The swimming advisory posted at Ponderosa Campground was lifted Wednesday after tests by the Virginia Department of Health showed normal bacteria levels.

The health department posted an advisory for swimming and fishing at the campground on the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake last week after bacteria levels exceeded what is allowed for recreational areas.

No cases of illness have been reported, according to the health department.

The call is just in time for the camp's biggest weekend of the year. Owner Bobby Scruggs said he was worried that the swimming advisory would affect attendance.

In the 45 years that he has owned the campground, Scruggs said, high bacteria levels have been found two or three times in the lake.

Had the advisory not been lifted, Scruggs said he would have done his best to enforce the sign posted last week.

Any fish caught near the campground should be cooked thoroughly before they are eaten, according to the health department.