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The site details and map below come from the public Recreation.gov record and are accurate. For current dates and to book, go to Recreation.gov.
The John W. Flannagan Day Use Area boasts an expansive lake nestled in the rolling green Cumberland Mountains of southwest Virginia, offering visitors an oasis of recreation in the summer months. The nearby dam, built primarily for flood control for the Cranesnest and Pound Rivers, creates a breathtaking lake that is maintained at nearly 1,400 feet above sea level.
This day-use facility is an ideal spot for picnicking, water activities, and hiking.
Flannagan's reputation as a fisherman's paradise is well-known. Visitors can enjoy secluded coves of deep, clean water that are well-stocked with bass, bream, walleye and trout. Boating, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and biking top the long list of activities available nearby.
Picnic shelters with grills, electrical hookups, a playground, and horseshoe pits provide an ideal location for parties and other get-togethers.
The John W. Flannagan Dam, completed in 1964, carves out a 1,145-acre lake with nearly 40 miles of beautiful shoreline in the lush Virginia terrain.
The Lower Twin, Cranes Nest and Pound River Campgrounds, located near the day-use area, offer overnight camping.
Breaks Interstate Park is nearby, offering lodging, dining, a museum, gift shop, rafting, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
From VA-63, turn right onto State Route 614. Continue straight for approximately two miles.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗




Online reservations for this facility, where offered, are made through Recreation.gov. Pick the shelter on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for John W. Flannagan Day Use, so there is nothing to date here. That is a gap in coverage — it does not mean the facility is full or closed. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.
Choose the reservation dates you want at John W. Flannagan Day Use.
Campsite Sniper can monitor this facility and notify you if a selected date becomes available.
When a selected date becomes available, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.