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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.
The Forest Service is working with the Virginia Department of Health to assess an algal bloom at Cave Mountain Lake. Out of an abundance of caution, people and animals should avoid swimming and wading until further notice while water testing is occurring. Please call the US Forest Service Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District at 540-291-2188 if you have any questions.
The Forest Service is working with the Virginia Department of Health to assess an algal bloom at Cave Mountain Lake. Out of an abundance of caution, people and animals should avoid swimming and wading until further notice while water testing is occurring. Please call the US Forest Service Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger District 540-291-2188, if you have any questions.
UPDATE: Cave Mountain is open for public swimming use.
Results of sampling at Cave Mountain Lake collected on 8/20/24 do not indicate there is an ongoing harmful algal bloom which poses a health risk. While cyanobacteria were present, they were below levels which pose a health risk and all toxins were below detectable levels. The health alert issued in an abundance of caution due to observations of algal scum which was issued on 8/19/24, has been lifted. Recreational activities may return to normal as of 8/23/24.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Campround, Group Camp and Day Use Closed 10/31/2024 |
|---|---|
| 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: | early-April - late-October |
| 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 |
| 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 Cave Mountain 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-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
Related Information
Location
