Established Camping
George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
<strong>Check-In Time: 1pm</strong>. Early arrivals will not have access to their campsite until 1pm<strong>. Check-Out Time: 11am.</strong> Site must be vacated by 11am.
<strong>Please note the electronic gate code </strong>in your confirmation email prior to arriving at Sherando Lake. <strong>A code is required for entry</strong> and there is <strong>no reliable cellular service on-site</strong>. Four Digit Gate Code followed by the <strong># sign.</strong>
<strong>Please note the electronic gate code </strong>in your confirmation email prior to arriving at Sherando Lake. <strong>A code is required for entry</strong> and there is <strong>no reliable cellular service on-site</strong>. Four Digit Gate Code followed by the <strong># sign.</strong>
About
USDA Forest Service
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Overview
Sherando Lake Group Camp is a part of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area and is popular with family groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups and other local organizations. The recreation area is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming and relaxing.
Recreation
The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge, and a beach bathhouse with changing and shower facilities. Fishing and boating are also available outside the designated swimming area in the lake. Fishing is in stocked waters during the spring and fall seasons. Visitors will need to have the appropriate Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp and trout stamp. Boats with gasoline motors are not permitted on the lower lake - electric troll motors, canoes, kayaks, or similar boats only. A hand-carry ramp is available for access to the lake adjacent to the parking area. Fishing only is available at the 7 acre Upper Lake. This lake is also stocked during the spring and fall seasons and the appropriate licenses are required. Boats are allowed, but there is no launch access - hand carry only. Parking is available at a small area below the group camp area and a walking trail will lead you to the lake. Swimming is not allowed in the upper lake. Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake on the Lakeside and Cliff Trails to a day hike up the mountain on the White Rock Gap Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the more adventurous hiker, more challenging day hikes and backpacking trips are available by heading up the Blue Loop Trail to the Torry Ridge Trail to Bald Mountain and beyond.
Facilities
The five tent-only group campsites are located around the outside of the looping road. Each site can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests, or a large group can reserve all 5 sites to fit no more than 75 guests. Each site is delineated with fencing and is equipped with picnic tables, a grill, lantern posts, and a serving table. A bathhouse with flush toilets and showers is located at the upper end of the loop and a vault toilet is located at the lower end of the loop. The bathhouse was replaced during the 2019 season. Drinking water is available at each site. Food storage lockers are currently not available, but all food must be secured in a locked vehicle. Violators are subject to a fine.
Natural Features
The group camp is located at the upper end of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area near the 7 acre upper lake. The group campsites are located around the outer portion of the loop with a large grass field on the interior of the loop for activities and games. The open grassy field provides an excellent opportunity for night time star gazing.
Nearby Attractions
There are opportunities for gas, groceries, and firewood at convenience stores and local vendors along the state road to Sherando Lake. Ice can be purchased at the Sherando Lake Visitor Center during operating hours, which vary seasonally. Additional supplies can be obtained in Stuarts Draft, about a 15 minute drive away. The Blue Ridge Parkway with its scenic overlooks and ridgetop views is a short 3 mile drive up State Route 664 from the Sherando Lake entrance. The Wintergreen Resort offers a golf course and ski area within 10 miles of Sherando Lake.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
50 years and counting
It's still wonderful, been coming for 50 years. So beautiful and peaceful, sites are awesome, they have 2 stocked lakes, swimming lake, great hiking, particularly for young or new hikers. Bring your own kayak or canoe, bring your dog!
Words can’t describe how much I loved this hidden gem
What a great spot. The worlds best kept secret. Clean , neat , sites are on the creek , fishing , swimming, hiking. It just doesn’t get any better than this
Nice camping for you and all your friends
We rented this site for a work retreat in early fall. For many people it was their first time camping and this was a great introduction. Close to National Forests and Shenandoah NP. Pretty lake, lovely wooded sites that are really private. Sites are fairly basic, typical State Park style. We had a canoe that made this extra fun. You absolutely need to reserve sites. Swimming and other activities during the summer.
Location
George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground is located in Virginia
Directions
From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance for Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead. If the gatehouse is closed, continue through the recreation area to the group camping area at the end of the road.
Address
96 SHERANDO LAKE ROAD, LYNDHURST, VA 22952 (PHYSICAL ADDRESS)
GLENWOOD AND PEDLAR RANGER DISTRICTS (FOR INFORMATION)
27 RANGER LANE
Natural bridge, VA 24579
Coordinates
37.9297222 N
78.9797222 W