Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area welcomes generations of families who enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. Easy access from I-81, close proximity to historic Lexington, and access to Natural Bridge make Cave Mountain Lake a perfect travel destination.
Active Alerts
General Information
early-April - late-October
Main entrance gate open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Day use area open 6 a.m. to sunset.
The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass provides a 50% discount to the base campsite fee (not hook ups) and the day use fee. No other America the Beautiful Interagency passes are valid at Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass is accepted here and covers day use fees.
Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No boats or watercraft of any kind allowed on lake. When recreating on Forest Service Lands, follow the safety and outdoor ethics recommendations.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Double Site: $40 per night
Group Site: $20 per night (1-10 persons); $30 per night (11-20 persons); $40 per night (21-30 persons)
Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day
$2 per person for vans and busses
Group Site: $25 per day
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR CAMPSITES AND GROUP PICNIC SHELTER.
Day Use Fee: $8 per vehicle or $2 per/person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins.
Camping Fee: $20 per single site per night. $40 for the double site per night (maximum 12 people).
Group campsite: $20 per night 1 - 10 people, $30 per night 11 - 20 people, $40 per night 21 - 30 people (maximum 30 people).
Group picnic shelter: $25 (maximum 100 people) (day use fee applies).
Maximum occupancy of the Group Picnic Shelter: 75 people
Reservations can be made on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Please, keep your pet on a leash when in a recreation area or campground. The law requires dog owners to keep their dog on a leash with a length no greater than 6 feet and under physical control when within a recreational area, such as a campground or day use area (36 CFR 2616(j)).
Address: 27 Ranger Lane Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579
Phone: 540-291-2188
Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.57444444
Longitude: -79.53444444
Directions
From I-81 Northbound: Take exit 175. Turn left onto US 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. Then turn right on SR 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on SR 781; the Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left.
From I-81 Southbound: Take exit 180A. This is a left side exit off the interstate. Continue on US 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 SR 759 for 3.2 miles. Turn right on SR 781; the Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
