There are plenty of great spots close to Chesapeake, VA, that provide ample opportunities for boat enthusiasts. Grab your gear, hop in your Toyota and head out to the Elizabeth River, Lynnhaven River, the Dismal Swamp Canal, Drummond Lake, and the Chesapeake Bay for the ultimate boating experience!
1. The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is roughly 200 miles long and stretches from Havre de Grace in Maryland to Virginia Beach, Virginia. The bay is a dream destination for boaters with small and large watercraft and offers plenty to do and to see with miles and miles of shoreline to explore by boat.
There are loads of boat ramps where you can launch your boat, the closest to Chesapeake being Lynnhaven Boat Ramp at 3576 Piedmont Circle in Virginia Beach. There are four concrete boat launch lanes and a launch for canoes and kayaks to the Lynnhaven River and the bay. You can also access the river and the bay at Lynnhaven Municipal Marina at 3211 Lynnhaven Drive.
2. The Lynnhaven River
The Lynnhaven River is a tidal estuary and runs through the breathtaking First Landing State Park. Launch your motorboat, canoe, or kayak from the Narrows Boat Ramp at the 64th Street extension in the park. You can also use the Lynnhaven Inlet or Crab Creek Boat Ramp at E Stratford Road. Just follow the signs to the ramp on the left.
3. The Dismal Swamp Canal
Explore the beautiful, forested wetlands of the 100,000-acre Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge down the Dismal Swamp Canal that flows through the refuge. The canal is 22 miles long with a depth of six feet and can accommodate watercraft up to 50 feet wide and 300 feet long.
The Ballahack Boat Ramp at 3700 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail provides easy access to launch a small boat, canoe, or kayak. There is also a single boat launch at 1246 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail at the George Washington Highway South intersection.
4. Lake Drummond
The 3,000-acre Lake Drummond is in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and is one of only two natural freshwater lakes in the state. The lake is also the main water supply for the Dismal Swamp Canal. It’s a fantastic destination to go boating and even go on a cruise.
Just sit back and drift on the water to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Use the feeder ditch off the Dismal Swamp Canal to access Lake Drummon or drive through the refuge to the boat ramp along Route 17, south of Deep Creek.
5. The Elizabeth River
You don’t have to drive far to enjoy a day on the water. Elizabeth River Park at 1400 Elizabeth River Way right here in Chesapeake has one of the most active boat ramps on the Elizabeth River. There is also a fishing pier and a Snack Shack. Great Bridge Lock Park at 100 Locks Road is another place with easy access to the river. There is a large parking lot for boats and a boat ramp with launches.
Go on an outdoor adventure and enjoy a great day on the water at the best spots in the region!
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