Ben Salem Wayside
Swimming hole in Buena Vista, Virginia · River
Ben Salem Wayside is a river swimming hole. It is near Buena Vista, Virginia. Access is free. Best season: Summer (June-August) for swimming, Spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooms, Fall (September-November) for vibrant foliage.
Typical season: Summer (June-August) for swimming, Spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooms, Fall (September-November) for vibrant foliage
About Ben Salem Wayside
Ben Salem Wayside sits in Virginia along Maury River. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
It's a modest pull-off. No fanfare, no entrance gate. But what waits on the other side of the parking area is the cool, clear current of the Maury River sliding through a landscape framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. For locals and road-trippers alike, it's become a beloved warm-weather ritual: spread a blanket at a picnic table, kick off your shoes, and wade into water that feels like nature's own air conditioning.
The Setting The Maury River moves through this stretch with a quiet confidence, its water catching the light in flickers of green and silver. Sycamores and hardwoods lean over the banks, casting dappled shade across the gravel shoreline. Behind you, the ridgelines of the Blue Ridge roll upward in layered blues and greens. The kind of view that makes you forget you pulled off a highway to get here. In spring, the surrounding woodland blushes with blooms and birdsong. By fall, those same trees ignite in amber and crimson, turning a simple picnic stop into something genuinely spectacular.
No lifeguards patrol Ben Salem Wayside. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Maury River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Buena Vista
- State
- Virginia
- Best season
- Summer (June-August) for swimming, Spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooms, Fall (September-November) for vibrant foliage.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access; no strenuous hiking required. Suitable for families and casual visitors.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Nearest are: West of Lexington at Lake Robertson County Park and in Buena Vista at Glen Maury Park.
- Activities
- Swimming, Picnicking
- Facilities
- Picnic tables available; pit toilets are present but in poor condition. No fees required.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer (June-August) for swimming, Spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooms, Fall (September-November) for vibrant foliage.
- Access Easy access; no strenuous hiking required. Suitable for families and casual visitors.
- Facilities Picnic tables available; pit toilets are present but in poor condition. No fees required.
- Camping nearby Nearest are: West of Lexington at Lake Robertson County Park and in Buena Vista at Glen Maury Park.
Highlights & features
- Maury River swimming
- Scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
- Picnicking amenities
- Wildlife spotting
- Budget-friendly and accessible
- Proximity to two historic towns
- Clear, cool waters of the Maury River
- Ideal picnic spot with tables
How to get there
Ben Salem Wayside lies in Virginia near Buena Vista, Lexington. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Ben Salem Wayside is a scenic spot located in Virginia, near the towns of Buena Vista and Lexington. Follow the steps below for clear and accurate directions to this . Driving Directions: Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point
Begin your journey on Interstate 81 (I-81). If traveling southbound or northbound, take Exit 188, which is marked for Lexington and Buena Vista.
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Turn onto Route 60
After exiting I-81, head east on Route 60 (E Midland Trail) toward Buena Vista. Route 60 is a well-maintained highway and easy to follow. Look for Ben Salem Wayside: Drive a short distance along Route 60. Keep an eye out for the well-marked Ben Salem Wayside sign on the left-hand side of the road.
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The wayside lies before you reach Buena Vista, so you won’t need to drive far. Helpful Details
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Parking
Ben Salem Wayside has a designated parking area near the picnic area. Parking is free and typically has ample space for visitors. Facilities:
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The site includes picnic tables and shaded areas, making it a great spot for a day trip.
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The . You can easily access the water from this point. Safety Reminder
While the river is a relaxing place to swim, be cautious of currents, especially after heavy rainfall. Always assess water conditions before entering and prioritize safety at all times. Have a safe visit to Ben Salem Wayside!
Plan your visit
Ben Salem Wayside works well as a day trip from Buena Vista or Lexington. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Big Otter River or browse more Virginia river spots in our directory. For the full list in Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unmaintained swimming area. Swimming is at your own risk; there are no lifeguards. The site is free to use with parking available. Facilities are limited to picnic tables and poorly maintained pit toilets.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
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Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
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What to pack for Ben Salem Wayside
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Ben Salem Wayside?
Yes. Ben Salem Wayside near Buena Vista and Lexington in VA is a river swimming spot on Maury River. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Ben Salem Wayside free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Ben Salem Wayside?
Ben Salem Wayside is in VA within day-trip range of Buena Vista and Lexington. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Located near Lexington, known for its historic universities, and Buena Vista, representing Appalachian heritage.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering, respect wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.