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The avid diver will experience nothing less than a good time at Lake Rawlings. While many divers wouldn't look toward the Mid-Atlantic for a quality diving location, Lake Rawlings provides suprises for those seeking something different in their adventures.
With a maximum depth of 65 feet, warm water, and good visibility (30 to 60 feet), the lake has many wonders to explore.
In fact, Lake Rawlings is so popular among divers that it was rated as one of the TOP 50 DIVE SITES in the U.S. by a national diving publication. We were happy to be recognized as one of the premiere diving locations in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
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We are excited to announce our fifteeth annual Divefest, taking place on August 23rd. This year's events will include two great underwater games, and of course lots of prizes!
As always, proceeds will go directly to Divers Alert Network (DAN). They provide an invaluable resource for divers around the world, and our goal is to show our support by raising at least $2,000 to help their mission.
New Attractions: Bathhouse and Sinking the "Miss Laurie"
The Board of Directors of the Rawlings Quarry Diving Company recently approved the construction of a bathhouse at Lake Rawlings. Mr. Errol Duplessis, President and CEO of Lake Rawlings, stated: “This is what everyone has been asking for the past 10 years. We will break ground before the end of March 2008, with completion expected sometime in May 2008”. The bathhouse will house seven private bathroom units, each unit containing a shower, toilet, urinal, face bowl, mirror and seat bench, plus a utility room. The bathhouse will also have an HVAC system, and will be operational seven-days a week, all seasons.
Lake Rawlings is proud to announce their newest attraction, a Nomad 22 twin-engine airplane sunk at a depth of 60’. The plane was mounted on a wooden framed pedestal standing 6’ off the bottom of the lake. Staff and volunteers sank it on Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2, 2008... Read More
Videos
Here are some videos about Lake Rawlings. Note that the file sizes are rather large, so you may want to right-click the link and choose "Save as..."
Virginia This Morning
This is a segment shot for the Virginia This Morning - Explore Virginia series on WTVR. (File is about 22Mb)
Virginia Currents Video
Check out this TV segment shot at a recent Divefest for Virginia Currents. (File is about 33Mb)
Diving Reminders
(For a complete description of park regulations, see the Procedures & Rules section.)
Due to dry conditions and recent events, we have instituted stricter rules for campfires at the lake. Click here for more information.
Dive Knives
Due to past abuses, dive knives are banned beyond the chain gate leading to the lake. A land violation carries a $150 fine. A diving violation carries a $300 fine. Please do not be caught brandishing or carrying a dive knife! (more information)
Clam Preservation Project
Freshwater Clam (Pelecypoda) - Freshwater Clams are put in rivers and lakes to remove mercury and algae. It's like nature's filter. They are eaten by fish, mink, raccoon, and turtles. They eat dead animals and vegetation. They have something called siphons. One of the siphons takes in food and water. The other carries away wastes. The larvae of the freshwater clams cling to the gills or fins of the fish. They live as parasites on the fish for a short time, then fall to the bottom.
At Lake Rawlings, our freshwater clam population has been seriously threatened by divers who hunt them to feed the fish. This activity must stop! These clams are vital to the ecological balance of the Lake, helping to reduce algae and keep the water clean.
Just like the critters in your favorite reef: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles!
"Off the street" swimmers
Lake Rawlings is primarily a diver-oriented facility with an accent on family group activities. "Off the street" visitors who solely swim or snorkel often overwhelm our divers, and must adhere to the following policy instituted at Lake Rawlings:
Lake Rawlings does not allow "off the street" snorkelers, swimmers and visitors to come on the property to swim on Saturday and Sunday. Snorkelers, swimmers and visitors who are a part of a diving group (non-diving family members), are most welcome to enter the property, and will be allowed to snorkel or swim so long as they are respectful of our policies and rules.
Snorkelers and swimmers not part of a diving group, i.e., "off the street" will continue to be allowed the use of Lake Rawlings Monday through Friday.
