Stonewall Resort State Park
4.5(359)google
4.0(5)yelp
ResortLakeBoatingFishingGolfOutdoorLuxury
Overview
Surrounding the pristine, clear waters of Stonewall Jackson Lake, Stonewall Resort State Park is a premier, luxury lakeside destination that seamlessly blends resort refinement with rugged outdoor adventure. The property boasts an acclaimed Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course, a full-service marina with boat rentals, and a world-class wellness spa. With miles of secluded wooded trails and upscale lodge accommodations, it offers a refined retreat for travelers looking to unwind in nature.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-3 days
Best TimeSummer (June to August) or mid-October for rich autumn leaf views is premier. A summer stay from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM is elite; spend the afternoon on the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course before renting an electric pontoon boat to cruise Stonewall Jackson Lake right as the sun dips below the hardwood ridges.
Getting ThereSet in rural Roanoke right off the interstate; missing public buses, a car is required. Motoring is incredibly straightforward: take Interstate 79 (I-79) to Exit 91 for Roanoke/Stonewall Resort. Turn off the ramp onto the dedicated, wide State Park Rd and drive 2.5 miles straight to the resort lodge pavilion lot.
Travel Tips
- This is a highly commercialized resort park; access to premium amenities, boat launches, and the golf course requires a resort fee. Day-visitors parking at the main lodge face steep hourly rates; use outer state park lots instead.
- Renting motorized watercraft or pontoons requires a valid physical photo ID and signed safety waivers. Lake speed limits are strictly enforced by natural resource officers; water patrol heavily monitors motorized zones on hot summer weekends.
- Cabin and campground cancellation policies are highly restrictive, non-refundable within a short window, and forfeit the first night's deposit. Keep speeds under 15 MPH inside resort loops to protect crossing wildlife herds.
Reviews
Positive
- Nestled on a picturesque lake, the luxury rustic lodge features stunning log architecture and beautiful waterfront floor-to-ceiling vistas.
- The world-class Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course is meticulously manicured, highly challenging, and scenic.
- Water recreation is top-tier; the full-service marina provides luxury pontoon and kayak rentals for premier lakeside vacations.
- The park boasts upscale indoor/outdoor connected heated pools, premium spas, and fire pits with professional resort management.
Heads up
- As an upscale destination resort, the total expense for rooms, lakeside dining, and golf is steep, matching luxury budgets.
- Boat rentals and spa sessions book up completely on busy summer weekends; walk-in slots are virtually impossible to secure.
- Certain primitive campgrounds are separated from the main lodge amenities, requiring a lengthy walk or short driving commute.
- Stagnant lake coves can trigger seasonal algae blooms during hot summer streaks, causing a slight odor near specific shorelines.