Montebello, Maryland · Augusta County · Campground
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 be…
About SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING
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-ele
Photos
Sherando Lake in October — USFS Loop A bathhouse next to site A-11. — USFSBeach Pavilion with restrooms, warm showers and the Visitor Center. Originally constructed in 1933. — USFSSherando Beach — USFSBeach lawn — USFSB-Loop Bathhouse. C-Loop is identical. — USFSAmphitheater — USFSLower lake swimming beach in early morning. — USFSThe island in the lower lake. — USFSRamp to access lower lake swimming. — USFSAccessible fishing pier at the lower lake. — USFS
How to Get 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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING
Heading to SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING?
No central reservation system listed for SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234688) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING?
SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING has 65 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING?
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 Whi…
How do I contact SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING?
You can reach the park at phone: 540-291-2188 or email: [email protected].
