Claytor Lake State Park has a designated beach for public lake swimming, with guarded swimming during the summer season.
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 swimmers Closed to swimmers
Getting there From I-81, take Exit 101 to State Park Road (State Route 660). Follow the road to the park entrance.
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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.Lake
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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.
Something changed at Claytor Lake? Closures and new rules help everyone. Report a change Can I swim here?
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.
Guarded swimming runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Hours Park: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Guarded swimming: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily during the season.
Entry Fee for guarded beach swimming; free for overnight guests.
Lifeguard Guarded swimming is available during the season, but shortages may result in unguarded swimming. Official website Last checked 17 October 2026. Sources: Virginia DCR , Virginia DCR swimming information , Virginia DCR trail guide .