Interior of beach bathhouse pavilion.
Meadow Loop C.
Lower lake beach bathhouse.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from early April through late October.

High Wind Warning issued December 30 at 12:34AM EST until December 30 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

12:34 AM — 8:45 AM

* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected through this morning. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

From Recreation.gov

**Check-In Time: 1pm**. Early arrivals will not have access to their campsite until 1pm**. Campers who wish to enter park prior to 1pm will be required to pay Day Use Fee. Ceck-Out Time: 11am.** Site must be vacated by 11am.

From Recreation.gov

Reminder: **Electronic gate code is required for entry and included in your confirmation email. Please note it prior to arriving at Sherando Lake as there is no reliable cellular service onsite. **When you arrive, enter the Four Digit Gate Code followed by the **# sign**.

About

Known as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping provides an ideal base for exploring Virginia's mountainous terrain. The campground sits between Lower Sherando Lake (25 acres) and Upper Sherando Lake (7 acres) at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the shadows of Torry Ridge. The facility features three distinct camping loops: White Oak Loop (Loop A) offers 35 non-electric sites suitable for tents and smaller camping units under 20 feet, while River Bend Loop (Loop B) and Meadow Loop (Loop C) provide 30 sites with electric hookups designed for larger RVs and camping units. The Lower Lake serves as the recreation centerpiece, offering a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, accessible ramp, and bathhouse with showers and changing facilities. Outside the swim area, visitors can fish for stocked trout during spring and fall seasons or launch canoes, kayaks, and boats with electric trolling motors from the hand-carry ramp. The Upper Lake is reserved exclusively for fishing and also receives seasonal trout stockings. Hiking opportunities abound, from the gentle Lakeside and Cliff Trails circling the lower lake to more challenging routes like the Blue Loop Trail connecting to Torry Ridge Trail and beyond. The Blue Ridge Parkway lies just three miles away via State Route 664. All campsites include a picnic table, serving table, lantern post, and campfire ring with grill. Tent pads feature fine brown sandy gravel. Each loop provides flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water hydrants. Most sites include bear-proof food storage lockers, and food storage in lockers or locked vehicles is mandatory. A dump station and potable water fill station with threaded hose connection serve RV campers. Reservations are required for all sites through Recreation.gov, with an electronic gate code provided for entry.

Directions

From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $25 - $32

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length 38ft
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email khall@fs.fed.us
Phone +1 (540) 291-2188

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Interior of beach bathhouse pavilion.
Meadow Loop C.
Lower lake beach bathhouse.
Lower lake island.
Lower lake accessible fishing pier.
Ramp to access lower lake swimming.
Lower lake swimming beach in early morning.
Lower Sherando Lake in the early morning.
Loop A, site A-11 Campground Host.
A photo of facility SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING with Waterfront
Loop A bathhouse near site A-11.

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