Smith Mountain Lake Association

09/05/2026

As we head into Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, we want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the ongoing drought conditions.

While Smith Mountain Project remains a destination for boating and recreation, lower-than-average water levels continue to create unique challenges. Boaters and visitors should use extra caution around exposed rocks, shoals, debris and shallow-water areas.

Before heading out on the water:
✅ Wear a life jacket
✅ Operate at safe speeds
✅ Never boat under the influence
✅ Stay alert to changing lake conditions

We continue to operate the Smith Mountain Project under the federally approved Water Management Plan and have implemented all available drought-response conservation measures.

We appreciate the support of residents, businesses and visitors throughout this challenging season. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Learn more and monitor lake conditions: http://ms.spr.ly/6185aufc9

09/04/2026

A Few Tickets Remain!

Celebrate 60 years of Smith Mountain Lake at a sock hop that benefits SMLA and SMAC. Join us for an evening filled with great music, dancing, delicious food, and plenty of nostalgic fun!

Date: September 5, 2026

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM

Location: Smith Mountain Lake YMCA

$50/person SMAC and SMLA Members (21+)
$60/person Non-Members (21+)
$500/reserved table of 8

Music of the ‘50s and '60s will be performed live by the SML Boomer Band!.

Come dressed in your favorite retro attire (or come as you are!), and enjoy an evening of laughter and community. Every ticket supports the work of SMLA and SMAC while creating memories you'll be talking about long after the last song ends.

🎶 Great music
🕺 Dancing
🍔 Diner-style dinner & dessert
🍻Wine, beer and other refreshments
❤️ Support Smith Mountain Lake

Don't miss the fun—let's twist, jive, and rock the night away!

Space is limited. Get your tickets today! The event is open to people aged 21 and older.

09/04/2026

Please use caution when boating at night . . .

09/02/2026

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 f***l 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 f***l matter, pet p**p 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.

09/02/2026

Enjoy Smith Mountain Lake’s Expanded 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.

For a map of AEP-owned islands, click here:

https://www.smithmtn.com/docs/Revised_Islands_3_23_20.pdf

09/01/2026

As you get ready for Labor Day weekend on the water, make sure everyone on board has a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that’s in good condition.

Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while a vessel is underway, except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Life jackets provide essential buoyancy if you unexpectedly enter the water, jump in to help someone else, become unable to stay afloat due to fatigue, injury or cold, or are a weak or non-swimmer.

The best life jacket is the one you'll wear. Make sure yours is secure, comfortable and appropriate for your activity.

Learn more about boater safety by visiting tricountylakes.org/navigation/lake-safety/

08/30/2026

Tomorrow is the last day! Get your nominations in!!

Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is seeking nominations for the SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award.

Nominations can be made via online form available at the SMLA website or by printing and completing the appropriate nomination form. Forms can be delivered in person or by mail to the SMLA office, 400 Scruggs Rd, Suite 2100, Moneta, VA 24121.

Nominations for 2026 awards must be received by August 31.

For more information and to nominate someone, click here:
https://smlassociation.org/annual-awards/awards-spirit/

08/30/2026

Tomorrow is the last day! Get your nominations in!!

Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is seeking nominations for the Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award.

Nominations can be made via online form available at the SMLA website or by printing and completing the appropriate nomination form. Forms can be delivered in person or by mail to the SMLA office, 400 Scruggs Rd, Suite 2100, Moneta, VA 24121.

Nominations for 2026 awards must be received by August 31.

The Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award is named in honor of Melvin Johnston, the founder of SMLA, real estate broker, land developer, and philanthropist. This award is presented to one or more people who have made the greatest contribution to the quality of life at Smith Mountain Lake.

For more information and to nominate someone, click here:
https://smlassociation.org/annual-awards/johnson/

08/30/2026

Do you have your tickets? The lake birthday party is coming up on Sept 5 and you don't want to miss it! See the great preview with WDBJ7! Head to smlassociation.org to get your tickets before they are sold out!

https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/08/28/smith-mountain-lake-celebrating-60th-birthday-with-retro-themed-party/

The evening is set to feature diner-style food, dancing, drinks, birthday cake, root beer floats, and live music from a local favorite band.

08/29/2026

Thank you WDBJ-7. It was fun visiting with Logan and Ava.

FUN! Smith Mountain Lake is celebrating its 60th birthday! wdbj7.com/2026/08/28/smith-mountain-lake-celebrating-60th-birthday-with-retro-themed-party/