Enjoy Smith Mountain Lake’s Shoreline Responsibly
Thanks to the drought, SML has more shoreline to enjoy. This silver lining to a challenging year for lake levels means that boaters can beach or anchor and use more land areas for recreation.
But not all newly exposed beaches are public land and even public land should be used responsibly. Here are some tips to be a good steward of SML shoreline areas.
Public Or Private?
Take care to understand if the area is public or privately owned. If there is a home or building, the land is likely private.
The base of the mountain near the dam has ample public land as do the shorelines of waterfront parks.
There are public islands located throughout the lake. Fifteen islands are owned by American Electric Power (AEP) and are part of the Smith Mountain Lake hydroelectric power project. All AEP islands are open to the public. All the other lake islands are privately owned.
AEP islands are located on both the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers. All islands are within the bounds of Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties.
| AEP-Owned Public Islands on Smith Mountain Lake | ||
| Name of island | County | Closest navigational marker |
| Betty’s Island | Franklin | halfway between R26/R27 |
| Striper Island | Franklin | R15 |
| Rabbit Island | Franklin | R11 |
| Cup Island | Franklin | R8 and B1 |
| Lost Island | Franklin | B8A |
| Key Island | Franklin | B10 |
| Chimney Island | Franklin | B10A |
| Lucky Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Little Bit Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Belle Island | Franklin | B13 |
| Birds Island | Pittsylvania | R6 |
| Middle Island | Bedford | R4/R6 |
| Brides Island | Bedford | R4 |
| Bar Island | Pittsylvania | R1 |
| Dam Island | Pittsylvania | R1 |
| Download a map at: www.smithmtn.com/docs/Revised_ | ||
Tips for Responsible Shoreline Fun
As you enjoy shoreline beaches and islands, keep these tips in mind.
Pack In, Pack Out
Take everything with you that you’ve brought with you when you leave. Trash and litter will end up in the lake.
Use Public Restrooms
Use a restroom before heading out. Neither islands or the lake are public restrooms. Any fecal matter left on an island will end up in the lake. No one wants to swim in your sewage.
Pick Up After Pets
As with human fecal matter, pet poop will also end up in the lake. Pick up after your dog just as you would anywhere else. If you are on Lucky Island, dog waste bags are available.
Camping on Islands
According to Mark McGlothlin, Maintenance Supervisor for AEP, “While we are aware that people do camp on some of the AEP owned islands, we do not encourage or promote camping mainly due to the lack of sanitary facilities. We certainly do not want people digging holes for makeshift toilets.” Fires and cutting vegetation are not permitted on AEP islands.
Enjoy SML Shorelines
Shorelines can offer great views and fun recreation. Keep in mind that beaches are also part of the lake ecosystem and we all want to keep them clean and safe.
