Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp

About

Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The campground sits beside a scenic 7-acre lake built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which used natural rock buttresses to form a 35-foot dam. A grassy field extends from the lake's sandy beach to forested hills that create a picturesque backdrop. The group camping area is tent-only and accommodates up to 30 guests. Amenities include six movable picnic tables, two fire rings with grills, a double pedestal grill, lantern posts, serving tables, a group campfire circle, and food storage lockers for bear safety. A drinking water spigot is on-site, with flush toilets located across the road and showers available at the beach bathhouse. The lake has a designated swimming area with a sand beach, and only kayaks and paddleboards are permitted on the water. Hiking trails surround the area, from a short walk around the lake via the Panther Knob Trail to all-day hikes along nearby ridges including the Appalachian Trail, James River Face Wilderness, and Thunder Ridge Wilderness. Historic Lexington is 20 minutes away, and Natural Bridge State Park is an 8-mile drive.

Directions

From I-81 North, take Exit 175. Turn left onto US Highway 11 and continue 2 miles into Natural Bridge. Turn right onto VA 130 East for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 781. Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left. From I-81 South, take Exit 180A off the left side of the interstate. Continue on US Highway 11 south into Natural Bridge. Turn left onto VA 130 East and continue approximately 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on State Route 781. Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left.