Is Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp 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 Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp has 6 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 Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp 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 Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

Yes, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp have?

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp. 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 Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

Popular activities at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

4.42

112 reviews

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Top 21% in VASummer

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Virginia Group Camping Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Virginia +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,309 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,309 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

811 Cave Mountain Lake Road

Nearby places

Lexington (20 minutes), Natural Bridge State Park (8 miles), Glasgow (8 miles), Buchanan (20 miles), Buena Vista (20 miles)

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.

Weather at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, swim‑friendly weather and long daylight hours that make the 7‑acre lake and sandy beach the campground's main attraction; daytime highs are typically in the mid‑70s to mid‑80s°F with cool, pleasant mornings in the mid‑50s to mid‑60s°F. Water activities (swimming, shore fishing, and canoeing), group beach time, and evening campfires are at their peak, while trails are fully snow‑free and most facilities (showers, flush toilets) are open. Expect the busiest weekends and an upti Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in VA

Summer warms the lake for comfortable swimming; peak season with full trail and water access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30 (reservable dates vary); closed from October 30 to April 1.

About Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, swim‑friendly weather and long daylight hours that make the 7‑acre lake and sandy beach the campground's main attraction; daytime highs are typically in the mid‑70s to mid‑80s°F with cool, pleasant mornings in the mid‑50s to mid‑60s°F. Water activities (swimming, shore fishing, and canoeing), group beach time, and evening campfires are at their peak, while trails are fully snow‑free and most facilities (showers, flush toilets) are open. Expect the busiest weekends and an upti Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1309 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 7-acre Cave Mountain Lake anchors the campground, created by a 35-foot dam built by CCC workers in the 1930s who incorporated natural rock formations into the structure. Forested ridges surround the water on three sides, providing dense shade across the campsites. A sandy beach lines one shore. The lake supports native trout and attracts songbirds and salamanders. The surrounding Blue Ridge landscape features ancient metamorphic rock and mixed hardwood forest typical of Virginia's mountains at this elevation.

Lodging & Accommodations"No electric, water, or sewer hookups available." Tent camping only area with no RV accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 30 guests for group camping.

Groups

"The group camp area allows tent-camping only and can accommodate up to 30 guests." Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water spigots.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov online, via the app, or contact center.

AccessibilityFood storage lockers are unavailable, but flush toilets and showers are accessible within walking distance. Lantern posts and picnic tables are movable for accommodation flexibility.

Site SizeSites themselves were all very shaded, well equipped, and spacious." Some sites can accommodate multiple tents.

PrivacyThe campsites were great and while fairly close together there is still plenty of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific advice includes reserving sites near streams for peaceful ambiance and shaded locations.

Best CampsitesGroup campsite G1 gets positive mentions for its location near the creek, spaciousness, and convenient access to the bathhouse and beach.

Need help booking Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp?

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

No electric, water. or sewer hookups available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Swimming

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

112 reviews

Recommended

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 112 reviews.

Site #1Loved
Site #1 praised for spaciousness and dual entrances with plenty of shade but limited privacy.
Site #3Loved
Site #3 noted for its own little bridge and spaciousness.

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...

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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