Visitor Center
The John W. Flannagan visitor center is located at the project office and has a variety of animal mounts of local species. Rangers are available for visitors from 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
Restrooms are located at the Project Office, Below Dam Area, Junction Area, Cranesnest Area #1, and #3, Lower Twin Area, Spillway Area, and Pound River Area.
Boating
Launch ramps for boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the Spillway Launch Area, Junction Area, and Cranesnest Area. Fees are charged at the Junction. Campers have launch ramps at Pound River and Lower Twin Camping Areas.
Camping
John W. Flannagan Reservoir has three campgrounds, Lower Twin, Cranesnest Areas #1 and #3 and Pound River Area all operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The three campgrounds combined have a total of 93 sites. All sites except the "Tent Only" sites have electrical hook-ups. Water tank filling and sewage dump stations are available at all campgrounds. Camping fees are charged at all sites. Camping is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Camping at John W. Flannagan Lake is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds
Day-use
Picnic shelters are located at the Below Dam Area and Spillway Launch Ramp Area. All shelters are available on a first come - first served basis EXCEPT WHEN RESERVED IN ADVANCE (a fee is required for reserving a shelter). Picnic shelters at the Below Dam Area may be reserved online by visiting recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Shelters cannot be reserved by calling the project office.
Fishing
Fishing regulations may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Hunting
Hunting regulations may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Marinas
John W. Flannagan Boat Dock is located at the Junction Area and provides visitors with docking facilities, a gas station, fishing supplies, and a snack bar.
Swimming
John W. Flannagan Reservoir has no developed swimming area. Swimming around the lake is at your own risk
Trails
Bicycles are permitted on main roads and campground areas.
John W. Flannagan Pound River Area offers a horse show ring which is managed by the Cumberland Mountain Trail Riders. Shows are scheduled the second of the month, June - August. Trail Ride outings are in May and September.
Handicapped Access
Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office and all of the recreation areas.
Whitewater Releases
During the first four full weekends in October Flannagan has whitewater releases to achieve winter pool. From the dam, the first two miles are class II rapids which progresses downstream reaching Class V + rapids. Some of the most challenging rapids in the eastern U.S. can be found while traveling through Breaks Interstate Park with names like 20 Stitches, Broken Nose and Triple Drop.