Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
4.5647 reviews811 Cave Mountain Lake Road
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rates for group tent camping vary based on group size: $20 for 1-10 people, $30 for 11-20 people, and $40 for 21-30 people. Reservation fees apply. Interagency Senior and Access Passes do not apply to group camping fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in Virginia's enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This thoughtfully designed group campground welcomes up to 30 adventurers who can gather beneath towering trees and share stories around crackling fire rings. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with rustic charm—from hot showers and flush toilets to sturdy picnic tables perfect for evening feasts. The crown jewel? A pristine sandy beach that invites morning swims and lazy afternoon lounging by the sparkling mountain lake.
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp exclusively offers tent camping for groups, accommodating up to 30 people in a designated area. RV camping and other accommodations are not available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living monument to American ingenuity. In the late 1930s, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived with little more than determination and hand tools, transforming raw mountain terrain into this recreational haven. Their legacy lives on in the masterfully constructed dam, where natural rock formations were ingeniously incorporated into the design. History buffs will delight in nearby Lexington's colonial charm and the geological wonder of Natural Bridge State Park, both steeped in centuries of American stories.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, Cave Mountain Lake transforms into a camper's paradise where crisp mountain mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons. Early risers are rewarded with misty dawns that slowly reveal the surrounding peaks, while afternoons offer perfect temperatures for hiking and water activities. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene wonderland punctuated by brisk winds and crystal-clear skies—though camping season ends before nature's frosty show begins.
ElevationPerched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels lighter and every breath seems fresher than the last.
Natural Features and ScenerySeven acres of crystalline mountain water reflect the surrounding forest canopy, creating a natural amphitheater of beauty at Cave Mountain Lake. Ancient rock formations frame the landscape, while verdant hills rise dramatically from the water's edge. Meadows of native grasses sway in the mountain breeze, providing perfect spots for games and gatherings. This thriving ecosystem shelters an impressive array of wildlife—from secretive salamanders hiding beneath moss-covered logs to native trout rippling the lake's surface, while songbirds fill the air with their mountain melodies.
Geological RegionThe campground sits within the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning natural beauty. The centerpiece remains the remarkable 35-foot dam, a testament to 1930s craftsmanship where CCC workers harmoniously merged human engineering with nature's own rock formations. Forested ridges embrace the 7-acre Cave Mountain Lake, creating a natural sanctuary where Virginia's mountain geology takes center stage in an outdoor theater millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFood storage lockers are unavailable, but flush toilets and showers are accessible within walking distance. Lantern posts and picnic tables are movable for accommodation flexibility.
Sites Size"Sites themselves were all very shaded, well equipped, and spacious." Some sites can accommodate multiple tents.
Sites Privacy"The campsites were great and while fairly close together there is still plenty of privacy."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific advice includes reserving sites near streams for peaceful ambiance and shaded locations.
Best CampsitesGroup campsite G1 is highly recommended for its creek-side location, spaciousness, and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 30 guests for group camping.
Groups
"The group camp area allows tent-camping only and can accommodate up to 30 guests." Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water spigots.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is spacious and includes a group area accommodating up to 30 guests with picnic tables, fire rings, a grill, and lantern posts. Flush toilets and showers are located across the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to October 30 (reservable dates vary); closed from October 30 to April 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov online, via the app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified, but reservations are strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 change fee unless adding or removing nights or changing to a different campsite. Cancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Late cancellations apply starting from midnight 14 calendar days before the scheduled check-in.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "The 7-acre lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach." Fishing facilities include piers and youth-only fishing periods.
Hiking
"Hiking trails surround the area, offering everything from a short walk around the lake to an all-day hike along the nearby ridges." Specific trails mentioned include Panther Knob Trail, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, James River Face Wilderness, and Thunder Ridge Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing for youth only (ages 15 and under) is open from April 1st through June 15th, then open to all ages with a Virginia fishing license. "It is a trout stocked lake."Swimming
"Swimming in a designated area which includes a sand beach." The lake water remains cold year-round, fed by mountain streams according to user reviews.Wildlife viewing
"A number of opportunities for photography, birding, and wildlife viewing are available along the trails and water's edge."Beach activities
"The lake offers a sandy beach area ideal for swimming."Winter Activities
User reviews mention foliage turning in mid-October. No specific winter activities detailed.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are allowed on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Lantern hooks and grates are provided. Generators are restricted during quiet hours.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity requiring secure food storage, cold lake water, and unreliable cell phone service. Fire pits require maintenance to clear ash buildup.
Active alertsNo specific alerts are currently mentioned.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Lexington, VA (20 minutes away), which includes hospitals and police stations. Ranger station contact is available at (540) 291-2188.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 29.
Trash and recycling"The dumpster was at the end of the parking lot of the group site so it was convenient for us to unload trash." No recycling facilities mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to Cave Mountain Lake, with streams running near many campsites.
Common complaintsSome reviews reported barking dogs left unattended and full fire pit ashes. Others noted outdated facilities and noise exceeding quiet hours during weekends.
HostVolunteer hosts are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and active maintenance of the campground.
Campground Map
811 Cave Mountain Lake Road
Driving directionsFrom I-81 North, take Exit 175. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 11 and continue 2 miles into Natural Bridge. Once in Natural Bridge, take a right 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. From I-81 South, take Exit 180A off the left side of the interstate. Continue on U.S. Highway 11 south into Natural Bridge. Once in Natural Bridge, take a left onto VA 130 East and continue approximately 3.2 miles. Then 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.
Cave Mountain Lake Group Campground is easily accessible from the interstate (I-81) with less than 10 miles and four turns to reach the site. The roads to the campground are paved, but some reviews warned about navigating one-lane logging roads incorrectly due to Google Maps. It is recommended to follow signage instead of relying on GPS.Nearby places
Lexington (20 minutes), Natural Bridge State Park (8 miles), Glasgow (8 miles), Buchanan (20 miles), Buena Vista (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, ice, and other sundries are available at small stores along State Route 759. Larger services and supplies can be accessed in Lexington or Glasgow, approximately 8-20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
47 reviews
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews frequently praise the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and natural beauty. Several reviewers highlight its peaceful environment and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and showers, friendly hosts, proximity to trails and the lake, spacious campsites, and quiet environment are frequently mentioned.
Based on 47 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of cell service, occasional noise during quiet hours, ash buildup in fire pits, and limited availability of on-site amenities like firewood.
Based on 47 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Follow signs rather than relying on Google Maps for directions. Stock up on firewood and ice in nearby towns. Bring equipment for fishing during youth-only periods and plan hikes along the trails.
Based on 47 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and summer are popular due to swimming and fishing. Fall offers scenic foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter activities and usability are limited due to cold weather and potential snow.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Wow, and I mean Wow! I can't believe I have lived 40 minutes from this hidden gem for most of my life and this past weekend was my first trip." "Lake is beautiful. The campsites were great and while...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 praised for spaciousness and dual entrances with plenty of shade but limited privacy. Site #3 noted for its own little bridge and spaciousness. Sites #6, #24, and #23 are recommended for...
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Accessibility Features
Flush toilets and showers are accessible; locations are convenient for all sites.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Reviews mention occasional issues with unattended pets causing noise, but overall experiences for pet owners are positive.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025