How much does camping cost at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Camping fees at Sherando Lake Group Camp range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sherando Lake Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Sherando Lake Group Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sherando Lake Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Sherando Lake Group Camp has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Sherando Lake Group Camp is open April 01 - October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Yes, Sherando Lake Group Camp has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Fire policies at Sherando Lake Group Camp: Campfires permitted within designated rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sherando Lake Group Camp have?

Sherando Lake Group Camp has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sherando Lake Group Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Sherando Lake Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Popular activities at Sherando Lake Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sherando Lake Group Camp

4.96

32 reviews

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Virginia#1 Swimming Camping Virginia#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Virginia#1 +13 more

Quick Facts

1,686 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Sherando Lake Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,686 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Sherando Lake Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Sherando Lake Group Camp

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group tent-only non-electric campsites are available during peak season at $50 per night. Out-of-season bookings are not available.

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$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-291-2188khall@fs.fed.us

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.96

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakefriendly

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with sentiments focusing on the campground’s cleanliness, spaciousness, and family-friendly design. "Everything about Sherando Lake is great," stated one reviewer. However, some minor complaints arise regarding ash-filled fire pits and temporary facility limitations during renovations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Sherando Lake Group Camp

96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952

Nearby places

Stuarts Draft (15-minute drive)

Wintergreen Resort (10 miles)

Blue Ridge Parkway (3 miles)

Nearby supplies

Gas, groceries, and firewood are available at convenience stores and local vendors along State Route 664. Ice can be purchased at Sherando Lake Visitor Center during operating hours. Additional supplies are available in Stuarts Draft.

Driving directionsFrom 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 for Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead. If the gatehouse is closed, continue through the recreation area to the group camping area at the end of the road.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Cell phone coverage is unreliable in the area, and there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available.

Best Time to Camp at Sherando Lake Group Camp

Experience the perfect balance of mountain climate at Sherando Lake, where dry, comfortable conditions dominate most of the year. While occasional mountain showers add drama to the landscape, moderate precipitation keeps the lakes pristine and the forests lush. Prime camping season stretches from April through October, when wildflowers burst into bloom, summer brings warm days perfect for lake swimming, and autumn paints the surrounding mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons. During these months, all facilities operate at full capacity, ensuring your group has everything needed for an unforgettable stay.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in VA

Spring is peak season with stocked fishing and lush scenery; reviews praise spring visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 - October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 to October 30 during peak season.

About Sherando Lake Group Camp

Escape to Sherando Lake Group Camp, where tent camping takes on a whole new meaning against the backdrop of Virginia's stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. This exclusive tent-only facility within the acclaimed Sherando Lake Recreation Area has become a beloved gathering place for those seeking memorable outdoor experiences. From multi-generational family reunions to Scout troops earning their wilderness badges, church retreats to corporate team-building adventures, this special campground transforms ordinary group outings into extraordinary memories under the stars.

Sherando Lake Group Camp is exclusively tent-only with five designated group campsites. RVs and trailers are not permitted. The campground caters to large groups, accommodating up to 75 guests across all sites.

Historical Significance

Known throughout Virginia as the 'Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,' Sherando Lake Recreation Area holds a special place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and local communities. This treasured landscape weaves together the natural heritage of the Blue Ridge with decades of recreation memories. The twin lakes, carved into the mountain terrain, serve as both stunning natural features and cultural gathering places where generations have learned to swim, cast their first fishing lines, and discover the wonders of the natural world. The network of trails tells stories of the mountains while connecting visitors to the timeless appeal of these ancient ridges.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect balance of mountain climate at Sherando Lake, where dry, comfortable conditions dominate most of the year. While occasional mountain showers add drama to the landscape, moderate precipitation keeps the lakes pristine and the forests lush. Prime camping season stretches from April through October, when wildflowers burst into bloom, summer brings warm days perfect for lake swimming, and autumn paints the surrounding mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons. During these months, all facilities operate at full capacity, ensuring your group has everything needed for an unforgettable stay.

ElevationNestled within the embracing arms of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground offers a true mountain camping experience where crisp air and cooler temperatures provide natural relief from summer heat.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where mountain majesty meets aquatic beauty at every turn. The crown jewels of this mountain paradise are two pristine lakes: a sprawling 25-acre lower lake that beckons swimmers, boaters, and anglers to its crystal-clear waters, and an intimate 7-acre upper lake that offers peaceful fishing in a more secluded setting. Surrounding these aquatic gems, trails wind through diverse ecosystems, from sun-dappled forests to open meadows where wildflowers dance in mountain breezes. As darkness falls, these same open fields transform into natural amphitheaters for stargazing, where the absence of city lights reveals the Milky Way in all its glory.

Geological RegionSet within the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, this remarkable campground showcases the geological wonders that have earned this region its reputation as the 'Jewel of the Blue Ridge.' The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where tectonic forces created the ridges and valleys that now cradle two pristine mountain lakes. A network of trails, ranging from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents, invites explorers to discover the varied terrain that makes this corner of the Blue Ridge so special. Each path reveals new perspectives on the dramatic topography that defines this cherished mountain sanctuary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 2 PM

Check-out

Before 11 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 15 guests per site

Groups

Each of the five group campsites accommodates up to 15 guests. Groups can reserve all five sites for a maximum of 75 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground loop features five group sites arranged around a large grassy field.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified; reservations are prioritized.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with a late cancellation fee of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled within 14 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessibility features such as an accessible ramp at the lower lake swimming area.

Site SizeSites are described as "HUGE," offering plenty of space for groups to spread out. Each site accommodates up to 15 guests.

PrivacyThe sites are fenced for delineation and offer privacy. One user highlighted the "secluded" nature of the group campsites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite G5 is recommended for families with small children due to its central location and open field for play.

Need help booking Sherando Lake Group Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sherando Lake Group Camp offers a wide variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Activities include hiking, fishing, accessible swimming, birding, and stargazing. "Sherando Lake is so convenient to all of the nice hikes and breweries in Nelson County," noted one reviewer. Families especially appreciate the large field for games and children’s activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo lifeguards are present at swimming areas. Visitors swim at their own risk. Cell phone coverage is unreliable.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators cannot run before 8 AM or after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely located in nearby Stuarts Draft, which is about a 15-minute drive away.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided, but food must be secured in a locked vehicle due to the lack of food storage lockers.

Water FeaturesClose to a 25-acre lower lake and a 7-acre upper lake within walking distance. The lower lake features a sand beach and designated swimming area.

Camp HostLuis, a noted campground host, provided excellent service per recent reviews.

Weather at Sherando Lake Group Camp

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

5.0

32 reviews

Top-Rated

Sherando Lake Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with sentiments focusing on the campground’s cleanliness, spaciousness, and family-friendly design. "Everything about Sherando Lake is great," stated one reviewer. However, some minor complaints arise regarding ash-filled fire pits and temporary facility limitations during renovations.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly hosts, and a central grassy field ideal for children and stargazing. "The bathrooms were clean," noted one reviewer. "Sherando Lake...

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are scarce and include minor issues such as ash-filled fire pits and inconvenience from outhouses during bathhouse renovations. "Our firepit did need to be dug out as there was a lot of...

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Secure food in locked vehicles to avoid fines, bring ash-cleaning tools for fire pits, and plan for limited cell phone coverage. "The group campsites are a must for anyone with small children" due to...

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons like spring and summer, the campground is praised for its lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere. Cooler months see fewer visitors, making it quieter but less accessible.

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sherando Lake is so convenient to all of the nice hikes and breweries in Nelson County." "The bathrooms were clean and showers well taken care of." "Giving you and your fellow campers plenty of...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific highlights include G5’s large size and proximity to facilities. G3 is noted as excellent for families. "We rented all the group sites for a weekend," stated one reviewer.

Based on 32 reviews