Campground

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Day Use Area

Amenities

  • Bath House
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water (peak season)
  • Dump Station
  • Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
  • Host
  • Lantern Posts
  • Parking Area
  • Paved Roads
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Tables
  • Showers (Seasonal)
  • Tables
  • Tent Pads
  • Water (Seasonal)
  • Picnic Table
  • Grills/Fire Ring

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.

Getting Here

Latitude
37° 34' 32.9999" N
Longitude
79° 32' 3.0001" W
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.

Need to Know

  • All campsites are by Reservation ONLY. Reservations may be made day of arrival for available sites. 

  • Bears and other wildlife frequent the area; keep all food stored in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle. Violators are subject to a fine.
  • No electric, water or sewer hookups available

  • Main gate closes at 10:00 PM, re-opens at 6:00 AM.

  • Maximum of two dogs allowed per site
  • No alcohol allowed in beach, picnic, swimming or parking areas
  • Day-use visitors and visitors of camping guests must pay the appropriate day-use fee
  • Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
  • Cell phone coverage is not reliable.
  • Pets are allowed, but must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times. Pet owners must clean up after their pets.

  • Generators are not permitted to run between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM and are subject to noise restrictions during all other hours. 

  • Only kayaks and paddleboards are permitted on the lake and only outside of the designated swimming area. No motorized craft (gas or electric) of any kind are permitted. 

  • Check in time for campsites is 1:00 PM and check out time is 11:00 AM.

    • Contact Information

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

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

    Additional Information