Carter’s Store, Deli & Outpost is conveniently located in Leesville Virginia. Just 2 miles down stream of Leesville Lake and dam at the junction of the Roanoke (Staunton River) and Goose Creek. Leesville Lake is the sister lake to Smith Mountain Lake just upstream.  These two dams form the first duel hydro-electric pump-storage facility in the country developed in 1960.  Now each of these bodies of water provides its own unique list of lifestyles & entertainment. Everything from large power & pontoon boating, sail boating, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking to hunting and all types of fishing and some of the most amazing displays of wildlife on the east coast.

Leesville is the second incorporated town in the US. It was settled by Captain John Lee. Our facility is over 200 years old and has been operated by the Carters for 140 years. Reopened in 2019 by the great-grandson of its founder, LC (Louis Crawford Carter) Kyle Goldsmith his son, Josiah are Co-owners. Kyles wife, Cheri, assists in the daily operations and runs the deli.

The Staunton River & Goose Creek have been used for commerce and now recreation. In the 1800’s manganese And lumber were a high volume products. Current use is water management for power generation & recreation.

Leesville Lake
The “On Golden Pond of the South”. Seventeen miles long with 110 miles of shoreline. Deep and very clean with over 25 species Of fish. Eagles, Osprey, Blue herons, Power and pontoon boats, fishing tournaments and water sports. Approximately 10 lakefront communities with and without HOA’s. The lake is controlled by a dam at each end therefore, it is not subject to flooding or drought. It fluctuates 13’ for hydroelectric power supply.

Roanoke  (Staunton) River
Flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Virginia Beach area. Relatively shallow and wide. As a rule no more than Class II rapids. Water flow controlled by Leesville dam and after 2 miles enters the Goose Creek a free flowing water body beginning in lower blue ridge mountains.

It is important to know that AEP operates Leesville Dam to generate power and maintain a minimum flow of water in the river for a healthy environment as regulated by FERC. Therefore, each hour at approximately 5 minutes after a lower gate is opened to allow a small serge of water out.  USERS MUST BE AWARE OF THIS CHAGE OF FLOW AND HOW IT IMPACTS CANOES, KAYAKS AND RAFTS. WE SUGGEST NOVESTS THAT ENTER THE RIVER AT THE VASE OF THE DAM WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE LOWER DAM GATE IS CLOSED. OTHERWISE, AN EXPERIENCED RIDERS SHOULD ENJOY IT.

Goose Creek
Ties into the Staunton River 2 miles downstream from the Leesville dam in downtown Leesville. It is unregulated and normally flowes low and steady. However, it is subject to flash flooding and users must keep up to date on rains all the way to Roanoke and beyond.