I would go to Lake Anna, but try to rent a house at the southern end of the lake. The water quality issues are almost exclusively north of the 208 bridge, plus it is much busier on the lake north of the bridge. The state park isn't much of an option because there aren't many hotels/motels to stay and you would need to drive there everyday. I do think the state park has some nice cabins to rent though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

This is OP. I didn’t realize this was an issue! We went to a bay beach last year and couldn’t swim because of the jellyfish. We have one family member with a disability, and longer car rides aren’t possible, so I don’t think we can make it to an ocean beach.

As between bay beach and lake, which is our best bet if we’re doing this for elementary aged kids? They want to play in the sand and get in the water. They also like a nice pool with a water slide or diving board, but I think that might not happen either place. Adults like a clean place to stay that’s not absurdly expensive.

Chesapeake Bay Hyatt seems like it wouldn’t all of your needs.

*would fit

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

This is OP. I didn’t realize this was an issue! We went to a bay beach last year and couldn’t swim because of the jellyfish. We have one family member with a disability, and longer car rides aren’t possible, so I don’t think we can make it to an ocean beach.

As between bay beach and lake, which is our best bet if we’re doing this for elementary aged kids? They want to play in the sand and get in the water. They also like a nice pool with a water slide or diving board, but I think that might not happen either place. Adults like a clean place to stay that’s not absurdly expensive.

Chesapeake Bay Hyatt seems like it wouldn’t all of your needs.

OP, I would recommend Lake Anna. It's easy to get to from the DMV and you can do a nice big airbnb pretty cheaply. The water is super calm (and warm, which yes, I know bothers some people).

We're going over Memorial Day with some friends and really looking forward to it.

There's Greenbrier State Park in MD that's pretty cute and has a sandy beach for the kids to play in. I have only camped there but it would work as a day trip. It may be fun to stay in Frederick for a weekend?

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

So true, reminds me of toilet water. Disgusting.

Just over three hours from NOVA is Lake Gaston, which is on the VA/NC border. We went a few years ago and really enjoyed!

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

I disagree. Ocean beach hotels are going to be a significantly easier option than any lake or bay option in this region.

I know I should let this go, but I cannot believe the hubris of some people on DCUM to believe you know better than the OP what my disabled child is capable of or what would be easier for us/her. We cannot get her to an ocean beach. It’s too far in the car. She will stop breathing.

I cannot imagine a person who thinks he knows better than I do where we can take my child WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING MY CHILD.

I'm getting the same crap on a different thread. So I'm guessing there is a troublemaker on DCUM at the moment. Anyway, another option is Colonial Beach, VA. About 1.5 hours and on the bay. Easy to access beaches too. You can park right in front of the beach.

Ick NO. We enjoyed this beach several years ago but we went last year in July and it was gross... sand washed away, jellyfish washed up on sand, and many jellyfish in the water. Only a few people were brave enough to swim in the water. My son wanted to leave less than an hour after we arrived. And the town looked shabbier than in years past.

That said, there was a storm and sewage spill upstream within a week of our visit so perhaps we just visited there at a bad time. There are online jellyfish trackers you can check before visiting local beaches.

One local trip we really enjoy is Calvert County and St Mary's county. Apx 1.5 hour drive from DC and several parks with water access to Chesapeake bay or Potomac River. Sometimes when we go there are few jellyfish.

Another vote for Cunningham Falls State Park which has a paved parking lot very close (albeit a paved hill path) down to a lake and gentle beach area great for children. One hour drive, no need to stay overnight.

Smith Mountain Lake is a bit further. Bernard's Landing also has pools.

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

+1

They are manmade, warm, silty, and gross.

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

This. Unsafe.

Look into Cunningham Falls State Park, Rocky Gap State Park, or Shenandoah River State Park.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

I disagree. Ocean beach hotels are going to be a significantly easier option than any lake or bay option in this region.

I know I should let this go, but I cannot believe the hubris of some people on DCUM to believe you know better than the OP what my disabled child is capable of or what would be easier for us/her. We cannot get her to an ocean beach. It’s too far in the car. She will stop breathing.

I cannot imagine a person who thinks he knows better than I do where we can take my child WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING MY CHILD.

I'm getting the same crap on a different thread. So I'm guessing there is a troublemaker on DCUM at the moment. Anyway, another option is Colonial Beach, VA. About 1.5 hours and on the bay. Easy to access beaches too. You can park right in front of the beach.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are looking for a lake with a beach area for a weekend trip this summer. Shortest possible drive. We want to stay overnight for one or two nights in a hotel or condo. Where should we look?

No hotels nearby, but Shannondale Lake in Harpers Ferry is awesome and has a club with a beach. About 1 hour from NOVA.

Thank you for this!