CAMPING – Primitive & Electric Hookups
Primitive Campsites:
Twenty all wooded sites with no water or electricity.
Camping rates – $18 / day; $108 / week; $378 / month.
Campsites with water & electricity:
Twenty all wooded sites with 20/30/50 AMP Water & Electric hookups.
Camping rates – $28 / day; $168 / week; $588 / month.
Click here for more information about camping at Rural Retreat Lake.
FISHING – Trout Pond + 90-acre Fishing Lake
Overview
Rural Retreat Lake is a 90-acre impoundment owned by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.
Located just south of the community of Rural Retreat, Virginia, the lake is surrounded by the Rural Retreat Lake Park, a recreational facility owned by Wythe County.
Fishing
Trout Pond: (Fishing License & Trout Stamp Required)
90 Acre Fishing Lake(Muskee, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappy)
Click here for more information about fishing at Rural Retreat Lake.
BOATING – Electric Motors Only
Those fishing are permitted to use boats with electric motors. No gas powered or battle boats allowed.
HIKING – Several Hiking Trails
Hike around the entire 90-acre lake on one of the lake’s many nature hiking trails.
BIRD WATCHING
Located on the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries’ Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail, the Rural Retreat Lake’s hardwood forest and reedy marshland allow excellent opportunities for birding. In summer, the area is prolific with nesting wetland species including red-winged blackbird, and green heron in the swampier sections. The lake itself offers prime habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl in winter and migration. The occasional osprey and bald eagle are fairly common and can be seen virtually any time of year. The forested areas, composed of a mixture of oak, maple, and pine, attract an interesting array of songbirds. Fields near the lake host some of the few bobolink nesting in Wythe County. Look for these jewels in longer grass that hasn’t been harvested or on roadside telephone wires, especially near the intersection of Rt. 615 and Rt. 679.
PICNIC SHELTERS
Rural Retreat Lake provides four shelters available for rent throughout the the months of May to October.
Click Here for more information about renting the picnic shelters.
SWIMMING
The Rural Retreat Lake Pool is opened daily, between the months of June and September. With food and WiFi available the Junior Olympic size pool and adjoining kiddy pool are sure to provide lasting fun!
Click Here for more information.
FRISBEE GOLF – 9 Hole Disc Golf Course
Serving as the only 9-hole disc golf course in the region, the FREE to use Frisbee golf course at the Rural Retreat Lake has quickly grown into a popular destination for those who have found this new sport to be both challenging and relaxing.