Chris Greene Lake

I heard about CGL through the dog-​vine in town! This place is a relatively large scale fenced in dog park that combines dog-​only: lake access, small beach area, and a portion of wooded area for your pups. This is one of the best places to take your dog during the summer since the entire fenced off area is dedicated solely for dog use. From what I’ve seen it’s a pretty generous amount of space for your dog to play, swim, and wander within a safe proximity. Access to the dog park is located in the main parking lot for the park. Look for the wood dog park signs for the entrance to the trail. You will need to walk into the woods to locate the dog park.
While this is a lovely place to off leash (Yes! A large haven for off leash!) please remain vigilant of your dogs as they interact with other dogs and humans. The pups here are pretty nice for the most part (as are their humans) but from time to time we’ve been surprised by ornery dogs and standoffish dog owners. Also, be aware this is a poop magnet for folks who don’t pick up. Tread carefully as you play!

Loved this place!
We brought the baby and he had a lot of fun. The beach area is divided to a child safe section and a normal deeper side. We stayed on the right side for the kiddo. He enjoyed the mushroom fountain in the water its pretty big 7 – 8 adults fit under it.
We brought lunch and ate under shaded trees, they’re everywhere so no needing to look too far. Theres an open room where around 4 tables are and you can eat there as well. Theres so much green open space. It’s a great spot to get away for a bit and feel like youre someplace farther than just 15min from home.
You can rent a canoe for a bit, looked like a lot of fun.
Will definitely come back and explore more of the place, theres a lot more to see!

Lovely lake with artificial beach, lake is full of bluegill fish.
3 $ for adults if you live in Albarmarle Co /​Charlottesville Va.
Artificial beach with public restrooms, water mushroom shower thing & a soda machine.

Great off leash dog park with shade and swimming in the lake. All fenced in. Be sure and pick up after your dog and monitor your dog for any inappropriate behavior.

I stayed in Charlottesville for a month in the summer of 2010. I brought my kids to Chris Greene Lake several times during that time and it was lovely. It is easy to get to and not too expensive. There is plenty of sand to set up a blanket and the water is shallow enough at the shoreline that you feel comfortable watching the kids wade around from the beach. There is a small play area with a shooting fountain and the kids LOVED sitting in the shallow water and having little fishes swim up to them. I would have given 5 stars but for the complete lack of shade (not a major problem, as you ARE at a beach) and for how busy it can get when campers arrive. The lifeguards are watchful and QUITE serious about safety. My advice is too bring LOTS of bottled water and LOTS of sunblock and HAVE FUN!!!