Fairy Stone State Park
State park
4.6 (1817)
967 Fairystone Lake Dr, Stuart, VA 24171
Named for cross-shaped staurolite found here, the forested park has a lake, cabins & hiking trails.
LakeVA
Fairy Stone State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Fairy Stone Lake beach visit with designated swimming rules, park directions, facilities and practical advice for an unguarded swim.
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Parking fee applies; consult official fee schedule
Best season
Choose a visit around current weather, beach notices and the services you need, not a guaranteed water temperature
Nearby towns
Stuart
Water body
Fairy Stone Lake
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Stuart
Access location not verified
STUART, VA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Fairy Stone State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Swimming at Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone Lake has a designated swimming beach in Patrick County, Virginia. It is not an unofficial roadside swimming hole, and it is not the same swimming destination as neighboring Philpott Reservoir. Plan your visit around the signed beach rather than looking for an entry along any convenient stretch of shoreline.
Where swimming is permitted
The park allows unguarded swimming at the designated beach and prohibits swimming elsewhere in the park. Check posted notices before entering. Unguarded access means you must plan for your own supervision, swimming ability and rescue limitations. Stay with children, avoid swimming alone and leave the water during storms. A beach designation is not a guarantee of today's water quality or conditions.
Facilities and planning
Use 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171, and follow park signs to the beach. The park lists daily hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; individual facilities can have shorter hours. Beach restrooms are listed, but confirm any essential accessibility or changing requirements directly with staff. Call 276-930-2424 for current access and facility information. Parking fees apply; consult the official fee schedule rather than assuming admission includes every rental or activity.
Make it a longer visit
Camping and cabins provide overnight options, subject to availability and reservation terms. Bring the supplies required for your booking and check seasonal services before travel. For a non-swimming activity, consider a ranger-led fairy stone program. Use the designated hunt location and current collection rules rather than searching or digging indiscriminately along trails.
Paddling and swimming require different planning. Gas-powered boats are not permitted on Fairy Stone Lake; electric trolling motors are allowed. Check rental availability before relying on a boat as part of your itinerary.
Getting There
Navigate to 967 Fairystone Lake Drive, Stuart, VA 24171. Follow the official park directions and signs to the designated swimming beach.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Swim only at the designated beach and follow current signs. Beach facilities and rental services have separate schedules. The old Rocky Mount town map pin has been removed.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Stony Fork Campground
Campground
4.6 (298)
109 Krenning Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Wytheville KOA Holiday
Campground
4.6 (1367)
231 KOA Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Deer Trail Park & Campground
Campground
4.1 (216)
599 Gullion Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Flying J Travel Center
Truck stop
4.2 (2538)
3249 Chapman Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382
Wi-Fi
Circle K
Public bathroom
3 (39)
1995 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382
Restroom
Wytheville Town Vistors Center
Tourist information center
4.8 (164)
975 Tazewell St, Wytheville, VA 24382
Restroom
Wytheville Regional Visitor Cn
Visitor center
4.6 (35)
975 Tazewell St, Wytheville, VA 24382
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairy Stone State Park
Is swimming allowed at Fairy Stone State Park?
Yes, at the designated beach only. Follow posted restrictions; swimming elsewhere in the park is prohibited.
Is the swimming beach guarded?
The current park information describes unguarded swimming. Plan your own supervision and do not assume lifeguards will be present.
Can I use a motorboat on Fairy Stone Lake?
Gas-powered boats are prohibited on this lake. Electric trolling motors are permitted. Neighboring Philpott Reservoir has different boating arrangements.
Can I use the old map pin to find the beach?
No. The previous coordinate was a Rocky Mount town geocode, not the park or beach. Use the official address and park signs instead.
Highlights
Designated lake swimming beach
Camping and cabin options
Fairy stone programs
Unique Features
Fairy stones, unique cross-shaped crystals
Part of Virginia’s original state parks
Geological and folkloric significance
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Supervise children closely, do not swim alone, avoid storms and follow beach restrictions
- Clear-looking water does not prove safe conditions
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Fairy Stone State Park is part of Virginia’s early state park system and is named for the staurolite crystals, which hold cultural and folkloric significance in the region.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Capture the lake at sunrise or sunset, photograph the park’s unique fairy stones, and take panoramic shots from hiking trail overlooks.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
The park practices environmental stewardship and encourages visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect its natural and cultural resources.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More Virginia swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in Virginia.
Lakes swimming holes
Find similar lakes destinations across the directory.
Hidden gems in Virginia
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in Virginia
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
You Might Also Like
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a visit around current weather, beach notices and the services you need, not a guaranteed water temperature.
Difficulty Level
Beach approach and accessible water-entry details should be confirmed with park staff.
Fee
Parking fee applies; consult official fee schedule
Facilities
Beach restrooms are listed. Confirm current changing facilities, accessible beach entry and seasonal services with the park.
Activities
Swimming, Boating
Phone
276-930-2424
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
At site, rental cabins too.
Nearby Attractions
- Blue Ridge Parkway - Scenic Byway
- Philpott Lake - Reservoir / Recreation Area
- Explore Park - State Park
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park - State Park
- Roanoke City Market - Historic Market District
- Virginia Museum of Transportation - Museum
- Rocky Mount Historic Downtown - Town
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America