rentals, restaurants, and covered slips to smaller facilities offering dockage and launch services only.

Bridgewater Marina, Hales Ford Bridge (Moneta, Bedford County)

The largest and most commercially diverse marina at SML, located at the south end of Hales Ford Bridge at the heart of Bridgewater Plaza. Bridgewater offers marine-grade fuel (dock hands available 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; tap-to-pay option off-hours), boat and PWC rentals (tritoons, runabouts, wake surf boats, fishing boats), the lake's largest marina store, and satellite rental locations at Bernard's Landing, SML State Park, and Mariners Landing in season. The Bridgewater Plaza complex at the marina includes approximately 40 shops and eateries, an outdoor stage for live music (Mango's restaurant), an arcade, over-water mini-golf, and a rock climbing wall. The carp that congregate at the docks — fed by popcorn sold at the marina, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia — have become an unofficial lake attraction.

Halesford Harbour Marina (Hardy, Bedford County)

Located at the north end of Hales Ford Bridge on the Roanoke River arm, Halesford Harbour has nine docks and 112 slips accommodating vessels up to 24 feet, with 24/7 fuel and a marine store. The Halesford Harbour Inn adjacent to the marina offers dock-accessible lodging. Jake's Place restaurant provides waterfront dining for visitors arriving by boat.

Parkway Marina (Huddleston, Bedford County)

Located on the east shore near Smith Mountain Lake State Park, identifiable by the octagonal building on the point that houses a seasonal carousel. Parkway offers an attended gas dock (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in season), a launching ramp, and a marina store. This marina hosts the lake's annual Fourth of July fireworks display, the largest at SML.

Gill's Creek Marina and Lodge (Wirtz, Franklin County)

Full-service marina on the Franklin County side with lodging and the annual SML Fishing Tournament. Primarily serves the upper lake area and buyers based in the Wirtz corridor.

Blackwater Marina (formerly Magnum Point, Union Hall, Franklin County)

Located on the Blackwater arm in the Union Hall area of Franklin County. Offers year-round covered boat slips, fuel, and a waterfront restaurant. The Blackwater arm location makes it the primary marina for Franklin County south-side residents.

GoodHue Boat Company (formerly Crazy Horse Marina, Moneta)

On the northern end of the Blackwater arm, GoodHue runs boat rentals, a 24/7 self-serve fuel station, and Coasters restaurant (opened summer 2025). The marina hosts a summer concert series on a pontoon stage and events including Pirate Days and Knot-A-Fest.

Public Boat Ramps

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a state-maintained public boat ramp with parking. Hales Ford Boat Ramp, located in a cove just below Hales Ford Bridge, offers a single-lane ramp with a courtesy dock — it fills quickly on summer weekends. Hardy Ford Boat Ramp on the upper Roanoke arm has a two-lane ramp with ample parking and bank fishing access along a long stretch of riprap below the Hardy Ford Bridge. Oak Grove, Scruggs, and Penhook public access facilities on the Franklin County side include handicapped-accessible fishing piers in addition to ramp access.