If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, take to the water at one of the many Charlottesville lakes and swimming holes! You’ll enjoy hours of outdoor quality time for the whole family. Or maybe you’d like to grab a paddle for some canoeing or kayaking, or spend a day floating and tubing down the James River?
Whatever sort of water fun your family is looking for, the Charlottesville area has plenty of places to explore! And to make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying a water adventure, check out our safety tips at the end of the article. Let’s get splashing!
At a Glance: Charlottesville Lakes to Swim, Kayak & Canoe
- Swimming holes in Albemarle Country include Riprap Hollow and Sugar Hollow.
- Mint Springs Valley Park has beach swimming, and Ivy Creek Natural Area has spots where kids can wade and splash.
- Spots for kayaking and boating near Charlottesville include Chris Greene Lake, Walnut Park Lake, and the Rivanna River.
- Families can go tubing, canoeing, and kayaking on the James River.
- Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and make sure kids are supervised by an adult at all times.
Charlottesville Lakes & Swimming Holes in Albemarle County
Whether you want to relax lakeside or hike your way to a secluded spot, the swimming holes and lakes in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are perfect for a weekend visit or a weekday adventure.
If you’ll be spending the day outside, be sure to pack water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen, as well as snacks and maybe a picnic lunch. Before hiking, always check weather forecasts and trail conditions, and make sure the trail is appropriate for any small adventurers who will be accompanying you.
Mint Springs Valley Park & Lake (Crozet)
Mint Springs Park includes eight water acres and one beach acre for swimming, as well as fishing and limited boating. Lifeguards and restrooms are on-site. This swimming lake draws lots of families each summer, along with the nearby hiking trails. There is a snack stand near the beach, as well as a large playground and picnic pavilions with grills. Swim season is mid-June or mid-August.
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Cost: Ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
Riprap Hollow Swimming Hole (Shenandoah National Park)
A clear, deep-blue swimming hole is your reward for hiking 1.7 miles from the lower trailhead, off Route 612 near Crimora. Refreshingly shaded, this spot offers glimpses of crayfish and salamanders in the shallows. This Riprap area is part of the Shenandoah National Park system. If you start at the Riprap parking area, you can do an entire 9-mile circuit hike that includes views of Chimney Rock and a beautiful waterfall. There are no lifeguards on duty at the swimming hole
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Sugar Hollow Swimming Hole (Crozet)
The Sugar Hollow Reservoir doesn’t allow swimming. But if you hike from the silver gate at the end of the Sugar Hollow Road parking area in Crozet, you’ll find yourself at a perfect swimming spot. Blue Hole, as it is known, has clear water and gentle rapids, and the hike to reach it is only 1.5 miles. There are no lifeguards.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Ivy Creek Natural Area (Charlottesville)
Ivy Creek offers over seven miles of scenic trails—including easy forested loops, a creek to splash in, and shoreline walks—perfect for families exploring meadows, woods, and the Rivanna Reservoir. The preserve also hosts engaging kids’ programs, such as “Little Naturalists” trail walks for ages 3–5, farm and barn history hours, and seasonal educational events like bird and butterfly walks, making it an enriching outdoor classroom for young explorers.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Bumble’s Boredom Busters
Want to add an extra challenge to your outdoor adventure? Check out our library of printable activity sheets to find nature-themed scavenger hunts that the whole family will enjoy.
Plus, find seasonal activity sheets for all ages, including word searches, crosswords, silly jokes, riddles, trivia, and more. It’s just what you need for screen-free fun on days when you can’t get outside!
Kayaking, Tubing & Canoeing Near Charlottesville
Many of the lakes in Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer kayaking or canoeing, as do local spots along the Rivanna River. If you’re looking for a longer day trip, check out one of the many tubing adventures on the James River.
Plan to wear a bathing suit and clothes that can get wet for any water adventure, and be sure to pack extras like sunscreen, hats, snacks, and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and happy throughout the day.
Chris Greene Lake & Canoe Rental (Charlottesville)
With 53 water acres, along with two beach acres, lifeguards, changing rooms, playgrounds and canoe rentals, Chris Greene Lake is a great place to cool off. Fishing and limited boating are also allowed. This swimming lake is popular with families and has a charming water play area for tots too.
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Cost: Ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
Walnut Creek Park Lake & Canoe Rental (North Garden)
Walnut Creek offers 45 water acres and two beach acres, with lifeguards on duty and restrooms on site. Both kayak and canoe rentals are available. Limited fishing and boating are allowed as well. There’s even a disc golf course that is popular with families that have older children along for the adventure.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Ages 3 and under free; county residents $2–$3; nonresidents $3–$5; season passes available
James River Water Fun
Enjoy all kinds of summertime water fun on Virginia’s James River, whether you’re interested in tubing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or fishing. Bring your own gear to a launch spot. Or, local companies like James River Runners and Reeling & Rafting are ready to help arrange your perfect outdoor day. Departure times are limited, and costs vary.
Departure times and costs vary.
Rivanna River (Charlottesville)
The Rivanna River is a great spot for family canoeing and kayaking. Bring your own gear or stop by the Rivanna River Company. Located on High Street just off Route 250, RRC is open April through September, offering kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and tubing trips along the Rivanna River. You can either sign up for a guided tour or rent equipment for a self-guided adventure. All equipment rentals and tours include life jackets.
Departure times and costs vary.
Family Safety Tips for Swimming & Boating
Follow these tips to keep everyone in the family safe on your water adventure.
- Wear life jackets. Everyone should wear life jackets when boating or swimming in open water, even experienced swimmers. Remember, drownings happen quickly and quietly.
- Learn to swim. Teach everyone basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
- Be prepared. Have a first aid kit and a way to call for help with you when hiking, boating, or swimming. Adults and teens can learn CPR.
- Use approved floatation devices. Floaties, water wings, pool noodles, and inner tubes are air-filled or foam toys. They aren’t designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Pay attention! Even kids who know how to swim should always be supervised around water. This is especially true if you’re visiting a body of water that can get murky. Remember, even a lifeguard doesn’t replace the need for active supervision.
- Use barriers and alarms. Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
- Swim only during daylight hours. Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
- Check the weather. Before heading to a swimming hole, lake, or river, check the weather forecast and water conditions.
- Listen to the lifeguard. Make sure to listen to any directions from lifeguards and follow all safety advisories.
Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.
For more summertime water fun, check our our favorite Charlottesville swimming pools & splash pads and explore our guide to Virginia’s water parks. Stay safe with our a pediatrician’s water safety tips for babies and toddlers.
Sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily newsletter and let us inspire your next adventure. And be sure to learn more about our valued partners who keep local families happy, healthy, and busy all year long.
Ellen Sewell has a degree in Communications and Media Studies and a gift for the written word. Ellen loves to explore museums, playgrounds, and outdoor attractions of all kinds with her three amazing children.
KATHARINE PALJUG is a freelance writer and novelist who lives in Charlottesville with two busy kids. She is a big fan of public libraries, homemade muffins, and inclusive spaces for queer families.