Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Park Happenings!
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
May 27-30, 2016
Memorial Day Weekend
Plan to spend your family’s quality time with us at SML State Park in 2016:  
80th Anniversary of VA State Parks
 
 
Friday May 27
1:00 ~ 3:00 p.m. Discovery Exploration
Discovery Center
Stop by and explore with us. Check out our butterfly garden, learn about ospreys, or explore in our Discovery Room. Fun for everyone! FREE
 
2:00 ~ 3:00 p.m.  Osprey Hike
Meet at Discovery Center
Learn interesting facts about our ospreys. Then join our park guide and take a short hike to view the nest in person. FREE 
 
 
Saturday May 28
10:00 ~ 10:30 a.m. Roving Ranger
Beach

Find our interpreters as they roam the beach to find out what cool things they brought with them from our Discovery Center. Feel free to ask the ranger any questions you have about the State Park, programs, or wildlife you might see while you’re here.  FREE

 
11:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. Sidewalk Art and Beach Bubbles Beach
Meet the park interpreter on the sidewalk at our beach to express yourself through chalk art! We’ll also have soap bubbles to enjoy.  FREE
 
2:00 ~ 4:00 p.m. Beach Kids: Crafts
Under Tent near Beach Pavilion
Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park interpreter for some fun crafts!  FREE
 
7:00 ~ 8:00 p.m. Clever Critters
Beach Pavilion
Join us before Music in the Park. Pet some pelts, play a game, learn about animals that live around the lake.  FREE
 
8:00 ~ 10:00 p.m. Music in the Park

Beach Pavilion

Grab a chair and head for the beach for a foot stompin’ good time with the Friday Nite Bluegrass band! The OldDominion Cloggers will also perform. Hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, and other refreshments are for sale. $5 per person, and kids 12 and under get in free. Sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
 
 
Sunday May 29
10:00 ~ 10:30 a.m. Roving Ranger
Beach
Find our interpreters as they roam the beach to find out what cool things they brought with them from our Discovery Center. Feel free to ask the ranger any questions you have about the State Park, current programs, or wildlife you might see while you’re here.  FREE
 
11:00 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. Castles in the Sand
Beach
Meet the park interpreter by the Main Lifeguard Tower for a special Beach Kids. Build your own sand castle! Work individually to create a unique castle, or gather your friends or family and work as a team of sand architects. We provide the shovels, buckets, and sand. FREE
 
2:00 ~ 3:30 p.m.   Gyotaku! (Fish Printing)
Discovery Center Pavilion
Take home a unique souvenir of your visit. If you haven't experienced this craft first hand, you're in for a treat (albeit a messy one). Join the fun of this centuries old art and show your creativity. Space is limited. Pre-register at the Visitor Center. Come dressed for messy fun! $5.00 fee includes a T-shirt or tote bag to keep
 
7:30 ~ 8:30 p.m. Welcome Campfire
Campfire Amphitheater (across from campground)
What's a camping trip without a campfire? Join us, weather permitting, for an hour of relaxing stories & meet your camping neighbors. This is a great way for the family to wind down after a busy day and of course, there will be marshmallows to roast!  FREE
 
 
Monday May 30
10:00 ~ 10:30 a.m. Roving Ranger
Beach
Find our interpreters as they roam the beach. Feel free to ask the ranger any questions you have about the State Park or the current programs.  FREE
 
11:00 a.m.  ~ 12:00 p.m.  Follow the Tracks
Under Tent near Beach Pavilion
Ever wonder what made those footprints you see when hiking a trail? Join us to explore animal signs of all kinds.  FREE
 
2:00 ~ 3:00 p.m. Beach Kids: Crafts
Under Tent near Beach Pavilion
Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park interpreter for some fun crafts!  FREE
 
3:00 ~ 4:00 p.m. Sidewalk Art and Beach Bubbles Beach
Meet the park interpreter on the sidewalk at our beach to express yourself through chalk art! We’ll also have soap bubbles to enjoy.  FREE
 
 

Self-Guided Opportunities 

We have several opportunities for the whole family to connect with nature. Activities include: hiking the more than 12 miles of groomed trails, mountain biking along our trails, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride along one of our scenic roadways. Bike rentals are also available from our Visitor Center.  Like to fish? Try your luck at our fishing pier.  A Virginia Fishing license is required and may be purchased at the Visitor Center.  Enjoy a quiet day of wildlife watching in the park with scenic views of the lake! Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. There are multiple benches located around the park for easy viewing.   Pick up one or more of the Jr. Discovery Series brochures from our Visitor Center or Discovery Center to help identify what you see.   Our Beach opens daily at 10:00 a.m.  Memorial Day - Labor Day 

For more information on these and other programs in the park please stop by our Visitor Center or call 540-297-6066.