Lake Anna, VA
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
For those of you who may be asking "where is Lake Anna"; It is 102 miles southwest of Washington D.C. via I-66, Route 29 and Route 522. It is 68 miles northwest of Richmond, VA via I-64 and Route 522 and 55 miles northwest of Charlottesville, VA via Route 208 and I-64. This places Lake Anna at the approximate center between Richmond and Charlottesville. Click here to view a Google map.
Why visit? Camping, fishing, watersports, and the area is surrounded by historical sites & cities - see our list of things to do and see near Lake Anna below.
When was Lake Anna Built; Lake Anna was constructed by Dominion Power by building a dam on the North Anna River in 1968. They cleared all of the trees and buildings from the area that the lake would occupy, and by 1972 the dam was completed and all of the clearing activities were finished. Although it had been projected to take 3 years to completely fill the lake, the arrival of Hurricane Agnes and increased rainfall allowed the lake filling to finish in 18 months.
The lake is separated into two components; the public side (also known as the "cold" side) and the private side, working as a cooling pond (also known as the "hot" side). The public side is roughly 9,000 acres (36 km2), while the private side is roughly 4,000 acres (16 km2). The two areas are separated by earthwork dams, so it is not possible to traverse via boat from one side to the other.
Lake Anna Dimensions
- What is the total area of Lake Anna: 20.31 square miles, 13,000 acres.
- What is the depth of Lake Anna: 80 feet.
- What is the length of Lake Anna: 16.78 miles.
- What is the Surface elevation above sea level for Lake Anna: 257 feet.
- What Counties does Lake Anna reside in: Louisa / Spotsylvania / Orange counties, Virginia.
- Is there a safe beach at Lake Anna: Yes, Lake Anna State Park.
Lake Anna Frequently Asked Questions
- How far is Lake Anna from Richmond: 69 miles via I-64 and route 522.
- Are you able to access the Private side from the Public side: Not by boat, only by vehicle as the private side is primarily gated & private communities.
- Can you access restaurants,marinas & boat rentals on the Private side: No, there are no commercial entities on the private side.
- Are there accessible boat ramps on the Private Side: No public boat ramps are on the private side, only private ramps exist.
- What are the names of the public side restaurants you can access by water: Tim's Restaurant, The Cove, Anna Cabana, Vitos, The Lounge, Lake Anna Taphouse, the Asian Cafe and the El Gran Patron at Pleasant Landing.
- What types of fish can be found in Lake Anna: Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Yellow perch, White perch.
- What are the other large lakes in Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake (32 mi²), Kerr Lake (77.22 mi²), and Claytor Lake (7.031 mi²).
The launch ramp list below is for the "public side" of the lake, because the "warm side" (ie; not public) consists only of private houses and communities and since most communities are gated, those launch ramps remain private.
A few of the more popular launch ramps on the public side are below - note that there are others, but these are some of the ramps that we have used in the past. Note that each item in this list is linked to that location in case you want to visit that facility;
The following are the Lake Anna Marinas, Boat Rental Companies and Launch Ramps that we have familiarity with, there are several others, but we have not used them. Click here to view a Google Search results page for all Lake Anna Marinas.
You will be able to see every possible type of water recreation at Lake Anna, ie; water skiing, water ski slalom courses, wake boarding, knee boarding, wake skates, air chairs, tubing, etc. You name it and it can be found somewhere on the lake.
Since the lake is nearly 17 miles long, with numerous coves and inlets, it is almost always possible to find a location where you can endulge your water recreation passion. In addition, it is frequently the case where the early mornings will provide calm water where the water skiing & wakeboarding are excellent. The later in the mornings boaters tend to be tubers and they churn up the water such that wakeboarding and skiing become more problematic.
NOTE: All of the information herein regarding Lake Anna businesses was derived from either their website or other public sources. If you would like to have your Lake Anna business included on our page, or if you feel that our information is not up to date, feel free to contact us via the "Info" and "Contact Us" menu links at the top of this page.
- Tim's at Lake Anna Restaurant & Crabhouse
- 200 G Boardwalk Way
- Mineral, Virginia, 23117
- (540) 894-5011
Located on Route 522 just south of the Harris Bridge. This has been a consistently good restaurant since it opened. Tim's is located just two miles north of the Christopher Run Campground also on Route 522.
- El Gran Patron Mexican Restaurant
- 349 Pleasant Landing Road
- Bumpass, Virginia, 23024
- (540) 205-3005
Located at Pleasant Landing (next to the dam) just off route 701, they are one of Lake Anna's newer restaurants. Their guacamole is very good and tastes home-made! Their menu is pretty deep and everything we've had there has been tasty.
- The Cove Restaurant at Lake Anna
- 6320 Belmont Road
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 854-7000
Located adjacent to Dillard's Bridge. Besides the restaurant (takeout is available too), there is a small country store, boat ramps, gasoline pumps, boat rental, etc. At the intersection of route 522 and 719 (1/2 mile south of Christopher Run Campground) turn east onto route 719. Days Bridge road turns into Belmont Road. Distance from Christopher Run is approximately 3.7 miles.
As you can see in these images, they have a good amount of dock space for boaters arriving, as well as a pretty good sized parking lot. This is a popular watering hole during the season, so time your arrival or you will have to wait to be seated.
- MooThru Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
- 11402 James Madison Hwy
- Remington, VA 22734
- MooThru Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
- 200 Boardwalk Way
- Mineral, Virginia 23117
The original location when we first discovered them is the above address on James Madison Highway (AKA Route 29). When we lived in Northern Virginia, we would drive by here on the way to Lake Anna headed south on Route 29 and of course, we drove by this location time after time and saw their parking lot would be full every time we drove past. After our first visit here we found out what was causing all of the crowds - the ice cream is fantastic!
Their newest location is below Tim's Restaurant, there is no inside seating but there are plenty of picnic tables outside and you have a great view of the lake channel as it passes under the Harris Bridge (route 208).
- Below Deck Pizza and Deli
- 200 Boardwalk Way
- Suite D
- Louisa, VA 23093
- (540) 894-7806
This shop is directly beneath Tim's Restaurant and next door to Moo-Thru at the Boardwalk on Lake Anna. If you are looking for a great sandwich, or a good salad, or a good pizza, give these guys a try! They have a nice variety of hot & cold sandwiches, a good selection of cold drinks, chips, etc. The owner is a very nice gentleman, and they will bring your food out to your picnic table outside if you ask them to.
- Tavern on the Rail
- 81 Tavern Road
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 872-7245
Yes they are located adjacent to an active railroad track, and you will hear the occasional train roll by. However, the food here is good, the restaurant is not huge so it is cozy and parking is good.
- Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant
- 4533 Zachary Taylor Highway
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 894-4343
Located just south of the route 208 intersection on the west side of route 522. Food here is excellent, and we've dined here numerous times since they opened in 2017.
Country chic restaurant specializing in American Regional Cuisine. Fine dining steaks, chops, seafood entrees. Beautiful decor. Craft beer, imported wines. Spectacular deserts. Catering. Full bar. Indoor and outdoor seating. A memorable food experience for family outings, graduations, weddings, meetings or other special events.
Their 3,000 sq. ft. barn is available for special events, weddings and entertainment. And their large dog-friendly patio with firepits provide a seasonal outdoor alternative.
- Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizza by Vinnie
- 406 E Main Street
- Louisa, VA 23093
- (540) 967-1697
Also known as "Vinnie's Pizza". Located on route 33 behind McDonalds. We've had a number of really good pizzas here, as well as traditional Italian entrees. They have a good selection of beers, wines and parking is good. The service staff here are friendly and helpful !
Floozie's Pie Shop Cafe |
| 109B West Main Street |
| Louisa, VA 23093 |
Located on the main street of Louisa (route 33), everything we've had here has been top notch, including awesome breakfasts and amazing pies!
Obrigado Restaurant |
| 109 West Main Street |
| Louisa, VA 23093 |
Located at immediately next door to Floozies. Menu here includes some European dishes, seafood, etc.
Tres Potrillos Restaurant |
| 406 E Main Street |
| Louisa, VA 23093 |
This is a good Mexican restaurant, and as someone who grew up in the American Southwest, and lived in Southern California for more than 10 years, I can definitely say that these guys are serving good food!
- Cooling Pond Brewery
- 4411 Zachary Taylor Highway
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 603-0239
English-inspired beers are at the heart of what they do, but they also offer rotating selections to satisfy any palate. Flights are available for those who want to try a variety, as well as pints, and even growlers to-go. Their tasting room features a large stone fireplace with plenty of seating, and right outside their doors is an expansive patio where one can enjoy the hilltop breezes and the view.
- Lake Anna Tap House
- 208 Lake Front Drive
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 634-7500
If you are a craft beer enthusiast, then this is the place for you! Large comfortable beer garden style area behind the building where you can find corn hole and other games.
- Coyote Hole Ciderworks
- 225 Oak Grove Drive
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 894-1053
Located just north of the Food Lion Shopping Center on route 208, they offer hand-crafted hard cider comprised of 100% Virginia fruit with apples sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Sabor a Mexico Restaurant
- 131 Mineral Avenue
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 894-5500
Given that this restaurant is at the intersection of Route 208 (AKA the road to Louisa) and Route 618 (AKA the road to our cabin), we pass by here frequently, and have eaten here multiple times including during the previous owners time frame. The food here is good, the prices are reasonable and there is good parking available.
- Joe-Joe's Super Heroes & Pizza
- 117 Mineral Avenue
- Mineral, VA 23117
- (540) 894-5656
Adjacent to "Sabor a Mexico" restaurant at the intersection of Route 208 & Route 618, these guys have a menu full of good sandwiches and other items. They also offer ice cream!
TIP: Try their cheese steak !
The following are not the only stores, restaurants or boat facilities - they are just places that we have utilized over the years and are reliable. Would we recommend them to you? Yes !
- Highpoint Marina & Lighthouse Inn
- 4634 Courthouse Road
- Mineral, VA 23117
Located on Route 208. Gasoline pumps, launch facilities, small grocery store, boat storage facility and an inn. Highpoint is located on the eastern side of Lake Anna, immediately after you have crossed the Route 208 bridge.
- Christopher Run Campground
- 6478 Zachary Taylor Highway
- Mineral, VA 23117
Located on Route 522 the campground offers tenting & small trailer camping sites, bathroom facilities, boat docks, launch ramps, a small country store and boat equipment. The campground is less than two miles north of Dickinson's Store.
Click here to visit their website.
Elk Creek Country Store Click here to view a Map
Located at the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road (route 652) and Elk Creek Road (route 614). This is our "go to gas station" as it is less than 1.5 miles from our property and there is a small grocery store and deli there.
Food Lion Shopping Center Click here to view a Map
Located on Route 208 at the intersection of 208 and route 652. In addition to the grocery store, there are several restaurants including a Subway. The parking lot is large and there is sufficient room to park your boat trailer & tow vehicle.
NOTE: There is another Food Lion in Louisa, but we frequent the one on Route 208 as it is closer to our cabin. There is a small market in Mineral (Miller's Market) which carries most staples, soft drinks, beer, etc.
- Dickinson's Store
- 5072 Zachary Taylor Highway
- Mineral, VA 23117
Located at the intersection of Route 522 and Route 208 approximately a mile south of Christoper Run Campground, Dickinson's offers Shell gasoline, a large set of storage units, a deli and a small grocery facility. We've been using their store since the early 1990's, we rented one of the boat storage garages (behind the store) for several years, and use their gas pumps from time to time.
Click here to visit their Facebook Page.
- Sturgeon Creek Marina Click here to view a Map
- 5107 Courthouse Road
- Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551
Located on Route 208 , this Marina is full-service, with boat rentals, small grocery/deli, boating & fishing supplies, launch ramps, etc. This is located on the "Public side" of the lake (aka "cold side") so it can get very busy in the summer! The launch ramps are quite steep, so be prepared to utilize 4wd to launch or recover your boat.
- Lake Anna State Park Click here to view a Map
- 6800 Lawyers Road
- Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Located on the eastern side of Lake Anna north of route 208. Nice beach, good parking and some nice hiking trails. Turn north on Lawyers Road just after the Lake Anna Winery as you are headed east on route 208 and follow the signs.
Lake Anna Real Estate Group
If you're looking for lake property, this is a great place to stop in and see what the real estate landscape is in this tri-county area of Virginia. Robin and her team will offer you cookies, coffee and a laminated map of the lake!
You can checkout their website at lakeannaliving.com
There is something for everyone at Lake Anna - there are boat dealers, boat rental shops, land for sale, homes for sale (on both sides of the lake), farms for sale, etc. Not looking to buy? There are a number of rental shops for all the above as well. A Google search can provide you with just about anything you would want to find, have fun!
Keep in mind that Lake Anna is in a rural location, and the nearest Medical Services are a few miles away - point being that you are going to have to drive to get medical attention. The following list is accurate as of April 2022;
- UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville
- Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Hospital in the Short Pump area (Richmond northwest suburbs)
- Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville
- Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg
- Lake Anna Local Emergency Services
- Pharmacies in the Lake Anna area
- Chiropractors in the Lake Anna area
- Dentists in the Lake Anna area
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