Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

4.63

345 reviews

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Virginia#1 Spring Camping Virginia#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Virginia#1 +11 more

Quick Facts

1,309 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,309 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $20 to $40 per night depending on the season and site type. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center,...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$40.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-291-2188khall@fs.fed.us

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 345 reviews

121 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Users frequently praise the cleanliness, scenic beauty, and peaceful nature of the campground. Hosts are described as helpful and friendly. Criticisms include issues with noisy neighbors and lack of sinks for dishwashing."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Driving directionsFrom I-81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge. Go north on U.S. Highway 11. Turn right at the Natural Bridge parking lot onto Route 130 East. Continue for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for about 3 miles, then turn right again onto State Route 781. Turn left into the recreation area, then bear left at the Y intersection and continue into the campground. From I-81 South, take exit 180 (left exit) and continue south to Natural Bridge. Turn left onto Route 130 East and continue following the above directions.

The campground is easily accessible from major roads and interstates, particularly I-81, with less than 10 miles of travel required. However, some visitors caution against reliance on Google Maps for navigation as it may direct them onto one-lane logging roads. Follow posted signs for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area instead.

Nearby places

Lexington, VA - 20 minutes (approx. 10 miles)

Natural Bridge State Park - 8 miles (approx. 15 minutes)

Buchanan, VA - approx. 20 miles

Buena Vista, VA - approx. 20 miles.

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies such as ice and firewood can be found at small stores along State Route 759 or at local homes near State Route 781 selling firewood for $10 per wheelbarrow. Fuel and additional groceries are available in Lexington, VA.

Best Time to Camp at Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Each season paints Cave Mountain Lake in distinct colors and moods. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities under comfortably dry skies. Autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of gold and crimson, with crisp air ideal for hiking. Winter settles over the valley with a quiet beauty, bringing frosty mornings and temperatures that dip below freezing, creating a serene landscape for those seeking solitude. Throughout the year, occasional rainfall refreshes the forest and fills the air with the earthy scent of mountain woods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in VA

Summer reviews highlight swimming, shaded sites and comfortable lake use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in VA

Fall reviews note scenic foliage and a quiet atmosphere ideal for autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers hiking, wildflowers and youth trout stocking (Apr 1–Jun 15).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 31–Mar 31; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - October 30 annually. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from April 1 to October 30 annually. The campground is closed from October 31 to March 31.

About Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine 7-acre lake sparkling beneath forested peaks. Here, families gather on sandy shores for afternoon swims, cast lines into crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, and explore winding trails that reveal the area's natural splendor. This rustic mountain retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, with the legendary Natural Bridge and historic Lexington just a short drive away, offering the perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and cultural exploration.

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp offers tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and group camping. Primitive camping features shaded, private setups.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the 1930s, when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps carved this recreational oasis from the wilderness, skillfully incorporating natural rock buttresses into their engineering marvel. Their legacy lives on in the carefully constructed dam and the lake it created, standing as a testament to Depression-era ingenuity and determination. Beyond the campground, history enthusiasts can explore the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge State Park, where Thomas Jefferson once owned the land, and wander through Lexington's storied streets, where the echoes of Civil War history and the traditions of Washington and Lee University create a rich cultural tapestry.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Cave Mountain Lake in distinct colors and moods. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities under comfortably dry skies. Autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of gold and crimson, with crisp air ideal for hiking. Winter settles over the valley with a quiet beauty, bringing frosty mornings and temperatures that dip below freezing, creating a serene landscape for those seeking solitude. Throughout the year, occasional rainfall refreshes the forest and fills the air with the earthy scent of mountain woods.

ElevationCradled in a protected valley embrace, the campground enjoys a unique microclimate where mountain breezes flow down from surrounding hills, bringing refreshing coolness even on summer days. This natural amphitheater setting not only moderates temperatures but creates ever-changing vistas as morning mists rise from the lake and evening shadows stretch across the grassy fields. The elevation provides stunning panoramic views of ridgelines that seem to roll on forever, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to capture the Blue Ridge's timeless beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryA landscape of contrasts unfolds at Cave Mountain Lake, where emerald forests give way to sun-dappled meadows that stretch down to the water's edge. Ancient rock formations stand sentinel over the valley, their weathered faces telling geological stories millions of years in the making. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky and surrounding ridges, while grassy fields invite barefoot wandering and picnic spreads. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, from deer grazing at dawn to hawks circling overhead, creating a living canvas that changes with each passing hour.

Geological RegionDiscover the ancient heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where time has sculpted a perfect valley sanctuary for Cave Mountain Lake. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dramatic rocky buttresses that the CCC incorporated into their 35-foot dam—a masterful blend of human engineering and natural architecture. The surrounding forested hills rise like protective guardians, their slopes carved by millennia of wind and water into the gentle curves that define Appalachian beauty. Grassy fields carpet the valley floor, creating open spaces that contrast beautifully with the dense woodland canopy, while the underlying geology tells the story of continental collisions and ancient seas that shaped this mountain paradise.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site, 12 guests in double sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLaid out over loops with creekside sites and areas near the bathhouse. Sites are generally spacious, with some pull-through options.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come, first-served sites are available. All sites require prior reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival for a $10 fee plus forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations (after midnight on the day before arrival) also lose the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes one handicap-accessible shower and flush toilets. Accessibility to trails and certain sites is mentioned but not fully detailed.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with most accommodating multiple tents or large setups. Campsite #41-42 is a double site accommodating up to 12 people.

PrivacySites are described as shaded, private, and well-spaced. "The campsites are spaced out well and fairly private," according to one reviewer. Another noted, "Spacious and private lots.

Total Campsites41 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose creekside sites such as #30. For accessibility, site #20 is a pull-through. Double sites #41-42 are ideal for larger groups.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include swimming, youth-only fishing (April 1 to June 15), regular fishing season, birding, photography, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The trails provide access to scenic views and range from short walks to strenuous hikes. "The Wildcat Trail starts above campsites #41-42 and loops back," noted one source.

HikingHiking trails surround the area, including the Panther Knob Trail and Wildcat Trail, as well as access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. "The trails are well maintained and decently strenuous," one user noted.

FishingFishing is available in the lake, which is trout-stocked for youth-only fishing from April 1 to June 15. "Plenty of fish jumping," and "Would love to fish once it's allowed," noted reviewers.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in a designated area of Cave Mountain Lake, including a sandy beach. "Perfect little lake with a small beach," described one user.

Wildlife viewingOpportunities include birding and observing other wildlife. "We even saw some deer in the evening and early morning," noted one reviewer.

Beach activitiesIncludes sunbathing and enjoying the sandy beach. "The beach and swimming area is scenic and a good place to cool off," noted one reviewer.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and snakes are present. Visitors must store food securely and watch out for flooded creek conditions during heavy rains.

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

Fire PolicyFire pits are provided at each site, but only locally-sourced firewood is permitted to prevent the spread of pests. Generators are restricted during quiet hours.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Lexington, VA, approximately 20 minutes away. These include hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are mentioned as clean and well-maintained. Recycling specifics are not described.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located beside Cave Mountain Lake and features a creek running through the campsites. Swimming and fishing are popular activities.

Camp HostVolunteer campground hosts are available and praised for their friendliness and support. Hosts ensure clean facilities and enforce regulations.

Weather at Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Reviews

4.6

345 reviews

Top-Rated

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users frequently praise the cleanliness, scenic beauty, and peaceful nature of the campground. Hosts are described as helpful and friendly. Criticisms include issues with noisy neighbors and lack of sinks for dishwashing.

Review Summaries

Based on 345 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly hosts, spacious sites, scenic beauty including streams and the lake, peaceful environment, well-maintained trails.

Based on 345 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of dishwashing stations, occasional noise during quiet hours, sporadic cell service, and poorly maintained fire pits.

Based on 345 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Buy firewood outside the campground, bring dishwashing gear, and plan for no cell service. Creeks provide calming background noise.

Based on 345 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight swimming and shaded sites for comfort. Fall reviews note scenic foliage and quiet atmosphere. Spring reviews focus on hiking and youth fishing opportunities. Winter reviews...

Based on 345 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wow, and I mean Wow! I can't believe I have lived 40 minutes from this hidden gem," "The bathrooms were well maintained and appeared to be cleaned daily!" "Definitely a hidden gem off the beaten...

Based on 345 reviews