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.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Camping reservations recommended. Reserve sites at Recreation.gov. If sites are available, campers may camp first-come first-served. |
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Operational Hours: | Main entrance gate open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Day use area open 6 a.m. to sunset. |
Reservations: | Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area Reservation Information |
Fees: | Day use fee is $8 per vehicle or $2 per/person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins. $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). |
Open Season: | April 1 - October 31 |
Restrictions: | Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No boats or watercraft of any kind allowed on lake. |
Closest Towns: | Natural Bridge Station, VA |
Water: | Drinking water available |
Restroom: | Flush toilets with warm water showers |
Operated By: | Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: 540-291-2188 |
General Information
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.
Activities
Sand Play
Campground Camping
No. of Sites | 40 |
Reservation Info | Reservations are available for some campsites. |
Fire Information | Campfires are allowed in designated campfire rings at each campsite. Dead and down wood can be gathered on site. |
Sleeping Shelter | None |
Group Camping
No. of Sites | 1 group site for up to 30 people |
Reservation Info | Yes |
Group Shelter | None |
Group Cooking Facilities | Double pedestal grills available |
Fire Information | Campfires are permitted in designated campfire ring. |
Hookups - Electric | None |
No. of Accessible sites | 0 |
Sleeping Shelter | None |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Cave Mountain Lake is stocked for trout fishing by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. From April 1 through June 15 fishing is restricted to youth only. Learn more about the Youth-Only Stocked Trout Program. The rest of the year fishing is open to all with a valid fishing license. Find out what permits are needed: Fishing regulations and permits.
Day Hiking
Picnicking
No. of Sites | 30 |
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
No. of Sites | 1 |
Reservation Info | Picnic Shelter Reservation Information |
Group Shelter | Group Shelter can accommodate up to 50 people. Includes 4 picnic tables under the shelter. |
Group Cooking Facilities | Double pedestal grill adjacent to shelter for charcoal fires to cook. |
Fire Information | Campfire in fireplace under shelter. Dead and down wood can be gathered for use in fireplace. |
Hookups - Electric | None |
No. of Accessible sites | 0 |
Swimming
Alerts & Warnings
- Some recreation sites in SW Virginia temporarily closed due to storm impacts
- North Fork of Pound Boat Launch reopens
- Saint Mary’s River Trail will be intermittently closed in August and September
- Current Lake Moomaw Information
- Effective July 1, 2022, Virginia law permits hunting on Sunday
- Grindstone camping limited in 2022
- Temp Closure: Rocky Run ATV trail, Second Mountain, Long Run Road
- Some roads and trails closed in Rockingham County VA and Pendleton County WV