Wild Swim Atlas

Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake State Park, Pulaski, VirginiaLakePublic seasonal swimming

Directions

Claytor Lake State Park has a designated beach for public lake swimming, with guarded swimming during the summer season.

Water
Lake
Entry
Fee for guarded beach swimming; free for overnight guests.
Swim hours
Park: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Guarded swimming: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily during the season.
Facilities
Snack bar, gift shop, restrooms, beach
Lifeguard
Guarded swimming is available during the season, but shortages may result in unguarded swimming.
Dogs
Pets are not allowed on the designated swimming beach.
Managed by
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

When you can swim

Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers

Getting there

From I-81, take Exit 101 to State Park Road (State Route 660). Follow the road to the park entrance.

37.0245, -80.6805

Get directions

Rules to know before you go

  • Swim only in the designated marked area.
  • Swim at your own risk when lifeguards are unavailable.
  • Do not swim elsewhere in the park.
  • Do not bring pets onto the designated swimming beach.

Swimming spots nearby

All of Virginia
Lower pool only71 mi

Moravian Falls

Waterfall pool
Moravian Falls Campground, Wilkesboro
Seasonal beach swimming78 mi

Douthat Lake

Lake
Douthat State Park, Clifton Forge

Questions about Claytor Lake

Can you swim at Claytor Lake?

Yes. Public swimming is allowed at the designated beach and marked swimming area. Guarded swimming is seasonal and charged; swimming outside scheduled guarded hours is at your own risk.

Does it cost anything to swim at Claytor Lake?

Fee for guarded beach swimming; free for overnight guests.

Are dogs allowed at Claytor Lake?

Pets are not allowed on the designated swimming beach.

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