Philpott Lake

Swimming at Philpott Lake

On the map, Philpott Lake is centered near 36.7814, -80.0275. Outflow feeds the Smith River. Surface elevation is about 974 feet.

Around Philpott Lake this guide maps 9 public recreation areas. Recreation areas nearby include Philpott Park, Turkey Island and Bowens Creek. Facilities vary from one access point to the next, so check before you rely on one.

Station 02071900, PHILPOTT RES AT PHILPOTT DAM NR PHILPOTT, VA, publishes the water surface elevation used here. The last value stored here, 968.00 ft, is from 2026-09-09. The Corps of Engineers puts the top of the flood pool at 985.0 ft. The top of the dam sits at 1,016.0 ft. A falling pool widens the beaches and shortens the ramps, so it is worth checking before you drive out.

Water quality is monitored unevenly on inland lakes, so posted notices are the most reliable guide. Most Virginia day-use areas open for the summer season and close outside it. There is no water temperature sensor here, so only air conditions are shown.

The closest lakes in this guide are Smith Mountain Lake (Virginia, 33 mi), Belews Lake (North Carolina, 33 mi) and Little River Reservoir (Virginia, 36 mi). In all, 10 lakes in Virginia are covered here.