Claytor Lake State Park

Bent Tree Trail

The Bent Tree Trail is a .75 mile easy loop that is accessible from both campsite D and from the overflow parking area across the road from the Meeting Center. The trail runs mainly through wooded terrain on a flat, smooth earth trail with minimal changes in elevation. Along this trail are several stops with outdoor fitness equipment such as pull up bars, parallel bars, and areas for doing specific types of exercises.

Blaze Color: White

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Claytor Lake Trail

The Claytor Lake Trail is the parks longest trail at 1.6 miles and connects the cabin area to campground C. It can be accessed from both these places as well as well as from campground D and from the Poplar Leaf Trail which connects the Bent Tree Trail to the Claytor Lake Trail. Running mainly through the woods, the terrain is typically smooth and flat earth with occasional sections of natural river rock.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Poplar Leaf Trail

The Poplar Leaf Trail is a 0.77 mile easy trail that connects the the Bent Tree Trail to the Claytor Lake Trail. The trail passes through wooded areas and creates a convenient link to the midpoint of the Claytor Lake Trail. Hikers may choose to create two loops by hiking this trail and returning from either the north or south portions of the Claytor Lake Trail.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Shady Ridge Trail

The Shady Ridge Trail is a .66 mile interpretive loop that is accessible from both a trailhead near shelters 1, 2, and 5 as well as from the main park road, not far from the campground access or contact station. After a brief ascent up a grassy path from the picnic area, users come to a wooded loop that features numbered signs that correspond to an interpretive pamphlet available at the Visitor Center or park office.

Blaze Color: Red

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Camping Area

The park offers a variety of camping opportunities. Standard camping is offered in Campgrounds A, B, and C, while water and electrical hookups are available in Campground D. Restroom facilities accommodate all four campgrounds, and there are dump stations located in Campground C and D. The park's trail system is also easily accessed from the campgrounds including a paved handicap accessible trail that leads to the beach and swimming area.

• Season/Hours: March 1st - 1st Monday in December/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 03.6683 -80° 37.4516

Cabins and Lodges

All of the park's overnight facilities are lakefront, pet friendly, and air conditioned. There are numerous boat docks around the facilities that have been provided for cabin and lodge guests only. Cabins 1-12 have two bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. Cabin 13 has three bedrooms and provides accommodations for up to 12 people. Cabins 1, 6, and 7 also meet ADA standards. There are also 4 lodges that can accommodate up to 16 people. Weekly rentals are required during prime season and may begin on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. A two night minimum stay is required the rest of the year, however, during the prime season guests may also make a two night minimum reservation 30 days prior to the desired arrival date if there is a vacancy.

• Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 02.9933 -80° 37.6483

Beach Swimming Area

Swimming is available in Claytor Lake from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The beach is the only place along the park's shore where swimming is allowed and deemed safe. The area has a diving tower, snack bar and gift shop. Times and days of operation vary prior to mid-June and after mid-August because of student labor availability. Swimming is free to overnight guests, but it cannot be guaranteed should circumstances beyond the park's control - e.g., inclement weather - require that swimming be halted. The park gives no refunds for swimming to overnight guests under any circumstances.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day/All Day
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 03.2183 -80° 37.3916

The Water's Edge Meeting Facility

The Water's Edge Meeting Facility is a perfect place for any event or gathering. It can accommodate up to 125 people. It is media equipped with modern technology, including a large flat screen television, power point projector, screen, and podium. It is also the location of the park gift shop, which carries a variety of park souvenirs and camping necessities. The Water's Edge is conveniently located near the marina to accommodate guests who may arrive by boat. For reservations please call.

• Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 03.0933 -80° 37.3549

Marina

It has several dockslips for temporary (overnight) users, for seasonal and long term boat storage, and a few slips for the on site rental company, Claytor Lake Water Sports ((540) 731-8683) store some of its boats. Claytor Lake Watersports rents out both motorboats and kayaks. The marina has restrooms, gas pumps, and a small store where people may snacks and suppliesOpen: Memorial Day through Labor Day 8 A.M.-7 P.M., Friday through Sunday 8 A.M..-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. April 1 through Memorial Day weekend and from Labor Day through October, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.on Saturday and Sunday.

• Season/Hours: All Year/See Summary
• Fee: For rental pricing call Claytor Lake Watersports: (540) 731-8683
• Location:37° 03.3349 -80° 37.2866

Gazebo

The Gazebo is popular for weddings, it can be rented from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M, and is available in conjunction with the Water's Edge Meeting Facility at a reduced rate. Please note that gazebo rental times differ from those for picnic shelters. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the gazebo rental fee. If not rented the gazebo is available on a first come fist serve basis.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/See Summary
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 03.4399 -80° 37.2250

Howe House (Visitor Center)

The Visitor Center is located in the Howe house, a 19th century structure original to the park property. Inside there is a visitor reception area, as well as aquatic and zoological exhibits.

• Season/Hours: Summer/8 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 20.0366 -76° 08.5816

Picnic Shelters

The park has 7 covered picnic shelters available by reservation or on a first come first serve basis from 6 A.M. - 10 P.M. Parking and swimming fees are not included in the shelter rental fee. All have electricity and grills and are convenient to restroom facilities.

Shelter 1- Seats about 100 people, has a fireplace, and is close to the lake.
Shelter 2- Seats about 40 people, has a fireplace, and is close to the lake.
Shelter 3- Seats about 40 people, is handicap accessible, and is close to the lake.
Shelter 4- Seats about 40 people, is handicap accessible.
Shelter 5- Seats about 100 people, has a small playground nearby.
Shelter 6- Seats about 40 people, close to swimming amenities, is handicap accessible.
Shelter 7- Seats about 40 people, close to swimming amenities, is handicap accessible.

• Season/Hours: All Year/ 6 A.M. to 10 P.M.
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:N/A