Picnicking
Bring your picnic basket to one of our developed picnic areas scattered throughout the forest! Many locations have picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire grates or rings to enhance your time savoring your meal and the beauty of your surroundings.
Picnicking in the National Forest
- Always be mindful of wildlife, especially bears, and store food properly in bear-resistant containers or vehicles.
- Check for fire restrictions and permits before starting a campfire, as fire danger levels can vary.
- Be prepared to pack out all trash, as onsite garbage service may be limited or unavailable.
- Use picnic sites, swimming beaches and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Most picnic areas are closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Check information boards or signs for more information.
Search for Picnicking Opportunities
Cascades Day Use Area
Site Open
Cascades Day Use Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in southwest Virginia. It features shady picnic spots, a native trout stream, and a four-mile scenic loop trail. The main…
Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
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…
Cave Springs Recreation Area
Site Closed
Cave Springs Recreation Area is situated within the picturesque farming community of Olinger Gap. Highlights of this recreation area include a campground, small spring-fed pond, access to Stone…
Cherokee Flats Day Use Area
Site Open
Designed to accommodate wheelchair bound anglers, Cherokee Flats is a streamside, paved trail that provides easy access to fishing holes on Big Stony Creek, a stocked trout stream. A metal ramp…
Coles Point Day Use Area
Site Closed
Coles Point at Lake Moomaw boasts picnic shelters, two fishing docks, two boat ramps and a swimming beach. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, birding and viewing wildlife.…
Comers Rock Recreation Area
Site Open
Located on top of Iron Mountain at 3800 feet, a small primitive campground and historic picnic area await the true outdoor enthusiast. The log picnic shelter with large stone fireplace was built by…
Crabtree Falls Day Use Area
Site Open
This moderate 2.7 mile trail wanders through the mountainside offering scenic views of 5 major cascades falling a total distance of 1,200 feet. Overlooks allow hikers to enjoy the beauty of the…
Craig Creek Recreation Area
Site Open
Large grassy fields are the first things you’ll see when you enter Craig Creek Day Use Area, but the creek itself is the real highlight. Generations of families have enjoyed the swimming hole here…
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area
Site Open
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was…
Fenwick Mines Day Use Area
Site Open
Visitors to Fenwick Mines will find trails to hike, ponds to fish, and a picnic shelter that’s perfect for spending a day with friends and family. A one mile, wheelchair accessible trail will lead…