Boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities can be enjoyed all throughout Northern Virginia. Whether you own a boat or you plan to rent, a day on the water might be just what you need. When it’s time to hit the water, here are some of the best Northern Virginia lakes to consider.

Enjoy a Day on the Water at These 5 Northern Virginia Lakes

1. Burke Lake

Found within Burke Lake Park, this freshwater lake covers 88 hectares. The lake is owned and run by the Fairfax County Park Authority and it’s located near Fairfax.

Those looking to enjoy boating will find plenty of water to explore at Burke Lake. You can enjoy boating, rowing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more here. Even if you don’t want to head out on the water in a boat, you can enjoy fishing from the shoreline or the fishing pier.

2. Lake Anna

A large and beautiful lake in Northern Virginian, Lake Anna offers one of the most popular choices. It’s found between Richmond and Alexandria inside Lake Anna State Park. While it’s known for the beach, Lake Anna also offers plenty of opportunities for boating.

While the lake is a bit of a drive from Northern Virginia at about 90 minutes from Burke, it’s worth the trip. Multiple marinas offer everything you need from pontoon boat rentals to jet skis to kayaks.

If you want to go fishing, Lake Anna offers plenty of bass, crappie, and bream. You can even stay overnight at one of the cabins or lodges. Lake Anna also offers plenty of swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, water skiing, and wakeboarding opportunities.

3. Lake Accotink

Another lake found in Fairfax County, Lake Accotink offers plenty of things to do. It’s located in the lake Accontink Park, which covers about 493 acres. You’ll find plenty of things to do here and the marina will keep you outfitted for a day on the water.

Enjoy time on the water in a canoe, kayak, pedalboard, or another type of boat. There’s a boat launch and plenty of fishing opportunities here. The park also offers mini-golf, a carousel, picnic areas, and much more!

4. Occoquan Reservoir

Found not far from Burke Lake, the Occoquan Reservoir covers 850 hectares. It’s found along the Occoquan River and provides plenty of room for recreational activities.

Enjoy plenty of boating here. You can even become a part of the Occoquan Boat Club if you plan to visit often. This reservoir is also known for excellent fishing with crappie, bass, bluegill, northern pike, and channel fish.

Two regional parks are found along the shoreline and offer hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.

5. Lake Frederick

You’ll find Lake Frederick close to Dinosaur Land. It’s a lake covering about 117 acres with plenty to offer. While you won’t be able to take all types of boats out on the lake, you can take electric trolling motorboats out, along with kayaks and canoes.

Lake Frederick is known for its good largemouth bass fishing. It’s free to get in and provides a great choice for those looking to enjoy the Shenandoah Valley area.

A Few Other Virginia Lakes for Boating

1. Lake Chesdin

Found less than 3 hours from Fairfax Station, Lake Chesdin offers a great choice for a weekend getaway. It’s a great choice for fishing and boating with plenty of areas to enjoy. Enjoy catching crappie, walleye, bluegill, and channel catfish here, along with largemouth bass.

2. Lake Maury

Another lake found about 3 hours from Northern Virginia, Lake Maury offers a good choice. It’s close to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, which could make for a great mini-vacation.

The lake offers plenty of natural areas with 68 hectares of water in a 222-hectare park. Enjoy plenty of fun on the water with paddle-boats, rowboats, fishing and so much more.

3. Sherando Lake

While Sherando Lake is a smaller lake covering just 24 acres, it’s a great place for family fun. There are plenty of activities to enjoy including both water and land options.

The sandy beach offers a great area for soaking up the sun. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and paddleboarding here.

If you want to make a weekend of it, there is a campground nearby with 65 family campsites.

Northern Virginia offers plenty of lakes for boating. When you want to hit the water and enjoy time fishing, water skiing, or just out on the water, these lakes offer plenty of fun.