Closest lake "beach" to Ashburn (Strasburg: camping, lawsuit)

[Alicia Bradley]

Just so you know, EuroExpat, these are all man-made reservoirs, not natural lakes. They *are* in very beautiful Appalachian Piedmont settings, though.

[703]

Originally Posted by normie

I'm excited about this Cove place. I can't believe I never heard of it before. Definitely checking it out this summer.

We've camped there twice about 3 years ago.

Its pretty wild, small lake with boat rental, and rest is camping areas.

Since its private, just about anything goes....

[703]

Got another place that I visited probably about 2 years ago.
Not sure if its still in business, but...

Half Moon Beach

363 Radio Station Rd
Strasburg, VA 22657
540-465-5757


Its a small man made lake + picnic areas.
It has basic facilities, and parking.

[michgc]

It's not a lake, but you could try Colonial Beach east of Fredericksburg. It's a cute little town with a beach on the Potomac: Colonial Beach Virginia

Or you can head into Maryland at Chesapeake Beach: Chesapeake Beach - Home Page

We've done both of these places as day trips and had a nice time each time.

[bmwguydc]

If you don't mind a slightly longer drive, Deep Creek Lake is just under three hours away from you in Garrett County, MD.

Deep Creek Lake (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/deepcreeklake.html - broken link)

And, closer to five hours, a bit long for a day trip, but it would make a nice long weekend, is Smith Mountain Lake in Southern Virginia.

Smith Mountain Lake

Another area you might consider, just under 2 hours from you would be Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which is between (and a little west) Gettysburg and Harrisburg.

Pine Grove Furnace


ETA: While not a beach, if you do extend your visit to the Gettysburg Area, you should stop in at the Totem Pole Playhouse for a show. It really reminds me of "small town" American theatre, but with good quality performers. It's been around for decades, and is in Caledonia State Park.

Totem Pole Playhouse

[EuroExpat]

Originally Posted by Alicia Bradley

Just so you know, EuroExpat, these are all man-made reservoirs, not natural lakes. They *are* in very beautiful Appalachian Piedmont settings, though.

Thanks for letting me know, I actually didn't realize that. But my 3 year old won't know the difference.

[FrannyBear]

We used to take our kids to Cacapon State Park in West Virginia -- I think it is only about a one hour drive north of Winchester. it is really nice there -- has a nice little sandy beach and is so peaceful and secluded. They have paved trails all around the park -- so I think it is great for easy hiking and even bike riding.

[GoHokiesGo]

Originally Posted by 703

One place comes to mind - Cove
its a private lake and big camground
http://www.covecampground.com/

I just west of Winchester.

I was going to mention the Cove also.

I've been there a few times with friends, and it's a nice area. They have a decent beach area and swimming area with a floating dock that you can dive off of, beach volleyball, and campsites for staying the night. Nothing too fancy, but it's a fun little place.

[pcity]

I'm in Alexandria so I always go to the Chesapeake when I'm looking for something like this. Those beaches are an hour or less from me. Not sure what the drive times would be like from Ashburn though.

I actually started a topic to ask about the Chesapeake beaches in the MD forum a couple of years ago, and the MD people were pretty helpful:

Bay Beaches Worth The Trip?

Since then, I've become a regular at some of the bay beaches. And it's all thanks to city-data! (Feel free to use this in future ad campaigns, LOL)

[normie]

Bumping for the newcomers. With all the hot weather, these lakes are a treat!