Sherando Lake Recreation Area

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Food Storage and Disposal Requirements - Bear Safety

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In many campgrounds and recreation areas on the forest, visitors are required to store and dispose of food in bear-proof receptacles.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

Roanoke, Virginia FOREST ORDER NO. 08-08-00-23-2

OCCUPANCY AND USE

Food Storage and Disposal

Pursuant to Title 16 U.S.C. § 551 and Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.50, for the health and safety of the public, and for the protection of resources, the following acts are prohibited within the listed areas on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests: This Forest Order is effective from the date signed by the Forest Supervisor until August 30, 2028, or until terminated by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.

Possessing or leaving any food or refuse unless it is:
1. Stored properly or
2. Being eaten, being prepared for eating or being transported or
3. Disposed of in a bear resistant trash receptacle. 36 CFR § 261.58(cc)
  Definitions:
  l. "Bear resistant container or trash receptacle" means a securable container constructed of solid non-pliable material capable of withstanding 200 foot-pounds of energy (using the approved bear resistant container impact testing machine). When secured and under stress the container will not have any cracks, openings, or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear resistant unless they are reinforced with metal.
''Food or refuse" means any nourishing substance, solid or liquid (excluding baled hay or water) or refuse thereof, that is not native to the immediate area, which is or may be eaten or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, or promote growth of any person or animal.
"Stored Properly" means

Stored in a bear-resistant container or,
Stored in a closed vehicle constructed of solid, nonpliable material or,
Suspended at least ten feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting limb or pole.
Disposed of in bear resistant trash receptacles.

Clinch Ranger District Bark Camp Recreation Area Cane Patch Campground

Cave Springs Recreation Area Flatwoods Group Picnic Area Hanging Rock Campground High Knob Recreation Area

North Fork of Pound Boat Launch Phillips Creek Campground

Wise Boat Launch

Eastern Divide Ranger District

Steel Bridge Campground The Pines Campground Walnut Flats Campground White Rocks Campground

Boley Fields Group Campground Caldwell Fields Group Campground Craig Creek Recreation Area

White Cedar Horse Camp

Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area North Creek Campground

Oronoco Campground Sherando Lake Recreation Area

Hopper Creek Group Campground

James River and Warm Springs Ranger District

Coles Point Boat Ramp Fortney Boat Ramp Morris Hill Campgrounds

Jackson River Canoe Access Points Walter Robinson Canoe Access Points Blowing Springs Campground

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area Greenwood Point Campground Hidden Valley Recreation Area Walton Tract Canoe Access Point McClintic Point Campgrounds

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Beartree Recreation Area Comers Rock Recreation Area

Fox Creek Horse Campground Grindstone Recreation Area

Hurricane Campground Raccoon Branch Campground Raven Cliff Recreation Area Stony Fork Campground

Collins Cove Group Horse Campground Hussy Mountain Horse Campground Old Virginia Group Horse Campground

Lee Ranger District

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area Hawk Recreation Area

Little Fort Campground · Trout Pond Recreation Area Wolf Gap Recreation Area Batzell Boat Launch Bealers Ferry Boat Launch

Bealers Ferry Pond Accessible Fishing Site Moody Boat Launch

Seekford Boat Launch

North River Ranger District Brandywine Recreation Area Camp Rim Campground Hone Quarry Campground North River Campground

Shaws Fork Equestrian Campground Todd Lake Recreation Area

Exemptions: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Any Federal, State or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty,
Any authorized person engaged in official administrative duties regarding National Forest Administration,
Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

Executed in Roanoke, Virginia this 30th day of August 2023.

Signed by Job P. Timm, Forest Supervisor, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Families enjoy picnicking in this shaded and woody area, while relaxing on the sandy beach of a 25-acre spring-fed lake. Access to multiple trailheads and rustic architecture provide numerous points of interest for families to enjoy.

Fees

$8 per vehicle up to 8 passenger capacity for day use. $2 per person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins for day use. $25 per single site per night, plus $7 electric fee (some sites). $40 for the double site per night, plus $7 electric fee (maximum 12 people). Group campsite: $50 per night per group site 1 - 15 people, (maximum 75 people). Group picnic shelter: $25 (maximum 50 people) (day use fee applies).

Rules

Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No combustible engines allowed on the lake. Hand carry boats only. Forest Order 15-08-17 applies.

Directions

From I-64: Take exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Turn south onto State Route (SR) 624 and continue. At Lyndhurst the road changes to SR 664 (Mount Torrey Road), but there is no distinct turn. Continue south on SR 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. From I-81: Take exit 217 for Mint Springs/Stuarts Draft and continue wast on State Route (SR) 654 to the first stoplight. Turn left onto US 340 and continue into Stuarts Draft. Take a right at the third stoplight and continue onto SR 608. Continue through the next stoplight and bare left onto SR 610 (Howardsville Turnpile). Continue on SR 610 to the next stop sign and turn right onto SR 664 (Mount Torry Road). After 5 miles, the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation area is on the right.