Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Star4.50
112 reviews
811 Cave Mountain Lake Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,309 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rates for group tent camping vary based on group size: $20 for 1-10 people, $30 for 11-20 people, and $40 for 21-30 people. Reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
540-291-2188khall@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.50

Top-Rated

Based on 112 reviews

121 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews frequently praise the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. Several reviewers highlight its peaceful environment and well-maintained facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Cave Mountain Lake Group Campground is easily accessible from the interstate (I-81) with less than 10 miles and four turns to reach the site. The roads to the campground are paved, but some reviews warned about navigating one-lane logging roads incorrectly due to Google Maps. It is recommended to follow signage instead of relying on GPS.
Nearby places
Lexington (20 minutes), Natural Bridge State Park (8 miles), Glasgow (8 miles), Buchanan (20 miles), Buena Vista (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, ice, and other sundries are available at small stores along State Route 759. Larger services and supplies can be accessed in Lexington or Glasgow, approximately 8-20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

From April through October, Cave Mountain Lake transforms into a camper's paradise where crisp mountain mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons. Early risers are rewarded with misty dawns that slowly reveal the surrounding peaks, while afternoons offer perfect temperatures for hiking and water activities. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene wonderland punctuated by brisk winds and crystal-clear skies—though camping season ends before nature's frosty show begins.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in VA

Summer is peak for swimming, paddling and warm weather; reviews praise summer use and facilities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers scenic foliage and cooler temps; noted as a popular season in summary.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring popular for swimming (opening Apr 1), youth fishing season and misty dawns noted in descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 30–Apr 1; winter usability limited by closure and cold water.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to October 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30 (reservable dates vary); closed from October 30 to April 1.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts are currently mentioned.

About Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Tucked away in Virginia's enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This thoughtfully designed group campground welcomes up to 30 adventurers who can gather beneath towering trees and share stories around crackling fire rings. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with rustic charm—from hot showers and flush toilets to sturdy picnic tables perfect for evening feasts. The crown jewel? A pristine sandy beach that invites morning swims and lazy afternoon lounging by the sparkling mountain lake.
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp exclusively offers tent camping for groups, accommodating up to 30 people in a designated area. RV camping and other accommodations are not available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "The 7-acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach." Fishing facilities include piers and youth-only fishing periods.
Hiking"Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges." Specific trails mentioned include Panther Knob Trail, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, James River Face Wilderness, and Thunder Ridge Wilderness.
FishingFishing for youth only (ages 15 and under) is open from April 1st through June 15th, then open to all ages with a Virginia fishing license. "It is a trout stocked lake."
Swimming"Swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach." The lake water remains cold year-round, fed by mountain streams according to user reviews.
Wildlife viewing"A number of opportunities for photography, birding, and wildlife viewing are available along the trails and water's edge."
Beach activities"The lake offers a sandy beach area ideal for swimming."
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity requiring secure food storage, cold lake water, and unreliable cell phone service. Fire pits require maintenance to clear ash buildup.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts are currently mentioned.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Reviews

4.5
112 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews frequently praise the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. Several reviewers highlight its peaceful environment and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 112 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, friendly hosts, proximity to trails and the lake, spacious campsites, and quiet environment are frequently mentioned.
Based on 112 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of cell service, occasional noise during quiet hours, ash buildup in fire pits, and limited availability of on-site amenities like firewood.
Based on 112 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Follow signs rather than relying on Google Maps for directions. Stock up on firewood and ice in nearby towns. Bring equipment for fishing during youth-only periods and plan hikes along the trails.
Based on 112 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are popular due to swimming and fishing. Fall offers scenic foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter activities and usability are limited due to cold weather and potential snow.
Based on 112 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wow, and I mean Wow! I can't believe I have lived 40 minutes from this hidden gem for most of my life and this past weekend was my first trip." "Lake is beautiful. The campsites were great and while...
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Based on 112 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 praised for spaciousness and dual entrances with plenty of shade but limited privacy. Site #3 noted for its own little bridge and spaciousness. Sites #6, #24, and #23 are recommended for...
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Based on 112 reviews

Accessibility Features

Flush toilets and showers are accessible; locations are convenient for all sites.
Based on 112 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Reviews mention occasional issues with unattended pets causing noise, but overall experiences for pet owners are positive.
Based on 112 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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