Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area
The Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area is a 42-acre preserve with more than 12,000 feet of shoreline located at 5381 Shell Road in the Bayside Borough of Virginia Beach. The area is a popular fishing destination.
Recent Improvements
- New boat ramp
- Formalized car and boat trailer parking
- Stabilization along the shoreline to prevent erosion and re-establish native vegetation
- Several fishing and overlook platforms
- Floating crew dock
- Pedestrian Bridge to connect the north and south parcel
- Renovations to the existing soft-surface trail along with the installation of hard surface trails
- New playground and a picnic shelter
- New park office and restrooms
Though the natural area surrounding Lake Lawson and Lake Smith is being improved by the City of Virginia Beach, the City of Norfolk still owns the water/reservoir and 25 feet around the water. As such, Norfolk currently controls the use of water regulations, including the requirement for a boat permit to use the water.
For shelter reservations, please call 757-385-PARK (7275).
Kayak rentals are now available at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith! Our self-service kiosks function like vending machines—simply scan the QR code with your smartphone, download the app, and follow the prompts to rent a kayak or purchase an unlimited rental membership!
Each kayak comes equipped with a paddle and a personal flotation device, so all you need to bring is sunscreen and water. It's a fun and convenient way to explore our beautiful waterways! Please note that rentals are for individuals 18 and older.
Rental Prices
- Unlimited Rental Membership: $99/year
- 2-hour rental: $25
- Additional hours thereafter: $15/hour
- Motorized and non-motorized boating is permitted.
- Motors no larger than 10 H.P. may be used; If a boat with a larger motor is put in the reservoir, the larger motor must be disabled.
- All boats, including canoes, kayaks*, and paddle boats (i.e. paddle wheelers), must have a valid City of Norfolk Boat Permit; the reservoirs of Lake Smith/Lake Lawson are governed by the City of Norfolk. There is ample vehicle and trailer parking. From the parking area, you will need to transport/carry/roll your canoe/kayak approximately 100 yards down the asphalt path. *Kayaks rented through Parks & Recreation’s Rent.Fun kiosk do not need a City of Norfolk Boat Permit.
- Swimming and the use of stand-up paddleboards, sailboats, water skis, jet skis, tubes, rafts, and other inflatables are not permitted.
- All boats must comply with Virginia and U.S. Coast Guard boating regulations.
- Anyone under the age of 12 must be with an adult.
- Average water depth of Lake Smith and Lake Lawson is about 4.5 feet with a maximum depth of about 9 feet.
- Kayak rentals are available at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith by scanning the QR code at the Rent Fun kiosk in the park.
- Fishing is permitted from designated shore areas and overlooks; boat fishing is permitted at designated areas with a boat permit.
- Fishing maps can be found at Norfolk.gov.
- A Virginia Freshwater Fishing license is required.
- Net fishing is not permitted; rod and tackle only.
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries regulations apply.
- Average water depth of Lake Smith and Lake Lawson is about 4.5 feet with a maximum depth of about 9 feet.
The property was acquired in multiple parcels between 2005 and 2009 through the Open Space Acquisition Program from the City of Norfolk and private landowners. The Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Master Plan was established in December 2010 with input from the public. The plan, which was very well received, provides a framework for planning, recreational programming, development, and management of the site.
