Claytor Lake State Park

When most people think of visiting Claytor Lake State Park, they picture warm summer days filled with boating and swimming. But if you come during winter, you’ll experience a quieter side of the park that’s well worth the visit. 

Here are five ways to make the most of your winter adventure to this lakeside park. 

1. Enjoy cold-weather hiking 

Winter hiking at Claytor Lake State Park 

With the leaves down, the park’s trails offer clear views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The crisp air and quiet woods make for a refreshing hike. Trails like Lakeview and Hidden Valley are great for winter treks with water views.  

The park also offers an all-terrain wheelchair, which provides visitors with mobility impairments the opportunity to access trails that might otherwise be inaccessible. 

The chair is free to use and available for children and adults. To ensure the wheelchair is available for your visit, please complete the reservation form at https://dcr.ar.virginia.gov/state-parks/all-terrain-wheelchairs.  

2. Watch for wildlife 

Whitetail deer tracks 

Winter offers a great opportunity to see bald eagles, deer and foxes. With fewer leaves on the trees, wildlife is easier to spot, and the winter light is ideal for photography. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera. You never know what you might see! 

3. Go fishing 

Cold-weather fishing for striped bass 

If you want to brave the cold, Claytor Lake State Park has plenty of winter fishing opportunities. Bundle up and launch your boat from the ramp, or stay on land and cast from the shore or the universally accessible fishing pier. 

As water temperatures dip below 55 degrees, striped bass become more active, making it a good time to go after trophy-sized catches. You might also find success targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass near rocky points or crappie around docks, submerged timber and brush piles. 

Be sure to dress in layers and bring gloves that let you handle bait and gear while keeping your hands warm. 

A fishing license is required for anglers older than 16, and a boat launching fee and/or parking fee is required if you’re not an overnight guest. You can learn more about these fees at https://dcr.ar.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees.   

4. Stargaze 

Photo courtesy of Kenton Steryous 

With less light pollution and longer nights, winter is an ideal time for stargazing. Bundle up and step outside to enjoy a sky full of stars. 

5. Stay in a cozy cabin or lodge 

Water-view cabin at Claytor Lake State Park 

The park’s climate-controlled cabins and lodges stay open year-round, offering a rustic getaway. Some of them have water views, but they are all simply furnished and have kitchens and bathrooms. Cabins also have a microwave, refrigerator, oven, dishes, cooking utensils, silverware and glassware.   

Linens aren’t provided, so plan to bring your sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, bath mats, kitchen towels and cloths.  

You can reserve a cabin at https://www.reservevaparks.com/Web/#!park/6 or by calling 800-933-7275.  

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Planning your visit  

Claytor Lake State Park is 472 acres with roughly 4 miles of water frontage along the 4,500-acre lake. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. 

Start planning your visit today at https://dcr.ar.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake.