by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/21/2025
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 Civi Association Cyanobacteria/Algae Data & Reports.
Virginia Data Explorer Water Quality page.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Dirty Waters List.
Public Boat Ramps
Public Boat Ramps
Public Boat Ramps
Public Boat RampsThe launch ramp list below is for the "public side" of the lake, because the "warm side" (ie; the "private side") 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.
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water Scenes
On the Water ScenesSince 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.
The Cove Inlet
The Cove Inlet
The Cove Inlet
The Cove InletWhere to eat at Lake Anna?
Despite the large size of Lake Anna in Virginia, stretching 16 miles from top to bottom, the number of restaurants around the lake is limited. Visitors can find some lakefront dining spots including The Cove, which features a restaurant and a general store, the Boardwalk at Lake Anna, home to Tim's on Lake Anna, Below Deck, a Moo Thru ice cream shop, an arcade, and mini golf. On the west side of the lake along Route 208, there are establishments such as Lake Anna Tap House, Vito’s Italian restaurant, among others. The southeast side of the lake is home to the Mexican restaurant El Gran Patron. A Food Lion shopping center on route 208 on the west side of the lake also houses a Subway and Chef Lee's Chinese Restaurant. The area also hosts several breweries and a cidery, including Cooling Pond Brewery, Lake Anna Taphouse, Coyote Hole Cidery, and Log Home Brewery. For a more upscale experience, visitors can check out Callie Opie Orchards, a charming barn-style restaurant. For those who don’t mind driving a little further, tiny Mineral hosts Sabor a Mexico, Jo-Jo’s serving sandwiches and pizza, and the Mad Hatter Bakery. Venturing into Louisa offers a few more local options, including Roma’s Italian Restaurant, which serves the best pizza in the area in our opinion, and Obrigado Restaurant, which offers both lunch and dinner with specialties such as paella on certain nights of the week.
NOTE: All of the information herein regarding Lake Anna businesses was derived from either their website, or from our visits as a customer, 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
Tim's at Lake Anna Restaurant
Tim's at Lake Anna RestaurantLocated on Route 522 just south of the Harris Bridge. With over 2,384 Google Reviews, they are pleasing a lot of customers. Tim's is located just two miles north of the Christopher Run Campground also on Route 522, and they offer outdoor seating (on a large deck with great views). Note that they do not accept reservations.
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Located at Pleasant Landing (next to the dam) just off route 701, they are one of Lake Anna's newer restaurants. The restaurant boasts a location overlooking Lake Anna, so if you snag a table on the patio (especially during nice weather), you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful lake view. They focus on classic Mexican dishes, with offerings like fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. They also have some house specialties or regional dishes on the menu.
The Cove Restaurant
The Cove Restaurant
The Cove RestaurantLocated 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.
All of the above images for the Cove Restaurant are the property of The Cove at Lake Anna via their website. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
The original location when we first discovered them is on James Madison Highway (AKA Route 29). When we lived in Northern Virginia, we would drive by there 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).
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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.
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Tavern on the Rail
Tavern on the Rail
Tavern on the RailThe first thing that strikes you is the historic charm. The restored 1837 general store boasts a rustic elegance, transporting you back in time. You might be seated upstairs in the main dining room, with its exposed beams and warm lighting, or perhaps downstairs in the tavern area with its cozy pub-like feel.
As you peruse the menu, you'll find a focus on upscale comfort food with a weekly seafood specialty. Perhaps you'll opt for a juicy steak or melt-in-your-mouth salmon. Fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage, with creative side dishes and homemade touches like pickled beets adding a delightful twist.
Yes that is indeed a real railroad track next to the restaurant, and trains will sometimes pass by - adds a bit of nostalgia to the entire restaurant experience.
All of the above images for the Tavern on the Rail Restaurant are the property of The Tavern on the Rail via their website. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant
Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant
Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant
Callie Opie's Orchard RestaurantLocated 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 menu boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. It might change depending on the season, but you can expect a focus on farm-to-table goodness. Perhaps you'll start with a salad bursting with crisp greens, locally-sourced tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette. For your main course, the menu might offer tempting options like a juicy steak drizzled with a herb butter made with fresh garden herbs, or a pan-seared trout served alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.
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.
Images 1, 2 & 3 above are the property of Callie Opie's Orchard Restaurant via their website. Image # 4 is the property of Victoria "Part-Time Vegan" M. via the Yelp Website.
Lake Anna Winery
Lake Anna Winery
Lake Anna Winery
Lake Anna WineryLocated 3.75 miles east of the Route 208 Bridge on the south side of the highway, Lake Anna Winery is a beautiful and popular destination for wine lovers, offering a variety of award-winning wines and a scenic setting for tastings, events, and tours.
The tasting experience here allows you to explore the range of Lake Anna Winery's creations. You can choose from a selection of their estate-grown wines, crafted from European and hybrid grape varietals. Whether you prefer crisp whites, bold reds, or something sweeter, there's a wine to tempt your palate. Savor each sip, appreciating the unique characteristics of each varietal and the dedication that goes into creating them.
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Also known as "Vinnie's Pizza". Located on route 33 behind McDonalds. We've been coming here for over 20 years, and have 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 !
Dining at the Roma Italian Restaurant offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, with guests praising its welcoming service and delicious food. The restaurant specializes in classic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and subs, with homemade sauces and generous portions. Regulars highlight the authenticity of the flavors, especially noting the pizza’s crisp crust and fresh ingredients. Many also appreciate the cozy ambiance that feels like a homey retreat, making it a popular choice for both casual dining and special occasions. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a satisfying slice of pizza, Roma is known for its reliable quality and friendly service.
Located on the east side of main street of Louisa (across the street from the Court House), everything we've had here has been top notch, including awesome breakfasts and amazing pies! Floozie's is known for their delicious homemade pies, both sweet and savory.
They have a wide variety of pies to choose from, so you're sure to find one that you'll love. While the pies might be the star of the show, Floozie's also offers a variety of other breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, soups, quiches, and salads.
Floozie's Pie Shop in Louisa, VA, is renowned for its delicious pies, both sweet and savory, made from scratch. With a reputation for quality, the pies are described as a must-try in the area. Whether you’re indulging in a classic fruit pie or a hearty savory option, visitors rave about the shop's commitment to homemade goodness. The cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and the shop’s signature pies make it a popular stop for locals and travelers alike.
Located on Main Street immediately next door to Floozies. If you're looking for something different than the usual American fare, Obrigado offers a taste of the Mediterranean. Their menu features dishes that combine fresh, seasonal ingredients with bold flavors. Obrigado prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, including American Angus beef, fresh seafood, and locally-sourced produce whenever possible. We've had lunch & dinner here and we can vouch for how good the food is!
The dining experience at Obrigado Restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and American favorites. Guests have praised the food for being made from fresh, often local ingredients. Popular dishes include Reuben sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken salad, and their standout calamari appetizer. The homemade desserts, especially the chocolate peanut butter pie, are a must-try.
Located on the west side of Main Street behind McDonalds. Los Tres Potrillos is known for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. They use fresh ingredients to prepare traditional dishes, offering a taste of Mexico right in Louisa. Los Tres Potrillos boasts a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, ranking #4 out of 18 restaurants in Louisa. This suggests that many diners have had a positive experience there.
Dining at Los Tres Potrillos offers an authentic and flavorful experience of Mexican cuisine in a casual, strip-mall setting. The restaurant is known for its consistent offerings of Mexican classics, including hearty burritos, tacos, and fajitas, served with fresh, homemade tortillas and vibrant salsas. A standout feature is the House Special, which includes a variety of traditional dishes like chalupas, chile rellenos, and enchiladas, often paired with savory rice and beans.
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.
Cooling Pond Brewery offers a relaxed and inviting experience for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Located near Lake Anna, the brewery provides a cozy ambiance with its rustic and charming interior, featuring wooden tables, warm lighting, and an outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying craft beers while soaking up the natural surroundings.
All of the above images of the Cooling Pond Brewery are the property of the Cooling Pond Brewery via their website. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
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 - and - the outside area is dog friendly!
This laid-back hangout boasts a mind-blowing selection of craft brews, catering to every taste bud. Feeling adventurous? Their friendly staff will happily guide you through the options, ensuring you find your perfect pint. Want to get competitive? Challenge your crew to a game of cornhole or connect four on the lawn. Laughter and friendly taunts are guaranteed, especially as the good vibes flow!
This isn't your typical fancy restaurant. The Tap House embraces a casual, welcoming atmosphere that caters to everyone. Locals gather here to catch up, families enjoy a fun day trip, and boaters unwind after exploring the lake. Special events like wing nights and live music add to the lively atmosphere. So, check their website before you go - there might just be the perfect event to match your lakeside fun!
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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.
Coyote Hole offers a taste of paradise for cider and beer lovers. Sample their flagship Green Apple Sangria cider, filled with fruity sweetness, or a lightly dry-hopped option for a more balanced taste. Feeling adventurous? Opt for one of their seasonal ciders, like refreshing pear or a vibrant peach variety. Beer enthusiasts can explore their range of craft beers, coming soon in September 2024.
But Coyote Hole isn't just about the drinks. Bring your furry friend along – the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a delicious meal and some quality time with your pet. Their menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Live music, trivia nights, and even movie nights under the stars add to the fun. They also host special events throughout the year, like a haunted trail for the spooky season.
All of this set of images are the property of Coyote Hole Ciderworks via their Yelp Site page. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
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.
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Directly next door to the "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!
Dining at Joe-Joe's provides a fun and casual experience with a focus on delicious, hand-crafted pizza and hero sandwiches. The establishment is popular with locals and visitors alike for its friendly atmosphere, great service, and tasty menu offerings. The pizzeria offers a wide range of pizza options, including creative toppings and specialty pies, making it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends.
TIP: Try their cheese steak !
All of this set of images are the property of Joe-Joe's Super Heroes & Pizza via their Yelp Site page. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
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 !
They are located on Route 208 just prior to the 208 Bridge (eastern side of the bridge).
High Point Marina on Lake Anna is your one-stop shop for a fun-filled lake adventure. They offer a variety of services to make your time on the water enjoyable and hassle-free. Need a boat? Launch your own from their four ramps or rent a boat for a day of fishing or cruising. If you're new to the area, their friendly staff can guide you to the best fishing spots or recommend must-see locations on the lake. High Point Marina also boasts a fully-stocked convenience store with everything you might need for a day on the water, from bait and tackle to snacks and drinks. And if your boat needs some TLC, they offer dry dock storage and a repair service to keep your vessel shipshape.
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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.
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Located at the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road (route 652) and Elk Creek Road (route 614). They carry an assortment of groceries, snacks, drinks, and basic household items. Need a new fishing lure or a refreshing bottle of sunscreen for your lake day?
Located at the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road (route 652) and Route 208 (New Bridge Road). This store can get busy during the good weather season, as renters will come here to stock up for their visit.
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.
Located in Louisa on the east side of Main Street immediately behind the CVS Store. Full range of grocery items, beer, fresh vegetables, etc.
Located in Mineral on the east side of Mineral Avenue, fresh produce and meats, they carry a variety of groceries, pantry staples, household items, and everyday essentials.
NOTE: There are other grocery stores if you are willing to drive further, click here to view a Google List of grocery stores near Lake Anna.
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.
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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.
For the thrill-seekers, there's a boat launch, so you can rent a kayak or jet ski and explore hidden coves or zip across the water. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line and try their luck reeling in a trophy largemouth bass or feisty crappie.
Over 15 miles of trails weave through the park, perfect for a scenic hike or a peaceful bike ride. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot a deer, a blue heron, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead.
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Lake Anna offers something for everyone, whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or considering a more permanent investment. The area boasts a variety of options, including boat dealers, boat rental shops, and plenty of real estate opportunities. From cozy vacation homes and waterfront properties on both the public and private sides of the lake to expansive farms and plots of land, there are options to fit every lifestyle and budget.
Not looking to buy? No problem! Lake Anna is home to numerous rental services that make it easy to enjoy the lake life without the long-term commitment. You can rent everything from boats, jet skis, and paddleboards to vacation homes and cabins. There are even marinas and shops where you can rent fishing gear or book guided tours for a more immersive experience.
Beyond recreational activities, the Lake Anna area features charming local businesses, restaurants, and events that cater to visitors year-round. Whether you're into water sports, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shoreline, Lake Anna is a destination that has it all.
Need more information? A quick Google search will connect you with boat dealers, real estate listings, rental services, and more. So go ahead—explore all that Lake Anna has to offer. Have fun and make some unforgettable memories!
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;
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