Sherando Lake Recreation Area

Area Status: Closed
A path leads to a lake surrounded by green mountains

Sherando Lake Recreation Area is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Families enjoy picnicking in this shaded and woody area, while relaxing on the sandy beach of a 25-acre spring-fed lake. Access to multiple trailheads and rustic architecture provide numerous points of interest for families to enjoy.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Sherando Lake Rec Area Campground – closed 10/31/24 Sherando Lake Day Use will remain open until the end of November, weather permitting, however no facilities are open.  (water is turned off)
Reservations: Sherando Lake Recreation Area Reservation Information. Campers with a reservation will be provided with a code to open the new electronic gate. 
Fees: $8 per vehicle up to 8 passenger capacity for day use. $2 per person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins for day use. $25 per single site per night, plus $7 electric fee (some sites). $40 for the double site per night, plus $7 electric fee (maximum 12 people). Group campsite: $50 per night per group site 1 - 15 people, (maximum 75 people). Group picnic shelter: $25 (maximum 50 people) (day use fee applies). 
Open Season: early-April - late-October
Busiest Season: Weekends Memorial Day - Labor Day
Restrictions: Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No combustible engines allowed on the lake. Hand carry boats only. Forest Order 15-08-17 applies. 
Closest Towns: Stuarts Draft, VA
Water: Turned off 10/31/2024
Restroom: Flush toilets with warm water showers. Vault toilets.
Passes: 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 Sherando Lake Recreation Area. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass is accepted here and covers day use fees.    
Operated By: Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: 540-291-2188

General Information

Directions:

From I-64: Take exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Turn south onto State Route (SR) 624 and continue. At Lyndhurst the road changes to SR 664 (Mount Torrey Road), but there is no distinct turn. Continue south on SR 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right.

From I-81: Take exit 217 for Mint Springs/Stuarts Draft and continue wast on State Route (SR) 654 to the first stoplight.  Turn left onto US 340 and continue into Stuarts Draft.  Take a right at the third stoplight and continue onto SR 608.  Continue through the next stoplight and bare left onto SR 610 (Howardsville Turnpile).  Continue on SR 610 to the next stop sign and turn right onto SR 664 (Mount Torry Road).  After 5 miles, the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation area is on the right.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Sand Play

Recreation areas with activity Sand Play:

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:
No. of Sites 65
Reservation Info Campground Reservation Information
Fire Information Campfires are allowed in designated campfire rings at each campsite. Dead and down wood can be gathered on site.
No. of Accessible sites 33
Sleeping Shelter None

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:
No. of Sites 29
Reservation Info Yes
Pavement Type for Parking Gravel
Hookup - Water None
Hookup - Sewer None
Dump Stations Yes
Fire Information Campfires are permitted in designated campfire rings in each campsite
Hookups - Electric 29
No. of Accessible sites 29

Group Camping

Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:
No. of Sites 5 group sites for up to 15 people per site
Reservation Info Group Campground Reservation Information
Group Shelter None
Group Cooking Facilities None
Fire Information Campfires are permitted in designated campfire rings in each campsite.
Hookups - Electric None
No. of Accessible sites 0
Sleeping Shelter None

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Visitor Programs

Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs: Weekend evening campfire programs at the amphitheater, typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:
No. of Sites 25 at lakeside picnic area and 40 at Williams Branch picnic area
Reservation Info No Reservations Required
Fire Information No campfire rings available. Charcoal fires only in pedestal grills available at picnic sites.
No. of Accessible sites 0

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:
No. of Sites 1
Reservation Info Picnic Shelter Reservation Information
Group Shelter Group Shelter contains 4 picnic tables under the shelter.
Group Cooking Facilities Double pedestal grill adjacent to shelter for charcoal fires to cook.
Hookups - Electric None
No. of Accessible sites 0

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming:

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.919724

  Longitude : 
-79.01