Carvins Cove Recreation Area

This place is heaven. I knew it existed but I wanted to try the (free) parks first. I shouldn't have waited so long. Gorgeous. Love the water. I only walked half of an easy trial.

Will probably get an annual pass next year. It was 67 degrees but cool and windy near the water, so I'll wait until spring to visit again.

Dog friendly. They can't go in the water or on rented boats. There are probably more rules. My dog can't wait to go back.

I've been here many times over the years but I came up during the January 2024 snowstorm to do a photo session with a local model. Everyone was very nice and helpful at the office. It's a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, flat water kayaking, bird watching, picnicking and just relaxing outside.

I can not say enough about this place! I just so happened upon it and the sunset there was spectral. I spoke to a very nice man, Jim, who worked there. Great conversation! I came back in the morning to kayak. The workers in the morning were friendly and helpful as well. Cash or check only for entrance. Beautiful. Quiet.

Always the hidden gem if you want to get out. They have rentals here, we went kayaking and fishing. Huge fish would jump out the water every now and again. We seen a bald eagle at one point. We didn't even explore all the lake it's pretty vast with trails but wonderful to explore even by water. Can't swim here but we took a dip in the water if we got hot. I don't remember if there was restrooms, we didn't go looking but I'm guessing there is as there is a BBR pavilion area.

Only had 2 hours so I decided to drop my kayak in the reservoir and glide around. I absolutely will stop by Carvins Cove Rec. Area then next time I am passing thought the Roanoke, VA area.

Y’all - whether you live in Roanoke or are just passing through, Carvins Cove is a ‘must visit’ for anyone who enjoys some quiet time out in nature. This site offers so many activities ranging from hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The area is absolutely beautiful and the folks staffing the visitor center are always so kind and helpful. I can’t recommend this enough as a stop on your next outing.

Great time. Great weather. Kayak rentals are $7 per person per hour for a single seater and $11 per person per hour for a tandem. If you bring your own Kayak/canoe its $5 per boat. There is no swimming or wading allowed but you can fish from shore or boat. Wonderful views. Hiking and mountain biking trails on site as well.

A gem in our own backyard. You can rent kayaks, paddleboats, or bring your own. Fishing allowed, but no swimming. $5 per person in your own boat or $18 to rent a single kayak for 3 hours. Surprisingly clean bathrooms. Beautiful hiking trails. One of my favorite little getaways.

Super fun! It was my first time at Carvins Cove and I loved it. There are picnic tables with shelters, stand a lone bathrooms and Porter potties, charcoal grills, kayaks, paddle boats and heaps of other things to do. Oh and you can fish there. Everyone was friendly and it was so clean! There is a minimal charge but so worth it!

Great spot for an open water paddle, hike or bike in SW Virginia. Neatly tucked into the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, this lake is a paddler's dream filled with endless scenery, wildlife, and an extensive network of trails for those looking to hike or mountain bike.

We spend several hours exploring this area, hiking on the trails, saying hello to doggies, enjoying the spectacular picture that God painted for us. This picture was taken from the trail as we looked over the waters, and I like how the sky and all was reflecting. It does cost $7 to park here, so be prepared for that. The trail, which runs along the water, was pretty easy for the first [maybe] mile or so and then had a bit of a moderate section. I still would not call it hard. Nature called, and this place was worth answering.

Always beautiful here. You'd really have to try to be unhappy in a place like this.

Beautiful park... I launched my kyack had a good time. Single vehicle day pass $7, year pass $50. I'd say it's worth the money.

Beautiful area to bring family to launch boats, rent kayaks, walk trails. There's a nice fishing pier, picnic tables, even bring your horses!! Handicap accessible.

Absolutely stunning. A friend I made an imprompt trip the day before memorial day. Expecting it to be packed. Which that was what we were looking for. Daily rate is $3 per person which is more than fair. The scenery is beautiful. The hiking trails in good condition. I'll definitely will be back again.

WE'RE coming back soon. This place are recommended by one of my youtube followers. Today we came and went for a hiked and let me tell you my son had a blast.

Nice place to hike. Have had picnics in the past and also kayaked.

Great outdoor place. My kids and I love to go fishing and hiking. Too bad I don't own a boat or we'd go out on the water

Such a magical place to kayak before sunset!

A Hidden Treasure! The Tinker Creek Greenway is a steady trail that steadily increases in steepness!