Lake of the Woods

Orange County, Virginia, USA

It offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunity surrounded by forested hills and peaceful shorelines.

500 acres

Surface Area

45 ft

Max Depth

4,260

Number of lots

1968

Created

**Photo Courtesy of Lake Homes Realty

Tiffany Hazelwood

Associate Broker, Lake Homes Realty

As a Richmond native and Lake of the Woods expert, Tiffany Hazelwood combines her lifelong love of the lake with years of real estate success. Known for her dedication and record sales, she helps buyers and sellers achieve their dream lifestyle on and off the water.

804-874-2237

tiffanyhazelwood@aol.com

www.lakehomes.com/agents/tiffany-hazelwood

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About Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is a planned, gated residential recreation community centered on two man-made lakes. The larger “Main Lake” spans about 500 acres and is fed by Flat Run and several springs; its depth ranges from as shallow as 2 ft in its upstream reaches to about 45 ft near the Veterans Memorial Dam, which is 1,450 ft long and 60 ft high.

The lake community covers roughly 2,600 acres with about 4,260 lots, of which around 850 have lake frontage. The infrastructure includes over 41 miles of paved private roads, security, and a dedicated fire & rescue service located within the community. Since its creation in the late 1960s, the lake and surrounding development have evolved from a resort project into a year-round residential recreation destination.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Lake Anna State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Private Gated Access

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Main Lake size: ~500 acres
Keaton’s Lake size: ~35 acres
Max depth (Main Lake): ~45 ft
Normal lake elevation: 317.5 ft above sea level
Dam built: 1968 (Veterans Memorial Dam)
Community acreage: ~2,600 acres
Number of lots: ~4,260
Private roads: ~41+ miles
Lake frontage lots: ~850

Lake of the Woods Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake of the Woods EVENT GUIDE

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Lake of the Woods DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming & Beaches: Enjoy multiple member-only sandy swim areas around the Main Lake and Keaton’s Lake. Many have roped swim zones, shade, and nearby picnic spots—ideal for families.

Boating & Water Sports: Cruise the Main Lake by pontoon or runabout (within community rules), or explore quiet coves by kayak and paddleboard. Morning and early evening are best for calm water.

Fishing: Target largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish from shore or boat. Try points near deeper water for bass and quiet coves for panfish; check community creel and size limits.

Trails, Parks & Play: Stroll lakeside paths, use pocket parks and playgrounds, or bring a book to a shaded bench with water views.

Wildlife & Birding: Spot herons, ospreys, wood ducks, and seasonal migrants. Dawn and dusk are prime times along marshy inlets.

Access, marinas & ramps

Gated Entry: Lake of the Woods is a private, gated community. Access is for residents, their guests, and approved visitors; check in at the gatehouse with proper identification.

Marinas: Two community marinas on the Main Lake offer slips and seasonal services for members. Fuel, storage, or service options may vary by season—confirm availability in advance.

Launch Points: Multiple community launch areas provide convenient access for trailered boats and paddlecraft. Parking is adjacent or nearby; weekends and holidays fill quickly.

Keaton’s Lake Access: A smaller, quieter lake with its own beach and launch area—great for paddling and relaxed fishing (observe posted watercraft rules).

Guest Policies: Guests must be sponsored by a resident or member and follow all lake ID, sticker, and wristband requirements when using beaches, marinas, or ramps.

Safety & regulations

Community Rules Apply: All lake use follows Lake of the Woods Association regulations, including boat registration/stickers, beach hours, and designated swim zones.
No-Wake & Speed Limits: Obey posted no-wake areas near docks, marinas, beaches, and narrow coves; maintain safe speeds and lookout at all times.
Life Jackets & Equipment: Carry USCG-approved PFDs for every passenger (children should wear them at all times). Keep required lights, horn/whistle, and a throwable device onboard.
Fishing Licenses: A valid Virginia fishing license is required; follow community and state size/creel limits and practice careful catch handling.
Water Quality & Clean Boating: Prevent fuel spills, pack out trash, and rinse hulls/gear to limit invasive species. Glass containers are discouraged on beaches and boats.
Weather & Emergencies: Clear the water at the first sign of lightning or severe weather. Know marina locations and emergency contacts before heading out.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Lake Anna State Park: A larger public lake with hiking, paddling rentals, swimming beach, and interpretive programs—great for a full-day outing.
Historic Fredericksburg: Explore colonial streets, museums, and riverfront dining—about a short drive east.
Wilderness & Chancellorsville Battlefields: Walk storied Civil War trails through quiet forests and interpretive sites near the community.
Culpeper & Wine Country: Head west for boutique shops, farm-to-table dining, and scenic vineyards across the Piedmont.

Events & community

Lake of the Woods is more than just a lake—it’s a full community. The Lake of the Woods Association (LOWA) organizes seasonal events, social clubs, youth programs, and recreational leagues (tennis, equestrian, golf). Residents often enjoy lake festivals, fishing tournaments, holiday gatherings at the clubhouse, and nature walks. The community also runs its own Volunteer Fire & Rescue unit serving both the community and surrounding northeastern Orange County.