CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE GROUP CAMP (VA)

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is part of the Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area. This area is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors who come to enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. In the late 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps built a 7 acre lake using existing buttresses of natural rock to form a 35 foot high dam.

The group camp area can accommodate up to 30 people at one time. The group area is for tent camping only and tent pads are provided for tent set-up. Facilities and improvements include 6 picnic tables which can be moved around within the group camp area, 2 fire rings with grills, 1 pedestal double grill, lantern poles, serving tables, a group-size fire ring and 1 potable water spigot. The toilet building located across the road from the group camping area offers flush toilets. Showers are available at the beach bathhouse a short distance down the main road.

The 7 acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with sand beach. The swimming area has no lifeguards, so visitors swim at their own risk. Boats are not allowed on the lake. Fishing is available from the water's edge outside the beach area. Visitors are responsible for having the appropriate state licenses and National Forest stamp prior to fishing. These are not sold at Cave Mountain Lake, but can be obtained in the local area.

Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake to a full day hike along the nearby ridges to backpacking trips along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the James River Face Wilderness, or the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.

Visitors to the National Forest are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the Forest and the area they are visiting. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts office at (540) 291-2188. Office hours are 8 am through 4:30 pm (Eastern time) Monday through Friday.

The nearest groceries and gas are located in nearby Lexington, Virginia about a 20 minute drive from Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area. Ice and other sundries can be obtained from small stores along State Route 759 as you enter the area. Cellular phone service is not reliable due to the area location.

America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes are not applicable for group camp fees.

From Interstate 81 N: Take exit 175 off Interstate 81 just south of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Go North on US Highway 11 towards Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). In Natural Bridge follow Route 130 East at the intersection with US Highway 11 (right turn at the Natural Bridge attraction parking lot). Continue on Route 130 East for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 miles ahead. Turn left into the recreation area and continue into the area. The group area parking is just off to the right at the "Y" to the camping area and to the beach area. From Interstate 81 S: Take exit 180 off Interstate 81 just north of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Continue South on US Highway 11 towards Natural Bridge. Once in Natural Bridge (facing the attraction parking lot) turn left onto Route 130 East at the intersection with US Highway 11. Continue on Route 130 East for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 miles ahead. Turn left into the recreation area and continue into the area. The group area parking is just off to the right at the "Y" to the camping area and to the beach area.