Lake Robertson
Lake Robertson is a 75-acre recreation area (with ~500 acres maintained by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for hunting) featuring a 26-acre lake with boat rentals, tennis courts, a swimming pool, picnic shelters, 53 tent and full hook up sites, cabin, and eight intersecting hiking trails.
Description
Lake Robertson is a 31-acre impoundment tucked in the mountainous terrain of western Rockbridge County. The lake was constructed in 1971 and appropriately named in honor of an ardent sportsman, Senator A. Willis Robertson. Lake Robertson is the focal point for a 581 acre tract of agency land, most of which is managed for hunting.
Hiking
A wooden kiosk on the drive into Lake Robertson has a pamphlet detailing the eight hiking trails in the area. The trials can be accessed from the boat launch area or the campgrounds. Loop opportunities include Lake Trail, Opossum Pass, Deer Lick Trail, Squirrel Run, and Grouse Haven Trail Loop. All the trails are fairly easy, but even simpler strolls include Hawk Creek, Lake Trail, and Turkey Roost Trail.
In the summertime all of the trails are brimming with wild and black berries, though always be careful to make sure these berries are truly edible as some berries can be toxic when ingested.
Fishing
Lake Robertson is a crystal clear lake with an average depth of 18 feet. Fish the lake for potential bites from Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Walleye. Bass are abundant and several have been caught over 10 pounds. Channel catfish grow in the 15 – 30 inch size range. Walleye grow well here and have attained sizes up to 7 pounds.
Fish habitat manipulation is a common tool at Lake Robertson including seasonal stocking, introduced cedar tree and hinge trees, beaver lodges, and sterile grass carp to help control water weeds.
- A concrete boat launch, a handicap fishing pier, a courtesy dock and fish cleaning station are available for angler convenience. A concession stand handles boat rentals, campground registration, and fish bait.
- No gasoline motors allowed, electric or paddle only.
Camping
Lake Robertson offers 53 total tent and full hook-up sites in a clean and quiet, mountainous environment. Sites are available to accommodate most all sizes of recreational vehicles or tents (some are pull-through).
- All sites have a fire ring, picnic table, water and electricity
- Comfort stations with individual showers, dressing rooms, and laundry rooms
- Disposal dumping station
Camping Fees include water and electricity hookups. Campers are $35 per night, tents are $30 per night and Golden Age Passport discounts for trailers are $25 per night. Cash, money orders, or checks only. No credit cards accepted.
Check availability and make RESERVATIONS or call 540-463-4164.
Driving Directions
From the Lexington Visitor Center, drive east on Washington Street to a left at the stoplight onto East Nelson Street (US-60). Continue .2 mile to a right onto Lee Highway (US-11 S Bypass). Drive .9 mile and continue straight through the stop light onto Link Road (VA-251). After 5.3 miles, turn right to stay on VA-251 (a sign points the way to Lake Robertson). In 4.3 miles, continue straight onto Turnpike Road (Rt. 770), and turn left in .4 mile to remain on Turnpike. Lake Robertson will be on the right in approximately 1.3 miles and is clearly marked.
Tips
All visitors 17 or older must have a permit or a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration. This permit can be obtained from Virginia Department of Wildlife Recourses prior to your visit by calling 1-866-721-6911 or visiting their website. For those camping at Lake Robertson, patrons are exempt from this fee.
Insider's Tips
- Bring a picnic, fishing pole, and swimsuit to enjoy the park’s amenities after your hike.
- Consider an overnight stay at one of the park’s camping sites or cabin.
- This hike is only a short drive from North Mountain, so come ready for twice the hiking fun.
- Lexington’s go-to greasy spoon diner is a must. Lexington Restaurant offers short-order service to booths, the 1950s counter, and the dining room in the back. Get comfortable and fill up before heading out to for a hike.