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.

PADI Referral Program

Our PADI Referral Program accepts qualified referrals from other PADI dive shops, PADI scuba instructors, and yes, divers trained by other scuba agencies. This is a great and economical way to complete your certification!

Find out more on our PADI courses page.

Picnic Shelters

We now have several picnic shelters scattered around the property, mostly up near the staging area; there are eight (8) shelters all total, with two more in the works.

We have two styles: 12'x20' and 18'x20'. All shelters are attached to a concrete slab with 7' legs and gable ends. The color of all are blue. Shelters can be reserved for $25 for the weekend (includes Friday thru Sunday, and holiday whenever it occurs), and $15 per day on weekdays.

The Bathhouse is Open!!!

After much effort, we are very pleased to declare our bathhouse complete! It houses seven private bathroom units, each unit containing a shower (coin operated), toilet, urinal, face bowl, mirror and seat bench, plus a utility room. The bathhouse has an HVAC system and will be operational seven-days a week, all seasons.

Navigation Course

Dr. Neil Stamm of the Newport News Public Schools system, an educator and avid scuba diver, has designed an underwater navigation course for the lake. It's a great way to keep those skills up to date, so give it a try!

The "Miss Laurie"

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)

What People Are Saying

I was recently out at the lake on a photo shoot and I Loved it. I really have never been to a lake that I loved more. The staff was more than helpful and the view was never dull. I learned so much out there and will be returning very soon for more swimming. I'm looking to better my free diving and swimming and I can't think of a better place to achieve that goal then Lake Rawlings. I just want to say thank you to everyone involved in keeping that lake beautiful and functional.
- Krystena

Diving Reminders

For a complete description of park regulations, see the Procedures & Rules section.

For more information about the lake itself, see the Frequently Asked Questions 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.

Fan Videos on YouTube

Check out the fan videos of the Lake on YouTube!

Images of the Lake

The Miss Laurie




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