Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

4.6·336 reviews
·George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Overview

Sherando Lake Recreation Area's Family Campground provides an ideal camping destination. It is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking in the shade, fishing in the lakes, or swimming and relaxing on the sandy beach.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (39 of 65 campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (17 of 65 campsites have Firepit)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (52 of 65 campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 12)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (52 of 65 campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (15 of 65 campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

Interior of beach bathhouse pavilion. - Credits: USFS
Loop A bathhouse next to site A-11. - Credits: USFS, K.Hall
A photo of facility SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING with Waterfront - Credits: Jonathan Zimmerman
Loop A volunteer campground host. - Credits: USFS, K.Hall
The campground sits between Lower Sherando Lake and Upper Sherando Lake at an elevation of about 1,800 feet in the shadows of Torry Ridge. The Upper Lake is 7 acres and is fed by the waters of the North Fork of Back Creek. The Lower Lake is 25 acres and is fed by springs, the North Fork of Back Creek, and Williams Branch, so the water stays refreshingly cool all summer long.

Recreation

Lower Sherando Lake in the early morning. - Credits: USFS
The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge, and a beach bathhouse with changing and shower facilities. Fishing and boating are also available outside the designated swimming area of the lake. Fishing is in stocked trout waters during the spring and fall seasons. Visitors will need to have the appropriate Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp, and trout stamp. Boats with gasoline motors are not permitted on the lower lake - electric troll motors, canoes, kayaks, or similar boats only. A hand-carry ramp is available for access to the lake adjacent to the parking area. Fishing only is available at the 7 acre Upper Lake. This lake is also stocked during the spring and fall seasons and the appropriate licenses are required. Boats are allowed, but there is no launch access - hand carry only. Parking is available at a small area below the group camp area and a walking trail will lead you to the lake. Swimming is not allowed in the upper lake. Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake on the Lakeside and Cliff Trails to a day hike up the mountain on the White Rock Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the more adventurous hiker, more challenging day hikes and backpacking trips are available by heading up the Blue Loop Trail to the Torry Ridge Trail to Bald Mountain and beyond.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-N/A

  • tent-N/A

  • trailer-Up to 38ft

  • vehicle-N/A

  • 5th wheel-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-Up to 25ft

Nearby Attractions

There are opportunities for gas, groceries, and firewood at convenience stores and local vendors along the state road to Sherando Lake. Ice can be purchased at the Sherando Lake Visitor Center during operating hours, which vary seasonally. Additional supplies can be obtained in Stuarts Draft, about a 15 minute drive away.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, with its scenic overlooks and ridgetop views, is a short 3 mile drive up State Route 664 from the Sherando Lake entrance. The Wintergreen Resort offers a golf course and ski area within 10 miles of Sherando Lake. Cabin rentals are available near Sherando Lake from local private vendors.

Additional Information

Campsites