Established Camping
Jefferson National Forest Cave Mountain Lake Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Overview
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. Easy access from the interstate and close proximity to historic Lexington and Natural Bridge State Park make Cave Mountain Lake an ideal destination. Cave Mountain Lake covers seven acres and was built in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using existing natural rock buttresses to form the 35-foot dam. A grassy field extends from the lake's sandy beach to forested hills that paint a scenic backdrop.
Recreation
The 7 acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach. Fishing for youth only (ages 15 and under) is open from April 1st through June 15th, then fishing is open to anglers of all ages with a valid Virginia fishing license for the remainder of the season. There are several piers around the lake for better fishing access. A number of opportunities for photography, birding, and wildlife viewing are available along the trails and water's edge. Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges. The Panther Knob Trail starts beside the group picnic shelter and skirts the edge of the lake to the dam. Visitors may also enjoy a day hike or backpacking trip on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the James River Face Wilderness, or the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.
Facilities
The group camp area allows tent-camping only and can accommodate up to 30 guests. Facilities include six picnic tables which can be moved around within the group area, two fire rings with grills, one double pedestal grill, lantern posts, serving tables, a group campfire circle and a drinking water spigot. Flush toilets are across the road behind the workcenter building and showers are available at the beach bathhouse. Food storage lockers are not currently available, so all food must be secured in a locked vehicle. Violators are subject to a fine.
Natural Features
Cave Mountain Lake covers seven acres and was built in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using existing natural rock buttresses to form the 35-foot dam. A grassy field extends from the lake's sandy beach to forested hills that paint a scenic backdrop.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (540) 291-2188.
Nearby Attractions
Lexington, Virginia, just 20 minutes away, is home to several historic sites including the Stonewall Jackson House, George C. Marshall Museum, and the Virgnia Military Institute Museum. It's a charming town with horse drawn carriage rides through the streets. Ice and other sundries can be found at small stores along State Route 759 as you drive to Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area. Natural Bridge State Park is a short 8 mile drive away and offers visitors views of the 215 foot tall Natural Bridge and limestone gorge, 6 miles of hiking trails, a Monacan Indian village, and the 30 foot cascade of Lace Falls.
Fee Info
Interagency Senior and Access Passes are not applicable to group camping fees.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
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.
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.
- (11) View All
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".
Location
Jefferson National Forest Cave Mountain Lake Campground is located in Virginia
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