• 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.
• 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​​​​
  

• 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. ​