One consideration should be given as to whether residing on the public or private side is preferred. The public side offers a far greater area for boating. However, with public boat ramp accesses available to all, boat traffic can sometimes be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays during the summer. The warmer waters of the private side, besides restricting public boat access, "supposedly" provides fishing that is more abundant with longer seasons. Private side boaters cannot access the public side by water, however boats can be trailered and launched from the various ramps, on the public side, if desired. Since land around the lake includes both wooded and open field areas, another consideration should also be given to wooded or open lot preferences. Living on the lake primarily involves residing within a community of which there are over 100 around the lake. Most of these developments have "Property Owners Associations" with varying degrees of annual fees and regulations. Three Virginia counties border the lake. The entire south side is bordered by Louisa County, which includes the power plant. The entire north side of the North Anna River, and all but the upper part of Pamunkey Creek is bordered by Spotsylvania County. The upper part of Pamunkey Creek is in Orange County. Because Louisa County contains the power plant and benefits from their additional tax revenues, taxes in Louisa County are somewhat lower. (Check out the Resource Link for websites of these counties). Lot costs are based on several factors. Generally speaking, these range from high to low as follows: Water frontage: These include "point" lots on the main lake, which are generally more expensive than frontage on tributaries. However, many prefer being off on a tributary, to reduce boating noise. Water View: These lots are not directly on the water, but provide a view of the lake. These can be tricky as some provide a good view in the winter when the trees are bare. However, this view may be completely obscured during the summer. While these lots do not provide direct water dock access, most communities provide "common" areas where community members can dock their boats "in water". These lots are generally further off of the lake. As with water view lots without direct water dockage, the "common" boat dock areas are generally also available. From Fredericksburg via I-95 Take I-95 south from Fredericksburg for approximately 10 miles to exit 118 (Route 606/Thornburg). Make a right onto route 606 for 5 miles. Go through light - route 606 changes to route 208 West. Go 4 miles on 208 West, making a left remaining on 208 West. Stay on 208 West approximately 10 miles to bridge. From Richmond via I-95 Take I-95 north from Richmond for approximately 40 miles to exit 118 (Route 606/Thornburg). Make a left onto route 606 for 5 miles. Go through light - route 606 changes to route 208 West. Go 4 miles on 208 West, making a left remaining on 208 West. Stay on 208 West approximately 10 miles to bridge. From Richmond via I-64 Take I-64 west from Richmond for approximately 25 miles to the Gum Springs/Route 522 exit. Make a right onto route 522 North for 15 miles to Route 33. Make a left onto route 33 for 1/2 mile. Make a right onto route 522 North for 4 miles into Mineral. In Mineral, make a right at Exxon station onto Route 522 North/208 East. Cross railroad tracks and make a left continuing on Route 522 North. Go approximately 5 miles to Shell/Dickensons Store making a right onto 208 East. Go 5 miles to main lake bridge. From Charlottesville via I-64 Take I-64 east from Charlottesville for approximately 15 miles to the 208/Louisa exit. Make a left onto route 208 for 7-8 miles into the town of Louisa, making a right on main street. At the end of town, continue straight on route 22 east for approximately 10 miles into the town of Mineral. In Mineral, make a left at Exxon station onto Route 522 North/208 East. Cross railroad tracks and make a left continuing on Route 522 North. Go approximately 5 miles to Shell/Dickensons Store making a right onto 208 East. Go 5 miles to main lake bridge. From Culpeper via Route 522 Take route 3 east from Culpeper. After crossing route 29, at bottom of hill make a right onto route 522 South. Continue on route 522 south for approximately 25 miles to Shell/Dickensons Store making a left onto 208 East. Go 5 miles to main lake bridge. Boat Launches/Marinas Christopher Run - (540) 894-4744 Sturgeon Creek Marina - (540) 895-5095 High Point Marina - (540) 895-5249 Dukes Creek Marina - (540) 895-5065 Fishing Report Hotlines/Guides Anna point fish Hotline - (540) 895-5912 Teddy Carr Guide - (540) 854-4271 Glenn Briggs Guide - (540) 895-5307 State Parks/Wineries/Golf Lake Anna State Park Lake Anna Winery - (540) 895-5085 Tanyard Country Club - (540) 967-1889 Motels, Campgrounds and Restaurants Anna Point Inn - (540) 895-5454 Lakewood Motel - (540) 895-5844 Sportsman’s One Stop - (540) 895-5207 Lakewood Restaurant - (540) 895-5844 Lighthouse Inn - (540) 895-5249 Lake Anna Campground - (540) 894-5529