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Established Camping

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to escape into nature. With spacious campsites and a friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and enjoying the great outdoors.

This campground boasts clean facilities, including restrooms and nearby drinking water, making it convenient for campers. Many visitors have highlighted the beautiful surroundings, with a small creek running through the area and a nearby lake for swimming and fishing. As one camper noted, “The drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful,” setting the tone for a relaxing getaway.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Campers have also appreciated the peaceful environment, with minimal cell service ensuring a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just remember to keep your food secure to avoid any bear encounters, as some campers have shared their experiences with wildlife.

Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp provides a welcoming and serene environment for all.

Fee Info

Interagency Senior and Access Passes are not applicable to group camping fees.

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Location

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-81 North, take Exit 175. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 11 and continue 2 miles into Natural Bridge. Once in Natural Bridge, take a right onto VA 130 East and continue approximately 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 781. Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left. From I-81 South, take Exit 180A off the left side of the interstate. Continue on U.S. Highway 11 south into Natural Bridge. Once in Natural Bridge, take a left onto VA 130 East and continue approximately 3.2 miles. Then turn right on State Route 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 781. Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left.

Address

811 CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE ROAD (PHYSICAL ADDRESS) GLENWOOD AND PEDLAR RANGER DISTRICTS (FOR INFORMATION) 27 RANGER LANE
Natural bridge station, VA 24579

Coordinates

37.5758333 N
79.5341667 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

18 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2024

Great experience

The staff is friendly and go out of there way to answer questions you may have. The camp site are spaced out good. They do have showers and rest rooms and water near your camp site. Can’t wait to visit again.

Site4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Timothy B., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Timothy B., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Timothy B., July 29, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 7, 2022

Great Campground

Quiet campground with well spaced campsites. Bathrooms were clean and close by. Road our motorcycles in and the road wasn’t bad at all. Cell signal for AT&T and Verizon was very poor, but I’m fine with the isolation. Overall, great place will stay here again.

Site18
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Frank , May 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Frank , May 7, 2022
Reviewed May. 5, 2022

Hidden Gem

Just the drive to the campground through the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful. The campground itself was equally as beautiful. A small creek going through made for a soothing and scenic view right from the campsite. There’s a lake nearby that you can walk or drive to. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished. Another perfect summertime campground.

SiteSite 016
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Maggie A., May 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Maggie A., May 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Maggie A., May 5, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 2, 2022

Cute

Cute little campground with clean sites and bathrooms. I did not reserve ahead of time but was still able to get a site. My site was a good size for a tent or small camper. There was a little stream that ran behind the site. The one negative about this campground is it has a bear issue. There are signs warning everyone with instructions on how to avoid a bear visit however at 2:30am a woman started yelling "bear".

Site5
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Kristy M., May 2, 2022
Reviewed May. 26, 2021

Nice boondock in a lovely location

Hosts were friendly and attentive. Site was spacious and pleasantly situated for our 17' travel trailer. Clean bathrooms and shower. Lots of poison ivy and amazing wildflowers on the 4-5 mile loop trail that started near the back of the campground.

Site26
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2020

👍🏼

No phone signal nice and quiet family friendly the family spot at the back is more expensive but worth it! Has a nice fire pit with a swing cook arm and grate.has a massive cooking grill that can be used with charcoal or small wood. Spot is level and easy accessible, restroom near by (outdated) but works fine. The shower house is a little walk but has nice pressure and hot water!! Swim lake is available to campers, can also fish in it

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2020

My favorite local spot! You do make reservations in advance, dyrt has this wrong!

Nestled in the mountains quiet and serene place to get away. There is no phone signal so expect it, but you are camping so this should be a positive! The lake itself is spring fed and you can swim or fish in it. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful. Area was clean, and there is downed wood to use in your campfire, remember that bringing in wood can be damaging to the natural area. I do not care for “city people” camping so if your looking for this try yogi bear. If you like nature and peaceful area~then this place is for you!! Doggies are welcome here as well, typical leash rule applies {6ft or less} Do you really want your beloved pet chasing down a bear or deer? So mind the rules. Remember to use a bear bag hung or keep all food up in vehicle or camper when not in use.

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2020

Friendly - Quiet - Peaceful

My wife, my 2 yr. old, and I enjoyed our weekend here. The campground was clean and staff was very friendly. Other campers were quiet and respectful. There is ample hiking and the lake is something different to do.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Chaz M., April 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Chaz M., April 8, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Great time

Stayed at camp site 17. Near bathrooms and water. The creek was near by and enjoyable. Bathroom and showers were clean.

The host and hostess were amazing. They suggested great places to visit and enjoy. They take family camping seriously! The host had to make several families leave due to an agressive dog, and, loud and disruptive behavior. It definitely makes the camping experience awesome when it could have been ruined.

We got a flat tire and they have a tire pump on campus which was awesome, we thought we'd have to drive a distance before we could fill the tire up.

A definite two thumbs up for our Host "Slick" and Hostess JoAnn.

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Tiffany D., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Tiffany D., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Tiffany D., July 10, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2018

Premium Virginia Camping

This is hands-down my favorite campground in Virginia.

To start--it's very well maintained, but has a lot of personality. The bathrooms are simple but clean, there is potable water convenient to all sites, and most sites you can park you car right at your site, but the absence of a paved road or sectioned off tent sites, and the creek that runs through the entire campground, gives a feeling of peace and wilderness that can be hard to find in front country camping. None of the sites at this campground have electric or water hookups, but all sites have picnic tables and fire rings.

Sites 1-27 are in the main loop. The creek winds through this loop providing the sound of water and a place to splash in. The inner ring is still fairly wooded but has less privacy, and the outer ring on the eastern side has long driveways to accommodate larger campers/RVs.

Sites 28-35 are on a spur off the main loop, and have a higher degree of privacy. These sites are slightly more rugged, and best for smaller tents; site 35 however is both large, flat, and private, and is next to the trailhead to one of the campground's hiking trails. The bathroom in this leg has multiple stalls, electricity, and flush toilets.

Sites 36-38 are walk-in only, though the walk is very short, and crosses a lovely bridge over the creek. Sites 37 and 38 are very small; a 1-4 person tent should be fine, but anything larger than that is unlikely to fit. The sites are bordered by a small meadow on one side, and a hill on the other. Site 36 is arguably the best site in the entire campground if you are comfortable carrying your gear a few dozen yards from the parking lot. This site has a high degree of privacy, especially from late spring to early fall when the trees have their leaves, it can accommodate 6+ person tents, and is right beside the creek which gives you a wonderful sound to fall asleep to. This one is especially great for kids!

Sites 39 and 40 also border the meadow at the back of the campground but you can park directly at the site so they work for campers, and sites 41 & 42 form a double site; because it is a double site it is more expensive to book, but you are set back from the remainder of the campground, as well as being beside both the creek and next to a trailhead. Group campsites are available closer to the day-use area.

The hosts at this campground are some of the nicest we have ever encountered, and we have been going here for years. They also frequently pile logs from downed trees next to the dumpsters in early spring, providing ample firewood if you have the means to split it yourself.

There is a lake and picnic grounds for day-use, along with a few hiking trails, however the day use areas are not regularly monitored; the lake is swim-at-your-own-risk, and there are no boat or fishing gear rentals. There is no camp store to purchase firewood or provisions, but there is a privately owned way-station a few miles before the entrance of the campground. Plan on bringing in everything you will need for your trip, unless you want to add time driving on the winding roads leading to the campground to and from the local stores.

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Stephanie J., October 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Stephanie J., October 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Stephanie J., October 24, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2018

Cool place

Nice camping an fun stuff in the area

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Ash V., August 21, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Ash V., August 21, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

fun

Very close to natural bridge and caverns. The lake is very cold but fun. Sites are pretty private with half on a cute creek.

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

just magical

the little streams running near each site, the beautiful walk to the lake with the leopard salamanders that the kids could catch and swim in. the bathhouses are great. be sure to read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you’ll have a wonderful time. a great camp. so peaceful.

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Gloria G., June 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Gloria G., June 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Gloria G., June 26, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

Great family campsites

This is probably our favorite campsite yet. We stayed at site 6 and it backed up to a little stream. The site itself was private even though there are other sites around. Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too. The lake has a beautiful view with green mountains surrounding it. It is a bit of a walk from the sites so we drove.

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Lanie B., June 19, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

Quiet, dog friendly

Very nice, clean and quiet camp ground. Can self check in and leave money which is nice for late arrivals. There is a stream that runs through the camp ground and a beautiful lake, definitely recommend this. No dogs allowed at the lake

Reviewed May. 1, 2017

Unplugged and reconnected

This place is beautiful! It was peaceful and full of wildlife! There was zero phone or data service so there was no choice but sit down and take it all in. The facilities are clean. There are water pumps placed around the campground for your needs. The fire pits and grills were wonderfully maintained and many of the sites back up to a running creek. It was really quite a pleasant experience! The only reason I give 4 stars is because of the generators from a few sites with campers. They are suppose to only be allowed to run them for 2 hours a day but we found that some went longer. It really took from the tranquility of the property. Aside from that, it was a perfect, perfect vacation!

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Theresa M., May 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Theresa M., May 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Theresa M., May 1, 2017
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2016

Cave mountain lake

There are a total of 41 campsites, 28 can be reserved. The water is just beautiful here. Great for swimming and fishing. Very peaceful and amazing in the blue ridge mountains.

  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Mike T., July 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Mike T., July 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest by Mike T., July 24, 2016
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about Cave Mountain Lake Campground?

Cave Mountain Lake Campground is widely praised as one of the most beautiful camping destinations in Virginia. The campground features 41 total sites (28 reservable) and is noted for its peaceful, serene atmosphere nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers consistently highlight the pristine lake perfect for swimming and fishing, plus the charming streams that run through the campground. The well-maintained facilities include clean bathrooms and showers, with convenient water pumps located throughout. Many appreciate the campground's rustic character with absence of pavement and total disconnection from cell service, allowing for a genuine outdoor experience. The friendly and attentive camp hosts receive frequent praise for their helpfulness.

What are the prices and fees for camping at Cave Mountain Lake Campground?

Cave Mountain Lake Campground offers affordable camping with standard sites and premium family spots. The family spots located at the back of the campground are slightly more expensive but provide additional amenities like larger fire pits with swing cook arms, grates, and massive cooking grills suitable for charcoal or small wood. Self-check-in is available for late arrivals, where campers can leave payment at the entrance. For current and specific pricing information, it's recommended to check with the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest office or recreation.gov, as fees may vary by season and site type.

How do I get to Cave Mountain Lake Campground in Virginia?

Cave Mountain Lake Campground is located in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest in Virginia, near Natural Bridge and caverns. The campground is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it somewhat secluded but still accessible. For specific directions, contact the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest office or check their official website. Be prepared for mountain driving and note that once you arrive, there's no cell service in the area, so downloading offline directions beforehand is advisable.

Where can I find a map of Cave Mountain Lake Campground?

Maps of Cave Mountain Lake Campground can be obtained from several sources. The official George Washington & Jefferson National Forest website provides downloadable maps of the campground showing all 41 sites, the lake, and trails. Recreation.gov also offers site maps when making reservations. Physical maps are typically available at the campground entrance or from camp hosts. The campground has a 4-5 mile loop trail that starts near the back of the campground, which is worth asking about when you arrive. For the most detailed and up-to-date maps, contact the forest service office directly.

Why is it called Cave Mountain Lake and what is its history?

Cave Mountain Lake gets its name from the mountain and the spring-fed lake that forms the centerpiece of this recreational area. While specific historical information about the naming isn't widely documented, the area is part of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest and features natural formations characteristic of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campground maintains a rustic, traditional camping atmosphere that preserves its historical character. The cold, spring-fed lake and surrounding landscape of streams and mountain terrain have made it a beloved camping destination for generations. For more detailed historical information, the Forest Service office would be the best resource.

Is Cave Mountain Lake Campground suitable for family camping?

Cave Mountain Lake Campground is exceptionally family-friendly. Children particularly enjoy playing in the small streams that run near many campsites, catching leopard salamanders, and swimming in the spring-fed lake. The campground offers spacious sites with good privacy, making it comfortable for families to spread out. Camp hosts take family camping seriously and maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere. The absence of cell service creates a perfect environment for family bonding and outdoor activities. Multiple hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the swimming lake provide plenty of entertainment for children and adults alike.