This is Lake Anna

Lake Anna offers expansive shoreline, open water, and diverse waterfront settings.

• Approximately 17 miles in length
• Around 200 miles of shoreline
• Covers roughly 13,000 acres of water

The size of Lake Anna allows for a wide variety of neighborhoods, access types, and lake experiences, making it appealing for full-time residents, second-home owners, and vacation buyers alike.

Lake Anna is uniquely divided into two separate bodies of water, commonly known as the public side and the private side, each offering a different lake experience.

• The public side is open to the general public and can be accessed through marinas and Lake Anna State Park
• The private side is limited to property owners and their guests only
• The public side typically experiences more boat traffic, especially during peak season
• The private side offers a quieter setting with less water traffic and a more residential feel

Understanding the difference between the public and private sides of Lake Anna is an important part of choosing the right property and lifestyle at the lake.

The public side of Lake Anna is the main body of the lake and the largest portion by size and surface area. This side is open to the public and is where most lake activity, services, and commercial access take place.

Public side details at a glance:

• Approximately 9,600+ acres of open water
• Open to the public with multiple public and private marina access points
• Commercial activity is permitted on the water
• Home to marinas offering fuel, boat service, rentals, and supplies
• Waterfront restaurants accessible by boat
• Cooler water temperatures compared to the private side
• Heavier boat traffic, especially on weekends and holidays
• More congestion in high-use areas and main channels
• Active environment with wake boats, jet skis, and larger vessels

Because it is publicly accessible and commercially active, the public side has a very different feel than the private side. It is louder, busier, and more energetic, particularly during peak season. Buyers who enjoy social boating, waterfront dining, and full-service marina access often prefer this side of the lake.

The private side of Lake Anna offers a quieter, more controlled lake experience while still providing full lake access. All recreational water activities allowed on the public side are also allowed on the private side, without the same level of traffic and congestion.

Private side details at a glance:

• Approximately 4,000+ acres of water
• Not open to the general public
• Access limited to property owners and their guests
• Commercial activity is prohibited on the water
• No waterfront restaurants or marinas with public fuel access
• Warmer water temperatures than the public side
• Significantly less boat traffic
• Minimal congestion, even during peak season
• Full lake access with the same permitted water activities
• Wake boats, skiing, tubing, jet skis, and boating are all allowed
• More room for water sports due to reduced traffic
• Calmer, more predictable water conditions
• Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and relaxed recreation
• Predominantly residential with private docks and quiet coves

The private side appeals to homeowners who want full use of the lake with less noise, congestion, or commercial activity. Short-term rentals are allowed depending on HOA rules, making it attractive for both full-time living and investment buyers who prefer a more residential lake environment.

Lake Anna is separated by 3 engineered dikes that divide the lake into distinct sections with no boat access between them.

• Boats cannot travel across or through the dikes
• Each section of the lake is physically separated by these barriers
• The dikes reinforce the separation between the public and private sides of the lake
• Boaters must launch on the side of the lake they plan to use

Because the dikes prevent boat travel between sections, choosing the right side of the lake is an important consideration when buying property or planning lake activities.

Lake Anna is a year-round destination with activities for every lifestyle.

Water Activities:
Boating, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, tubing, islands, beaches, Lake Anna State Park.

Rentals:
Jet skis, boats, kayaks, paddle boards, vacation homes.

Dining & Drinks:
On-lake restaurants (public side), breweries, taprooms, live music venues, wineries.

Adventure & Exploration:
Historic sites, nearby theme parks, scenic trails, golf (mini golf and full courses), marinas.

Outdoor Lifestyle:
Hiking, biking, running, barbecues, sunset cruising, sandbars, nature watching.

Accommodations:
Campsites, RV sites, short-term rentals, cabins, lake homes, boutique stays.

You may hear Lake Anna referred to as having a “cold side” and a “hot” or “warm side.” These nicknames reflect the well-known differences in water temperatures between the two sides of the lake.

The public side is often called the “cold side,” as water temperatures tend to be slightly cooler. The private side is commonly referred to as the “hot” or “warm side,” where water temperatures are noticeably warmer.

• Water temperatures on the public side are often reported to be approximately 7–14 degrees cooler than the private side
• Temperature differences vary by season, month, and weather conditions
• During the summer months, water temperatures typically reach the 80s on the public side and the 90s on the private side

These temperature differences are an important consideration for swimming, boating, and overall lake lifestyle, and they can influence which side of Lake Anna is the best fit for your preferences.

• Allowed on the Public Side — marinas, on-water restaurants, fuel, rentals.
• Not allowed on the Private Side — no marinas, no waterfront dining, no fuel stations.

Private side owners bring fuel cans to their dock or haul the boat to a road-accessible station.

At Lake Anna, all waterfront properties include a Dominion Energy shoreline easement along the water’s edge.

This means that while a homeowner owns the land up to the lake, Dominion Energy retains certain rights over the shoreline and adjacent water. The purpose of the easement is to protect lake operations, water safety, environmental standards, and long-term shoreline stability.

Because of this easement:

• Shoreline improvements cannot be made freely without approval
• Structures such as docks, boathouses, bulkheads, and shoreline modifications must follow Dominion Energy guidelines
• Plans must be reviewed and approved before construction begins
• Requirements can vary based on shoreline type, lot location, and water depth

The easement does not prevent waterfront owners from using or enjoying the lake, but it does ensure that changes are done responsibly and consistently across the shoreline.

For the most accurate and current requirements, property owners should always consult Dominion Energy directly before planning any shoreline work.

For waterfront property owners at Lake Anna, the construction of boathouses is permitted and, in many cases, encouraged with proper approval.

Boathouses are subject to Dominion Energy guidelines and require approval prior to construction.

• Dominion Energy provides detailed guidance on boathouse design, placement, and construction
• Approval is required to ensure shoreline and water-use standards are met
• Requirements may vary based on lot location, shoreline conditions, and access type

Understanding boathouse rules early helps waterfront owners plan appropriately and avoid delays during the permitting process.

Internet availability at Lake Anna varies by location, but multiple providers serve the area, including both wired and satellite options.

• Common providers include Starlink, Firefly, iWisp, Comcast, Viasat, FiberLync, and Verizon
• Availability and speeds vary by neighborhood and exact property location
• Some areas offer high-speed options suitable for remote work, while others may have limited service

Checking internet options early is an important step, especially for buyers planning to work remotely or operate a short-term rental.