Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
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.
More like this: reservable in Virginia · tent only in Virginia · pets allowed in Virginia · group sites in Virginia · dark sky in Virginia
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group tent areas | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | Gravel | Partial | 30 / – | Yes | Prime |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Fees | Interagency Senior and Access Passes are not applicable to group camping fees. |
| Dark sky | 3.5 miles from Natural Bridge State Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park |
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 work center 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | early-April to late-October |
| Forest | George Washington & Jefferson National Forest |
| Booking | Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area Reservation Information |
| Fees | Day use fee is $8 per vehicle or $2 per/person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins. $20 per single site per night. $40 for the double site per night (maximum 12 people). |
| Rules | Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No boats or watercraft of any kind allowed on lake. |
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest recreation page ↗
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Natural Bridge Station, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 37.5758° N, 79.5342° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Sharp Top Store ↗ | 10.1 mi |
| RV sales & service | MT Joy RV ↗ | 10.7 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 24.7 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Cave Mountain Lake Campground, Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
Trails nearby
- 0.3 miPanther Knob0.9 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 0.8 miWildcat Mountain ↗4.9 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 1.4 miWilson Mountain3.4 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 1.6 miSprouts Run ↗3.3 mi trail · hiking · national_recreation_or_other
- 2.4 miBelfast2.7 mi trail · hiking
- 3.3 miCornelius Creek ↗2.8 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_recreation_or_other
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
- inGeorge Washington and Jefferson National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 3,487,961 acres
- 2.3 miThunder Ridge Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 2,427 acres
- 2.9 miJames River Face Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 8,907 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
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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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Virginia
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Sites at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp are reservable on Recreation.gov. Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area Reservation Information Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Interagency Senior and Access Passes are not applicable to group camping fees.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season early-April to late-October.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp have?
1 site, including 1 group tent area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Flush toilets are across the road behind the work center building and showers are available at the beach bathhouse.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Yes, pets are allowed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp good for stargazing?
Natural Bridge State Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park, is 3.5 miles away. Skies that dark carry for miles; a moonless night here should show the Milky Way.
Source: DarkSky International
What is there to do at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
The 7 acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia. Lexington, Virginia, just 20 minutes away, is home to several historic sites including the Stonewall Jackson House, George C.
Source: Getting there