Public seasonal swimming48 miClaytor Lake
Claytor Lake State Park, Pulaski
Hungry Mother Lake
Hungry Mother State Park, Smyth, VirginiaLakePublic swimming allowed
Hungry Mother State Park has a designated sandy beach for guarded and unguarded swimming in Hungry Mother Lake.
- Water
- Lake
- Entry
- Fee for guarded swimming; no fee for unguarded swimming at the designated beach.
- Swim hours
- Park and day-use area: daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guarded swimming: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and holidays during the swimming season.
- Facilities
- Sandy beach, bathhouse, concession area, boat rentals
- Lifeguard
- Guarded swimming is available during the swimming season; unguarded swimming is also available in the marked area.
- Managed by
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
When you can swim
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers
Getting there
Rules to know before you go
- Swim only in the designated beach area.
- Swim at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty.
- Do not swim elsewhere in the park.
Swimming spots nearby
All of VirginiaPublic seasonal swimming48 mi
Lower pool only58 miMoravian Falls
Moravian Falls Campground, Wilkesboro
Swimming possible70 miSandstone Falls
Brooks Island
Seasonal public swimming79 miPaddy's Creek swimming area
Lake James State Park, Marion
Seasonal public swimming80 miLake James
Lake James State Park, Glen Alpine
Swimming permitted88 miBig Bear Falls
South Mountains State Park, Morganton
Questions about Hungry Mother Lake
Can you swim at Hungry Mother Lake?
Yes. Public swimming is allowed at the designated beach. Guarded swimming is seasonal; outside guarded hours, swimming is unguarded and at your own risk.
Does it cost anything to swim at Hungry Mother Lake?
Fee for guarded swimming; no fee for unguarded swimming at the designated beach.
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