How much does camping cost at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Camping fees at Sherando Lake Group Camp range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sherando Lake Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Sherando 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 Sherando Lake Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Sherando 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 Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Sherando Lake Group Camp is open April 01 to October 31. 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 Group Camp?

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

How many campsites does Sherando Lake Group Camp have?

Sherando Lake Group Camp has 5 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 Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sherando 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 Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Sherando 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 Sherando Lake Group Camp?

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

Sherando Lake Group Camp

4.65

32 reviews

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Virginia#1 Swimming Camping Virginia#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Virginia#1 +13 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,686 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Sherando Lake Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,686 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Sherando Lake Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Sherando Lake Group Camp

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Sherando Lake Group Camp

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Nearby places

Stuarts Draft (15-minute drive)

Wintergreen Resort (10 miles)

Blue Ridge Parkway (3 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 for 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 the group camping area at the end of the road.

Weather at Sherando Lake Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Sherando Lake Group Camp

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild mountain weather and active outdoor opportunities — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low 50s at this 1,686 ft elevation. Trails come alive with wildflowers and fresh green growth (late April–May), fishing picks up as trout and bass become more active, and lake-levels are typically good for paddling and shoreline exploration. Crowds are noticeably lighter than peak summer weekends, making this the ideal time for group get Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as the best balance: mild temps, wildflowers, lighter crowds and full facilities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30 during peak season.

About Sherando Lake Group Camp

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.

Sherando Lake Group Camp is exclusively tent-only with five designated group campsites. RVs and trailers are not permitted. The campground caters to large groups, accommodating up to 75 guests across all sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild mountain weather and active outdoor opportunities — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to low 50s at this 1,686 ft elevation. Trails come alive with wildflowers and fresh green growth (late April–May), fishing picks up as trout and bass become more active, and lake-levels are typically good for paddling and shoreline exploration. Crowds are noticeably lighter than peak summer weekends, making this the ideal time for group get Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1686 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTwo mountain lakes anchor the recreation area. The lower lake spans 25 acres and draws swimmers, boaters, and anglers. A smaller 7-acre upper lake offers quieter fishing. Trails wind through forested ridges and open meadows at 1,686 feet elevation, where wildflowers bloom in spring and the Milky Way appears on clear nights. The terrain reflects the tectonic forces that built these ancient Blue Ridge ridges and valleys.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is tent-only and does not offer other lodging like cabins or lodges.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 15 guests per site

Groups

Each of the five group campsites accommodates up to 15 guests. Groups can reserve all five sites for a maximum of 75 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessibility features such as an accessible ramp at the lower lake swimming area.

Site SizeSites are described as "HUGE," offering plenty of space for groups to spread out. Each site accommodates up to 15 guests.

PrivacyThe sites are fenced for delineation and offer privacy. One user highlighted the "secluded" nature of the group campsites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite G5 is recommended for families with small children due to its central location and open field for play.

Best CampsitesSite G5 appears most often in reviews for its space and facilities. All five group sites are fenced, huge, and include fire rings and picnic tables. The central grassy field makes any site workable for families with small children.

Need help booking Sherando 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

Sherando Lake Group Camp offers comprehensive amenities tailored for groups. "The five tent-only group campsites are located around the outside of the looping road. Each site can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests, or a large group can reserve all 5 sites to fit no more than 75 guests." Amenities include picnic tables, grills, lantern posts, serving tables, and drinking water available at each site. Bathrooms include flush toilets and showers at the bathhouse (renovated in 2019) and vault toilets at the lower end of the loop. "Cleanest facilities ever," noted one reviewer.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sherando Lake Group Camp offers a wide variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Activities include hiking, fishing, accessible swimming, birding, and stargazing. "Sherando Lake is so convenient to all of the nice hikes and breweries in Nelson County," noted one reviewer. Families especially appreciate the large field for games and children’s activities.

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

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

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From Booking Sources

4.7

32 reviews

Top-Rated

Sherando Lake Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with sentiments focusing on the campground’s cleanliness, spaciousness, and family-friendly design. "Everything about Sherando Lake is great," stated one reviewer. However, some minor complaints arise regarding ash-filled fire pits and temporary facility limitations during renovations.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly hosts, and a central grassy field ideal for children and stargazing. "The bathrooms were clean," noted one reviewer. "Sherando Lake...

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are scarce and include minor issues such as ash-filled fire pits and inconvenience from outhouses during bathhouse renovations. "Our firepit did need to be dug out as there was a lot of...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific highlights include G5’s large size and proximity to facilities. G3 is noted as excellent for families. "We rented all the group sites for a weekend," stated one reviewer.

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Secure food in locked vehicles to avoid fines, bring ash-cleaning tools for fire pits, and plan for limited cell phone coverage. "The group campsites are a must for anyone with small children" due to...

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons like spring and summer, the campground is praised for its lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere. Cooler months see fewer visitors, making it quieter but less accessible.

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sherando Lake is so convenient to all of the nice hikes and breweries in Nelson County." "The bathrooms were clean and showers well taken care of." "Giving you and your fellow campers plenty of...

Based on 32 reviews