This 50,000-acre lake extends 39 miles up the Roanoke River and 17 miles down into North Carolina. There is over 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline and it is yours to enjoy whether you like swimming, fishing, camping, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty.
There are literally hundreds of campsites spread around the lake. Depending upon the location, each camping area is regulated by either the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the state of Virginia or the state of North Carolina. Most of the camping areas offer camping directly adjacent to the shore and in many cases, you can pull your boat right up to your campsite.
Many sites offer water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, trash cans and, of course, toilet facilities and shower houses with hot and cold running water. You will find more than adequate space between sites and a level area for your camper or tent. You will also find that the camping areas are clean and well maintained. This is truly a CAMPER'S PARADISE!
The fishing is unbelievable! The lake offers "World Class" Bass fishing as demonstrated by the number of tournaments that are held here each year. B.A.S.S. and other well-known tournaments are hosted here as well as numerous local tournaments. There is also excellent Striper fishing that attracts many fishermen to the lake. The Catfishing is good everywhere and the "Ole Timers" say that there are Catfish in this lake that are bigger than the fisherman trying to catch them! Who knows?? This doesn't even mention the Crappie, Bluegill and, if you're good enough, the Walleye fishing. There is fishing for everyone here and if you're not catching fish - it's because you're not "holdin' yo' mouth right"! This is truly a FISHERMAN'S PARADISE!
When you think about boating and swimming, you think about Buggs Island! That is if you've been here before, if not, you just don't know what you're missing! Clean water, fresh air, rustic shoreline and beautiful sunsets. The crowds? People that have boated here for years, now complain that the lake is getting crowded when they can JUST SEE five other boats in the distance! Obviously, they have never had to deal with horsepower restrictions, over crowded waterways and there are even some lakes where you can only operate your boat in one direction! How easily we get spoiled! But you will too, when you visit the lake! Be it sailing, power boating, skiing, fishing or just cruising, for freshwater boating, this is THE BOATER'S PARADISE!
There are day use areas around the lake for picnics and barbques and many have boat ramps with parking. There are also boat ramps at all the campgrounds, most of which can accomodate two vehicles at a time and some have floating docks for easy access in and out of your boat. Some day use areas have fishing piers for the handicapped.