Lake Anna, VA

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

by and

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.

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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.

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Lake Anna Information       Map
Lake Anna Dimensions
Lake Anna Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Anna Public Boat Ramps
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

The 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.

 Launch Ramps 
  • Sturgeon Creek Marina
  • Christopher Run Campground
  • Highpoint Marina
  • Anna Point Marina
  • Duke's Creek Marina
  • The Cove at Lake Anna
  • Google Search Results list for "Lake Anna Launch Ramps"
  • Boat Storage/Boat Launch list at Lake Anna Rental Properties
 Boat Rentals 
  • Lake Anna Dockside Realty list of boat Rentals
  • Mid-Atlantic Boat Rentals
  • Duke's Creek Marina Boat Rentals
  • LKA Water Sports Boat Rentals
  • Google Search Results Page for Lake Anna area Boat Rentals
  • Google Search Results Page for Lake Anna Pontoon Rentals
  • Google Search Results Page for "Lake Anna Jet Ski Rentals"
Water Recreation on Lake Anna

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
 
Lake Anna/Louisa County Area Restaurants

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

  

All of these images 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.

 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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).

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

  

All of the Tavern on the Rail images above are the property of Tavern on the Rail via their Yelp Page. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.

 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

  

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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 !

City of Louisa, VA Restaurants
 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
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!

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
Obrigado Restaurant
109 West Main Street
Louisa, VA 23093

Located at immediately next door to Floozies. Menu here includes some European dishes, seafood, etc.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
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!

Lake Anna Breweries & Cideries
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

  

All of these images are the property of Cooling Pond Brewery via their website. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

  

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.

City of Mineral, VA Restaurants
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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!

TIP: Try their cheese steak !

  

All of these images are the property of Joe-Joe's Super Heroes & Pizza via the Yelp Website. All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.

Lake Anna Businesses

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 !

A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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
 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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.

 
 
Grocery Stores
 
Elk Creek Country Store

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.

   Click here to view a Google Map

Food Lion Shopping Center

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.

   Click here to view a Google Map

 
Dickinson's Store
 

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.

 
 
Sturgeon Creek Marina
 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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
 
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss
A Hidden Gem for Lakeside Retreats and Waterfront Bliss

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 Summary

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!

Lake Anna Medical Services

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;

Exploring Lake Anna      Map
 Things to do in Lake Anna area 
 Day-trips from Lake Anna 
  • Visit President Thomas Jefferson's home; click here to go to the Monticello Website. Or click here to see some of our Monticello images.
  • After your Monticello visit, consider lunch at Mitchie Tavern. They offer buffet style "southern food" and it is very good!
  • Visit President James Monroe's home; click here to go to the Montpelier Website.
  • Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains; click here to view a a list of hikes to consider.
  • After hiking in the Blue Ridge, consider lunch at the BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, 19 miles from Mineral and the food here is very good.
  • Visit President William Henry Harrison's home; click here to go to the Berkeley Plantation Website.
  • Visit President George Washington's home; click here to go to the Mount Vernon Website.
  • Colonial Williamsburg provides you with a view of the colonial era and the Jamestown Settlement Site is nearby as well. Click here to view their website or click here to view a trip we made to Williamsburg.
  • Visit Kings Dominion located at 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047 on the east side of I-95. It is a 30 mile drive from Lake Anna via route 618/738 and Route 1.
  • Visit Dominion Raceway located at 6501 Dominion Raceway, Woodford, VA 22580 on the east side of I-95 approximately 32 miles from Lake Anna.
  • Civil War Sites; click here to see a list of Civil War sites near Lake Anna.
  • Explore nearby towns; Including Louisa, Orange, Culpeper, Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg, all located within a 30-minute drive of Lake Anna.
  • The Lewis Gintner Botanical Gardens; located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228. Beautiful grounds with a wide array of various flowers & other plants for your enjoyment. Click here to see some of our Botanical Garden images.
  • Shenandoah National Park is 47 miles from Mineral via US 33, and the hiking and scenery there are very good. Get yourself a good book about where to hike, because there are a lot of good hikes all over this park. Click here to go to our Shenandoah National Park page.
 Interested in Lake Anna Property? 
  • Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
  • Lake Anna Resort Realty
  • Dockside Realty
  • Lake Anna Realty
  • Lake Anna Island Realty
  • Lake Anna Homes & Properties for sale
  • Lake Anna Homes & Land for sale
  • Zillow list of Lake Anna Properties for sale
  • Mineral, VA list of properties for sale
  • Google List of Lake Anna Realtors
 Suggested links for Lake Anna 
  • Lake Anna Article in Wikipedia
  • Lake Anna History
  • History of Louisa County
  • History of Mineral, VA
  • Google list of things to do & see near Lake Anna
  • Google Search Results list for "Lake Anna Restaurants"
  • Google Search Results list for "accommodations near Lake Anna"
  • Louisa County Historical Society
  • Visit our Youtube Channel
  • Our Lake Anna Image Gallery
  • Google Image Gallery for Lake Anna
 
 

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Note: All images on this page are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

Note: If you are interested, click here to view our European Travel Tips & Warnings. Or to take a look at our methods for planning, click here to view our Trip Planning Page..

 
 

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