Lake Arrowhead Park and Recreation Area — Attraction in Luray

Lake Arrowhead in Luray, Virginia, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake offers breathtaking views, serene waters, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway or an active day outdoors. Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring nearby Luray Caverns or Shenandoah National Park, this park is well worth a visit.

The lake is ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the well-stocked waters, with largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish commonly caught. A valid Virginia fishing license and town permit are required, but the peaceful setting and quiet shoreline make it well worth the effort. Boating is allowed (electric motors only), and there's a public boat ramp for easy access.

For hikers and nature lovers, there's a scenic 1-mile loop trail around the lake. The path is mostly flat and offers great views, especially in fall when the foliage reflects beautifully off the water. Birdwatchers may spot herons, ducks, and other wildlife.

The park also features a large, family-friendly white-sand beach (open seasonally), picnic shelters, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it perfect for group gatherings, reunions, or peaceful afternoons with loved ones. While the beach may be closed occasionally for maintenance or weather, the surrounding park remains accessible year-round.

Parking is ample and affordable, and the park is clean, safe, and well-maintained. Locals often say it's one of the best-kept secrets in Page County.

In short, Lake Arrowhead is a charming and versatile destination that blends natural beauty with recreational comfort. Whether you come to fish, hike, paddle, or simply relax by the water, this park offers something...

I visited here about 10 years ago and LOVED it - a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area existed. Today, August 11 2025, we drove in to find that there are large signs up saying NO SWIMMING OR BEACH ACCESS - and yes to echo another reviewer, signs threatening being PERMANENTLY BANNED from the lake if you ignore their warnings. I had to look it up and found an article that said due to various issues including low staffing and lack of lifeguards they decided to close the beach for the WHOLE 2025 SEASON. This is terrible management. Let people deal with the risks on their own - like any public access on a river area. Don't call the Lake OPEN on Google and saying that it features a lake with a sandy beach for fishing, if everyone is BANNED from it. (Furthermore, if you have no staffing to even allow the beach to be open, how do you have enough staffing to make sure people ignoring those decrees get permanently kicked out?? hmm something does not make sense here.) Very disappointed today. I would hope that an acceptable solution could be found soon for next year. And at least correct the Google listing so people aren't driving an hour to find out that you can't...

I left home a few minutes before I needed to for an appointment. (My friends are already saying this is not the same Bernette Hilliard I know...she is never early for anything. But surprise...it is me.). As I was approaching the entrance to the lake, it hit me that it had been quite a while since I had been to the lake without a reason. I pulled on the hill overlooking the lake and rolled my windows down and turned the ignition off and just sat there. It was beautiful. Water, trees, blue sky. Then I looked closer...a mom with a toddler running in the sand, a man jogging, a couple walking their dog carrying on a conversation that appeared trivial, other families eating, kids actually playing outdoors, a man throwing a ball into the lake so his dog would retrieve it, families walking together and talking, birds, rabbits. Who knows what I missed? It was amazing. So many people enjoying this beautiful day at the lake. And I was so thankful that I did have those few minutes to stop, watch and take in everyone’s happiness and the beauty of it all. What a blessing those few...