Can you reserve a site at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Yes, Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping.

Are campfires allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?

Campfires are allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Campground · Virginia · 65 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

George Washington National Forest (NF) · Open Access

65
Bookable sites: 40 ft
Max rig length: up to 12
People per site: 1,904 ft
Elevation

A photo of facility SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING with Waterfront — Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

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.

Recreation

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.

Facilities

The campground is divided into three loops: Meadow Loop (Loop C) and River Bend Loop (Loop B) have campsites with electric hookups which are suitable for larger camping units and RV's; White Oak Loop (Loop A) has non-electric campsites, suitable for tents and camping units less than 20 feet in length. All camping requires a reservation prior to arriving. Campsites can be reserved via Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. No first-come, first-serve sites.

Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, serving table, lantern post, and campfire ring with grill. The designated tent pads are covered with a fine brown sandy gravel. Showers, flush toilets and drinking water hydrants are located in each loop. The water hydrants are not threaded for hose hook-ups. Most campsites are equipped with a food storage locker for securing your food due to bear activity. It is mandatory that all food be either stored in a food storage locker or secured in a locked vehicle. Violators are subject to a fine. You are camping in the mountains with unlevel ground. Please be prepared.

A trailer dump station is located along the main road between the entrance station and the road to the lower lake parking. A potable water station with threaded hose (to fill RV tanks) is located within the campground, opposite of the Day-Use parking area near the Williams Branch picnic area bathroom. Both the dump station and fill station are signed.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

There are opportunities for gas, groceries, and firewood at convenience stores and local vendors along the state road to Sherando Lake. ICE IS NO LONGER FOR SALE ON SITE. 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.

The facts

Season: early-April – late-October — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
65 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 12 people per site
Loops: Meadow Loop C, River Bend Loop B, White Oak Loop A

Site types

34 Standard Nonelectric
31 Standard Electric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

65 campsites at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Max rig	People
C01	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	38 ft	8	🐾
C02	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	38 ft	8	🐾
C03	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	32 ft	8	🐾
C04	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	28 ft	8	🐾
C05	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	38 ft	8	🐾
C06	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	24 ft	8	🐾
C07	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	38 ft	8	🐾
C08	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	24 ft	8	🐾
C09	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	32 ft	8	🐾
C10	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	32 ft	8	🐾
C11	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
C12	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
C13	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	36 ft	8	🐾
C14	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	32 ft	8	🐾
C15	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
C16	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	32 ft	8	🐾
C17	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
C18	Meadow Loop C	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
B01	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B02	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B03	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B04	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B05A	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B05B	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B07	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	12	🐾
B08	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B09	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B10	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B11	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B12	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	—	8	🐾
B13	River Bend Loop B	Standard Electric	—	—	—	—	8	🐾
A01	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	25 ft	8	🐾
A02	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	Slight	24 ft	8	🐾
A03	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	23 ft	8	🐾
A04	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	26 ft	8	🐾
A05	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	28 ft	8	🐾
A06	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
A07	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	28 ft	8	🐾
A08	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	25 ft	8	🐾
A09	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A10	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	28 ft	8	🐾
A12	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	27 ft	8	🐾
A13	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	22 ft	8	🐾
A14	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	24 ft	8	🐾
A15	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	28 ft	8	🐾
A16	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	25 ft	8	🐾
A17	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A18	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A19	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A20	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A21	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A22	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A23	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A24	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A25	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A26	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A27	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A28	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	22 ft	8	🐾
A29	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A30	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A31	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A32	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	26 ft	8	🐾
A33	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	28 ft	8	🐾
A34	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	24 ft	8	🐾
A35	White Oak Loop A	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	24 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to the Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead. If the gatehouse is closed, continue through the recreation area to your assigned campsite in either White Oak Loop (Loop A), which is the first turn to the right after passing the lower lake or Meadow Loop (Loop C), which is the last loop on the left before the playground. A campground host is available in each loop to answer questions you may have.

37.91978, -79.01006 · 37°55'11.2"N 79°0'36.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	41	45	52	64	71	80	83	81	75	65	53	45
Low °F	20	20	25	36	46	56	60	58	51	39	29	24
Precip in	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

The island in the lower lake. — Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Sherando Lake in October — Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Member photos

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Common questions about Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Can you reserve a site at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?: Yes, Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping have?: 65 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?: Yes, pets are allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping.
Does Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping have hookups?: Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping?: Campfires are allowed at Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$8 per vehicle up to 8 passenger capacity for day use. $2 per person for vans and buses carrying more than 8 passengers and walk-ins for day use. $25 per single site per night, plus $7 electric fee (some sites). $40 for the double site per night, plus $7 electric fee (maximum 12 people). Group camps

Restrictions:

Alcoholic beverages prohibited in day use area. No combustible engines allowed on the lake. Hand carry boats only. Forest Order 15-08-17 applies.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping

Sherando Lake Group Camp 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Loft Mountain Campground 29.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Todd Lake Campground 32.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hopper Creek Group Camp 36.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp 37.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter 37.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp 37.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (milepost 5.8) 7 mi · Facility
North River Campground 30.9 mi · Campground
Locher Tract (Glenwood & Pedlar) 32.7 mi · Facility
Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District 34 mi · Facility

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.