If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, take to the water at one of the many Charlottesville lakes and swimming holes! You’ll enjoy hours of outdoor quality time for the whole family. Or maybe you’d like to grab a paddle for some canoeing or kayaking, or spend a day floating and tubing down the James River?
Whatever sort of water fun your family is looking for, the Charlottesville area has plenty of places to explore! To make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying a water adventure, check out our safety tips at the end of the article. And if you need more summertime adventures, be sure to spend some time exploring our guides to Charlottesville Swimming Pools & Splashgrounds and The Guide to Virginia’s water parks.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Lakes & Swimming Holes
Whether you want to relax lakeside or hike your way to a secluded spot, the swimming holes and lakes in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are perfect for a weekend visit or a weekday adventure.
If you’ll be spending the day outside, be sure to pack water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen, as well as snacks and maybe a picnic lunch. Before hiking, always check weather forecasts and trail conditions, and make sure the trail is appropriate for any small adventurers who will be accompanying you.
Mint Springs Valley Park & Lake (Crozet)
Mint Springs Park includes eight water acres and one beach acre for swimming, as well as fishing and limited boating. Lifeguards and restrooms are on-site. This swimming lake draws lots of families each summer, along with the nearby hiking trails. There is a snack stand near the beach, as well as a large playground and picnic pavilions with grills. Swim season is mid-June or mid-August.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
Learn more: 434-296-5844
Riprap Hollow Swimming Hole (Shenandoah National Park)
A clear, deep-blue swimming hole is your reward for hiking 1.7 miles from the lower trailhead, off Route 612 near Crimora. Refreshingly shaded, this spot offers glimpses of crayfish and salamanders in the shallows. This Riprap area is part of the Shenandoah National Park system. If you start at the Riprap parking area, you can do an entire 9-mile circuit hike that includes views of Chimney Rock and a beautiful waterfall. There are no lifeguards on duty at the swimming hole
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Learn more: 540-999-3500
Sugar Hollow Swimming Hole (Crozet)
The Sugar Hollow Reservoir doesn’t allow swimming. But if you hike from the silver gate at the end of the Sugar Hollow Road parking area in Crozet, you’ll find yourself at a perfect swimming spot. Blue Hole, as it is known, has clear water and gentle rapids, and the hike to reach it is only 1.5 miles. There are no lifeguards.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Learn more: Sugar Hollow Reservoir
Kayaking, Tubing & Canoeing Near Charlottesville
Many of the lakes in Charlottesville offer kayaking or canoeing, as do local spots along the Rivanna River. If you’re looking for a longer day trip, check out one of the many tubing adventures on the James River. Plan to wear a bathing suit and clothes that can get wet for any water adventure, and be sure to pack extras like sunscreen, hats, snacks, and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and happy throughout the day.
Chris Greene Lake & Canoe Rental (Charlottesville)
With 53 water acres, along with two beach acres, lifeguards, changing rooms, playgrounds and canoe rentals, Chris Greene Lake is a great place to cool off. Fishing and limited boating are also allowed. This swimming lake is popular with families and has a charming water play area for tots too.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
Learn more: Chris Greene Lake Park or 434-296-5844
Walnut Creek Park Lake & Canoe Rental (North Garden)
Walnut Creek offers 45 water acres and two beach acres, with lifeguards on duty and restrooms on site. Both kayak and canoe rentals are available. Limited fishing and boating are allowed as well. There’s even a disc golf course that is popular with families that have older children along for the adventure.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
Learn more: Walnut Creek Park or 434-296-5844
James River Water Fun
Enjoy all kinds of summertime water fun on Virginia’s James River. Whether you’re interested in tubing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or fishing, there are local companies ready to help arrange your perfect outdoor day. Departure times are limited, and costs vary.
Learn more: James River Runners or Reeling & Rafting
Rivanna River Company (Charlottesville)
Located on High Street just off Route 250, the Rivanna River Company is open April through September, offering kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing trips along the Rivanna River. You can either sign up for a guided tour or rent equipment for a self-guided adventure. All equipment rentals and tours include life jackets. Departure times and costs vary.
Learn more: Rivanna River Company 434-218-2052
Safety Tips for Swimming & Boating
Plan ahead and pay attention during your water adventure! Follow these tips to keep everyone in your family safe.
- All adults and children should learn to swim. Your kids don’t have to be competitive swimmers, but they should know how to float and swim towards safety.
- Wear life jackets. Everyone, even adults and experienced swimmers, should wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are in open water or on watercraft.
- Stay hydrated and sober. Bring water with you and remind kids to drink it! You don’t want anyone feeling dizzy or sick when they’re out on the water. Parents and teens should understand how using alcohol and drugs increases the risk of drowning while swimming or boating.
- Check the weather. Before heading to a swimming hole, lake, or river, check the weather forecast and water conditions.
- Pay attention! Even if your kids know how to swim, constant supervision around water is important. Assign an adult ‘water watcher,’ who should not be distracted by devices or socializing. This is especially true if your visiting a swimming hole, lake, river, or other body of water that can get murky and doesn’t have lifeguards on duty.
- Be prepared for an emergency. Adults and teens can learn CPR, and you should always have a first aid kit and a way to call for help with you when you’re hiking, boating, or swimming.
For more water safety tips, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics.
