How much does camping cost at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Camping fees at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping range from $25-$47/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping first-come first-served or reservation?

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping before I book?

Yes! Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Yes, Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Fire policies at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping: Firewood and Ice is not available at the park.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping have?

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping has 92 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Popular activities at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

4.67

412 reviews

96 SHERANDO LAKE DRIVE LYNDHURST, VA 22952

A-Report Card

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah#1

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$25 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$25 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

92 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts Official Website

Get Directions

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

$25.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $47.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Standard Site: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-291-2188Jonathan.Zimmerman@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

96 SHERANDO LAKE DRIVE LYNDHURST, VA 22952

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

96 SHERANDO LAKE DRIVE LYNDHURST, VA 22952

Nearby places

Stuarts Draft (15-minute drive), Wintergreen (10 miles), Blue Ridge Parkway (3 miles), Charlottesville (approx. 40 miles).

Driving directionsFrom 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 to the 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 your assigned campsite in either White Oak Loop (Loop A), which is the first turn to the right after passing the lower lake or Meadow Loop (Loop C), which is the last loop on the left before the playground.

Weather at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Current alerts(14)

Camping units in White Oak Loop (Loop A) are restricted to less than 20 feet in length due to the access road hill and turn.
Campsites in White Oak Loop (Loop A) do NOT have electric, water or sewer hook-ups.
Cell phone coverage is unreliable.
Check-In Time: 1pm. Early arrivals will not have access to their campsite until 1pm. Check-Out Time: 11am Site must be vacated by 11am.

Best Time to Camp at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lake activities — expect daytime highs around the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit and cool nights in the 50s to low-60s, making swimming, boating, and evening campfires comfortable. Both lakes are at their busiest and warmest, with full-service campground loops (hot showers, electric sites) available and most trailheads fully accessible. Expect higher weekend crowds and holiday bookings, so reserve early for July and August weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season for lake activities; warm days, swimming and boating though beaches get crowded on weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 29 during peak season. Closed out of season for reservations.

About Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping sits in the foothills of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Lyndhurst. Operated by the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts, this large campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, hot showers, and a dump station. Campers enjoy spacious, well-spaced sites with access to hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing during the peak season.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive tent camping and RV camping with electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for lake activities — expect daytime highs around the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit and cool nights in the 50s to low-60s, making swimming, boating, and evening campfires comfortable. Both lakes are at their busiest and warmest, with full-service campground loops (hot showers, electric sites) available and most trailheads fully accessible. Expect higher weekend crowds and holiday bookings, so reserve early for July and August weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTwo lakes anchor the recreation area: a 25-acre lower lake and a 7-acre upper lake, both fed by mountain springs emerging from the ancient Blue Ridge aquifers. Dense hardwood forests cover the slopes between Torry Ridge and the main Blue Ridge range. The rounded peaks show the weathered character of some of Earth's oldest mountains, their exposed metamorphic rocks softened by millions of years of erosion. Mountain streams run over moss-covered rocks. Deer appear in clearings at dawn, and hawks circle the ridges on warm afternoons.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or rental cabins are available within the recreation area. Nearby private vendors offer lodging options within 10 miles of Sherando Lake.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact limits not specified
depends on individual site sizes.

Groups

Group camping site details were not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities include ramps at the swimming area and accessible trails around the lakes. Bathhouses have changing rooms and showers. However, certain sites may require steps for access.

Site SizeCampsites are reported as spacious and suitable for large tents and RVs. 'Most sites are large,' according to reviews, with some areas offering 'level gravel pads for tent sites.

PrivacyMixed privacy depending on the loop. White Oak Loop offers greater seclusion, while Meadow Loop and River Bend Loop have tighter layouts with limited vegetation between sites.

Total Campsites92 campsites

Recommended SitesFor peace and quiet, choose weekday stays or less crowded loops like Meadow Loop. For lake access and family activities, White Oak Loop offers close proximity.

Best CampsitesSites A19, A25, and C13 receive praise in reviews for space and views. White Oak Loop offers better seclusion between sites than Meadow Loop or River Bend Loop, where campsites sit closer together with less screening vegetation.

Need help booking Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electric hook-ups only in River Bend (Loop B) & Meadow Loops (Loop C). No water or sewer hook-ups are available.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sherando Lake Recreation Area provides a mix of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at most campsites and are mandatory for food storage due to active bear presence.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.7

412 reviews

Top-Rated

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed but generally positive, with a focus on the beauty of the campground, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Some complaints revolve around campsite spacing, noise levels, and staff behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 412 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to hiking trails and lakes. 'The campsites are roomy and well spaced,' and 'The bathrooms were...

Based on 412 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from other campers, overcrowding at the beach during weekends, and issues with bathroom amenities. Additionally, several reviewers criticized staff behavior and restrictions...

Based on 412 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for individual sites highlight varying experiences. 'Site A05 is peaceful in the evenings but has some beach noise during the day.' - David S.

Based on 412 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions include arriving early to secure spots at the beach, bringing ant spray for food storage boxes, and avoiding steep routes like Hwy 664 from Wintergreen Resort.

Based on 412 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Crowds peak during summer weekends, while weekdays are quieter. Fall offers serene camping conditions but may include leaf blower noise according to one reviewer. Winter closures impact usability.

Based on 412 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is very pretty and clean.' - Robert S. 2. 'Bathrooms were clean and the campground was serene.' - Patty W. 3. 'No cell service is a great incentive to get out into the wild.' -...

Based on 412 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is noted for ramps at the swimming beach and easy trail access, though some sites require steps. No specific reviews from disabled users were found.

Based on 412 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Some reviews mention staff being overly cautious around dogs despite their obedience.

Based on 412 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

$25.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $47.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Standard Site: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-291-2188Jonathan.Zimmerman@usda.gov

Go if

You want a well-maintained base camp with modern amenities near hiking trails and fishing in a national forest setting.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or prefer solitude over a busy, host-managed campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.7

(32)

Sherando Lake Group Camp

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Sherando Lake Group Camp sits in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest foothills near Natural Bridge, Virginia. Operated by Sherando Lake Recreation Area, this small group-only campground offers access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails around a mountain lake. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, spacious sites, and a central grassy field popular with families and stargazers.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(3)

Canoe Landing Campground

James River State Park

Canoe Landing sits right on the James River in a 1,500-acre state park in Virginia's Piedmont foothills. The campground is a quiet, tent-only group site with direct river access, gravel bars for launching canoes, and open views across the water. Reviews rate the park 5.0 stars for its cleanliness, dark skies, and extensive trail network. But cell service is nearly nonexistent.

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

4.7

(32)

Sherando Lake Group Camp

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

1079 MAIN STREET EAST

Lake Sherwood sits in the Monongahela National Forest foothills near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping around a 156-acre mountain lake. Operated by the Forest Service, the campground draws families and water enthusiasts with swimming, boating, fishing, and trailhead access. Facilities include showers, flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and a camp store, though some loops show their age with older bathrooms and overgrown trails.

$20.00 - $100.00 / night

5199 Carter's Point Road, Buffalo Junction, VA 24529

Buffalo Park sits on the shoreline of John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir near Clarksville, Virginia. This Army Corps of Engineers campground offers electric and water hookups for RVs, tent sites, and primitive walk-in options, all with direct access to a swim beach and boat ramp. Campers fish for bass and catfish, launch boats, and enjoy a family-friendly lakeside atmosphere during the peak summer season.

$24.00 - $68.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(112)

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp sits in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest foothills near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia. This U.S. Forest Service campground serves groups exclusively and centers on a 7-acre lake with a sandy swim beach. Visitors hike forest trails, fish from shore, and gather for lakeside activities during the seasonal operating window.

Loft Mountain Campground

C/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA

Loft Mountain Campground sits at 3,400 feet in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service with direct access to ridge-top trails and overlooks. The very large facility offers tent and RV sites with full amenities including showers, a camp store, and laundry, making it a well-equipped base for exploring the park's backcountry. Wildlife viewing and hiking dominate the experience, with fall foliage drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to the high-elevation vistas.

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.6

(345)

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp sits in the Blue Ridge foothills of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, near Natural Bridge Station. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites around a small mountain lake. Visitors come for swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a forested setting with flush toilets, showers, and a 14-day stay limit.

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

3950 Horseshoe Point Road

Horseshoe Point sits on the shore of Philpott Lake in Virginia's foothills near Henry, offering mid-sized camping with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers. The campground provides direct lake access for swimming and boating, with spacious sites spread across wooded terrain. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting and clean facilities, though rule enforcement can be inconsistent during busy periods.

$26.00 - $34.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(161)

Stuart Recreation Area

CHEAT RANGER DIST PO BOX 368

Stuart Recreation Area sits along the Shavers Fork in Monongahela National Forest near Parsons, operated by the Cheat Ranger District. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, plus cabins and group camping options in a foothill setting. Campers hike, fish, and swim during the seasonal operating window, with fall foliage drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to the surrounding ridges.

$33.00 - $150.00 / night

Highly Popular

3.7

(274)

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

756 Twin Ridge Drive

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area sits on Lake Moomaw in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Warm Springs. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station across a sprawling foothill setting. Campers come for lake access, with swimming, boating, and fishing drawing crowds in summer alongside miles of forest trails.

$16.00 - $85.00 / night

Highly Popular

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

4.5

(1471)

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Big Meadows Campground sits at high elevation in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Luray. The very large facility offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with full amenities including showers, dump station, camp store, and laundry. Visitors come for direct access to major hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and wildlife viewing across Blue Ridge ridgelines.

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Less Visited

3.4

(31)

White Rocks Campground

110 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060

White Rocks sits at 3,000 feet in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, 11 miles from the nearest cell signal. The 47 primitive and tent sites spread across two loops run $4–15 per night and offer well-spaced, secluded camping near both the Appalachian Trail and Mountain Lake Wilderness. Reviewers consistently mention the quiet and affordability, though maintenance can be spotty.

$4.00 - $15.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.6

(187)

Shenandoah River State Park Campground

null

This 1,604-acre state park opened in 1999 along 5.6 miles of the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The 11 walk-in tent sites sit on steep, wooded terrain at 709 feet elevation, ranging from 22 to 71 feet long with variable spacing. Upper loop sites offer hill views; lower sites face forest.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

A-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 95% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 345 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Campsites
Grade B+.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade C.Rules & policies
Grade C+.Value
Grade B-.Safety

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Virginia grades overall

Featured in these camping guides

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Camping Near Shenandoah#1 (featured pick)