Discover Rawlings: Diving, Nature, and Film History

Lake Phoenix Scuba Park & Family Campground is located in Rawlings and is a diving and camping park. Lake Phoenix itself is a reservoir of approximately 20 acres. For your selection, the specific themes at the location can be considered separately: diving and the underwater world, other recreational activities on the lake, film connections, and camping and vacation home options. This can help you weigh whether diving, the natural setting, film history, or an overnight stay at the park is most important for your travel plans.

Diving and the underwater world at Lake Phoenix

Scuba diving is possible at Lake Phoenix. The quarry features granite walls and underwater rock formations; there are also wrecked vehicles underwater. Natural rock formations and wrecked vehicles are distinct features of the underwater landscape. The quarry is home to sunfish, bass, turtles, and crayfish. For nature-minded travelers, this means that, in addition to its geological features, the quarry also has a specifically identified range of wildlife. Covered pavilions give divers space to put on and take off their equipment. This means that both the underwater environment and preparing for a dive are practical aspects of the park.

Activities and accommodation

In addition to scuba diving, freediving is possible at Lake Phoenix, and recreational activities with pedal boats are also available. The options offer different focuses: scuba diving and freediving are underwater activities, while pedal boats offer another way to enjoy the lake. When planning, you can therefore distinguish your preferred activity from the quarry’s landscape and wildlife. ScubaJam Virginia is designed as a weekend event at Lake Phoenix for certified divers up to age 17; specific event dates may vary. If the event is relevant to your plans, check the dates in advance.

Lake Phoenix has RV sites with electrical hookups (50/30 amps), water, and a dump station. A vacation home for up to eight people is also available to rent. The sites and the vacation home offer different types of accommodation at the campground. If you plan to book one of these options or take part in one of the activities, check availability for your dates before traveling.

Film connections and regional history

Two film productions are connected with Lake Phoenix. Scenes from the film “The Replacements” were filmed there; at the time of filming, the lake was known as Lake Rawlings. Scenes from Colin Farrell’s Jamestown story “The New World” were also filmed in the clear waters of Lake Phoenix. The film connections add a distinct cultural perspective on the lake to its natural and diving attractions.

A separate connection to regional history is Concord Presbyterian Church in Brunswick County: it is the county’s oldest continuously active Presbyterian church.

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View the broader travel overview: Brunswick County.