Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

Show on map 540-291-2188 khall@fs.fed.us

811 CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE ROAD (PHYSICAL ADDRESS), GLENWOOD AND PEDLAR RANGER DISTRICTS (FOR INFORMATION), 27 RANGER LANE
Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579

Overview

Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic and peaceful getaway. Easy access from the interstate and close proximity to historic Lexington and the Natural Bridge State Park make Cave Mountain Lake an ideal destination.

Recreation

The 7 acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach. Fishing for youth only (ages 15 and under) is open from April 1st through June 15th, then fishing is open to anglers of all ages with a valid Virginia fishing license, trout stamp and National Forest stamp for the remainder of the season. There are several piers around the lake for better fishing access. A number of opportunities for photography, birding, and wildlife viewing are available along the trails and water's edge. Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges. The Panther Knob Trail starts beside the group picnic shelter and skirts the edge of the lake to the dam. The Wildcat Trail starts above campsites #41-42, climbs the mountain, then loops back to the campground above the volunteer host site in the upper camping loop. Visitors may also enjoy a day hike or backpacking trip on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in the James River Face Wilderness, or in the Thunder Ridge Wilderness.

Facilities

Cave Mountain Lake offers 41 reservable campsites at this time. Amenities at each campsite include a picnic table, lantern post and campfire ring with grill. Flush toilets and water spigots are located throughout the campground. There is a bathhouse with warm water showers located across the road from Campsite #20. Each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people per site. Campsite #41-42 is considered a double campsite with space to accommodate up to 12 people. All camping requires a reservation prior to arriving. Campsites can be reserved via Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. No first-come, first-serve sites.

Natural Features

Cave Mountain Lake covers seven acres and was built in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using existing buttresses of natural rock to form a 35-foot dam. A grassy field extends from the lake's sandy beach to forested hills that paint a scenic backdrop.

Nearby Attractions

Lexington, Virginia, just 20 minutes away, is home to several historic sites including the Stonewall Jackson House, George C. Marshall Museum and the Virginia Military Institute Museum. It's a charming town with horse drawn carriage rides through the streets. Ice and other sundries can be found at small stores along State Route 759 as you drive to Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area. Natural Bridge State Park is a short 8 mile drive away and offers visitors views of the 215 foot tall Natural Bridge and limestone gorge, 6 miles of hiking trails, a Monacan Indian Village, and the 30 foot cascade of Lace Falls.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (540) 291-2188 for general information.

Camp site features

Across 40 camp sites:

Fire pit: 1 of 40 sites
Picnic table: 39 of 40 sites
Pets allowed: all 40 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 40 sites
Longest RV: 55 ft
Largest party: 12 people
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, Hammock, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

From I- 81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge. Go north on U.S. Highway 11. Turn right at the Natural Bridge parking lot onto Route 130 East. Continue for approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for about 3 miles, then turn right again onto State Route 781. Turn left into the recreation area, then bear left at the Y intersection and continue into the campground. From I-81 South, take exit 180 (left exit) and continue south to Natural Bridge. Turn left onto Route 130 East and continue following the above directions.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

330 reviews

5 stars

256

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Ilce H

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Reviewed 8 days ago

Great stay, i would recommend this park to anyone and everyone. I stayed in the fall & the employees who are so kind let me use my generator. Great spot worth the $

Jesse F

Loop:Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

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Reviewed 9 days ago

Sites were spacious and spread apart from other campers. Bath houses were clean. Bear storage for food and gear appreciated.

Martin J

Loop:Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

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Reviewed 12 days ago

This is a great basic campground and pretty close to I-81. Close to Natural Bridge, which is worth seeing. I would have given it 5 stars if it had electricity. Facilities were fine. Decent bathhouses and warm showers and flush toilets, which is a minimum requirement for a family camp situation. We didn't use any trails or the small lake. There was a nice place to play ball down by the lake.

Sterling B

Loop:Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

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Reviewed 12 days ago

We picked this site because it offers hot showers. BUT, I warn you there is no heat in the bathroom or in the showers. Otherwise was all good clean (if dated) bathrooms-but a big step up from chemical showers-and yes, the water is HOT. Friendly camp hosts.

Lyssa F

Loop:B

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Reviewed 14 days ago

We loved this site and will most definitely return!

Kathy M

Loop:Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp

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Reviewed 14 days ago

Wonderful time site 20 could use some work on stumps and rock removal trip hazards.The fire pit is needing a new one rusted out all way around it. Especially after dark even with lanterns rocks and stumps are bad

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve