The 581-acre Lake A. Willis Robertson Recreation Area was established in 1971. Located less than 15 miles southwest of Lexington, Virginia, the man-made lake is the gem of the park, though the campground, trails, pool, and playground make it a weekend destination.
CAST A LINE OR PADDLE ON
The 26-acre lake is not available for swimming, but fishermen love it. It’s stocked with sterile carp to combat pesky curleyleaf pondweed and elodea. Anglers will more frequently reel in sunfish, perch, catfish, and maybe a cunning largemouth bass, if they can outsmart the wary swimmers. The average depth is about 18 feet with plenty of debris in certain areas for both contention and reward. [MAP | FISH REGULATIONS]
Bank fishing is popular here with off-trail areas to hunker down and fish the day away. A fishing pier allows for handicap anglers to enjoy the thrill of the catch, too. Bait is available at the camp store.
A Virginia fishing license or Wildlife Management Area access permit is required.
Boaters are welcome to launch with no more than a trolling motor or boats are available for rent. The no-wake pond is the perfect place for a novice kayaker to get his or her feet wet. Life jackets are available.
TAKE A HIKE … OR BIKE
Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the eight miles of circuit trails around the park, especially the 1.6-mile Lake Trail. Do wear bug spray and sturdy shoes. This park is against National Forest and plenty of wildlife may be watching you or even cross your path. Stay alert and stay on the trail. Bikers should yield to hikers. [TRAIL MAP]
If you love bird watching, this park will not disappoint. Great blue and green Herron are known to frequent the area as are belted kingfisher and plenty of swallows. Dragonflies and butterflies are also entertaining as they dance along the edges of the lake. Lake Robertson is a stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail’s Alleghany Highlands Loop.
PITCH A TENT
Lake Robertson has 55 campsites fit for tent camping and RVs. As with most every campground, BYOF (bringing your own firewood) is not permitted. Wood is available for purchase at the camp store.
COMING SOON
But not soon enough … Two cabins are expected to be built at Lake Robertson in Fall 2018. We’re waiting on those beauties with bated breath.
—-
Sources:
When in Virginia 