Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area

Area Status: 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 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.
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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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