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CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE FAMILY CAMP

Natural Bridge Station, Virginia · USDA Forest Service

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CAVE MOUNTAIN LAKE FAMILY CAMP — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

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

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.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Virginia
City / area
Natural Bridge Station
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Campsites
40
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$20–$40 / night
Rating
4.70 / 5 (329 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up, Hammock

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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