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George Washington & Jefferson/Cave Mountain Lake
Overview
Cave Mountain Lake is a historic recreation destination nestled within the lush landscapes of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this area centers around a stunning 7-acre man-made lake. It provides a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the forest replace the hum of the city, offering travelers a true immersion into Virginia's mountainous beauty and a chance to disconnect from the modern pace of life.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, the park is characterized by its deep forest canopy and proximity to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The surrounding terrain is rugged and steep, providing a dramatic backdrop for the calm waters of the lake. Travelers will appreciate the winding scenic drives leading to the park, which showcase the high elevations and diverse flora of the Appalachian Mountains while remaining close to local historic landmarks.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility features 41 campsites, including several sites with electric hookups that cater to RVers who appreciate a mix of utility and nature. Campers have access to well-maintained facilities such as flush toilets and hot showers, which add a layer of comfort to the forest experience. The park’s centerpiece is the swimming beach, which is complemented by a sandy area and a historic stone picnic pavilion that is perfect for shaded afternoon lunches after a morning of fishing or hiking.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts are perfectly positioned to visit the iconic Natural Bridge State Park, located just a short drive from the campground. For those who enjoy scenic vistas, the park offers access to the Wildcat Mountain Trail and several nearby overlooks along the parkway. History buffs can explore the nearby town of Lexington, while adventure seekers might prefer tubing or paddling on the nearby James River, providing a diverse range of activities for every type of traveler.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for RVers who prioritize a secluded, natural environment over high-tech resort amenities. It is a favorite for families looking for a classic camping experience where children can swim, fish, and hike in a safe, wooded setting. If you enjoy historic forest service charm and the quiet solitude of the National Forest, Cave Mountain Lake offers a refreshing and authentic escape for your next Virginia road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Scout Olavarria
First time camping this place was perfect, very chill, a lot of great hiking, and off grid camping spots near by. Its very deep in the woods with absolutely no service so send text down by the main road. Bathrooms and showers were very clean and the showers had great hot water. Seem like there's only one bathroom though for the whole campsite.
Steven Martin
Camping has become mostly rvs and generators so don’t expect peace and quiet in nature despite this extremely remote location. My phone was on SOS mode so getting directions was impossible until heading back toward the little town. But the hosts were friendly and directed me to two amazing trails deep in the wilderness which I would have never considered! Clean sites. Strange to not have a dishpit for cleaning up after cooking. Very nice to have hot showers.
Rebecca Rader
A little gem of a campground! Conveniently located and beautiful. Bath house shower stalls are OK, bathrooms could be better, the staff and the price cannot be beat, however! I have a group event every year here with 50-65 attendees and we just love it!
Geoffrey Davis
Cave Mountain Lake is a wonderful little campground that I have been going to since I was 2 years old. I am 65 now, and I still love it. The campsites are well kept, and the volunteer camp hosts are great. The beach and the lake are awesome, however the old bath house at the lake is run down and the showers are closed. I asked about this, and it seems that they have abandoned the idea of fixing this up, due to sand clogging the drains. That is just not acceptable. There are bath houses at every beach along the oceans, and they have a lot more sand than the little bit at Cave Mountain Lake. They just need to put in new drain lines with access points to run a presssure washer to clear out the new lines periodically. I am confident that the Forrest Rangers or even the volunteer hosts could perform this task. The only showers currently available are in the camping area, and that is just not fair for day use only customers, or the regular campers. Also the old water fountains at the lake and in the picnic area are inoperable, as well as 2 bathrooms in the picnic area. Please put in a request for funding for these necessary repairs to the Trump Administration and Make Cave Mountain Lake Great Again!
Meg c.
Really nice place to swim and picnic. We did not camp. Be aware if you put the lake into Google maps it will try to bring you to the opposite side of the lake And you will probably pass the entrance to the park. It took us to a very bad gravel road. Instead of going that way we just went back to the park entrance for the campground. The people behind us told us they had the same issue. it says at the gate you have to pay the day is fee but there was no one at the booth because we were after hours. We paid using the envelope that was available for camping because there was nothing else to pay with. People behind us did the same thing. When we got to the lake we noticed another set of envelopes for the day use area. There are different color. As of the time of this review, the price of stay use per car was $8. Near the lake, there's this really beautiful log cabin pavilion that looks to be big enough for a wedding or reunion, for reservation only. We had our dog with us at the lake, we just kept her in the grassy area and it seemed dog friendly.