Janet S
July 4, 2026
Great venue. There's a new roof and floor, which adds to the venue since there was a heavy rain storm that day. We stayed very dry through it all.
Helpful
About Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. Easy access from the interstate and close proximity to historic Lexington and Natural Bridge State Park make Cave Mountain Lake an ideal destination.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 30
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Missing information?
Reviews
7 reviews
Summary
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is a great venue, featuring a new roof and floor that kept guests dry during inclement weather. The spacious and clean shelter was ideal for a large potluck dinner, making it a perfect choice for celebrations. While some visitors noted the absence of a ranger on a national holiday, overall experiences were positive.
Based on guest feedback
4.1
Overall rating
Based on 7 reviews
5 stars
42.9% (3)
4 stars
28.6% (2)
3 stars
28.6% (2)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 7 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
mirabai m
December 23, 2025
we had a great time at cave mountain lake for my 70th birthday. and the shelter was perfect for our big potluck dinner. it was clean and spacious and i would recommend it!
Helpful
mirabai m
December 23, 2025
we had a great time at cave mountain lake for my 70th birthday. and the shelter was perfect for our big potluck dinner. it was clean and spacious and i would recommend it!
Helpful
Carter M
June 2, 2025
Everything was fine. However, expected to see at least one ranger on a national holiday and saw no one.
Helpful
Carter M
June 2, 2025
Everything was fine. However, expected to see at least one ranger on a national holiday and saw no one.
Helpful
Emily M
July 1, 2023
We rented the shelter for my daughters bday party. Overall it was a great experience. My only complaint is the lack of open bathrooms near by
Helpful
Emily M
July 1, 2023
We rented the shelter for my daughters bday party. Overall it was a great experience. My only complaint is the lack of open bathrooms near by
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter
811 Cave Mountain Lake Road (Physical Address), Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 United States
Elevation: 370 ft
Getting There
From I- 81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Go north on U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). From Natural Bridge, follow Route 130 East at the intersection with U.S. Highway 11 (ri...
From I- 81 North, take Exit 175 just south of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Go north on U.S. Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge (left turn facing the Exxon station). From Natural Bridge, follow Route 130 East at the intersection with U.S. Highway 11 (right turn at the Natural Bridge parking lot). Continue on Route 130 East for approximately 4 mi to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 and continue for approximately 3 mi. Turn right onto State Route 781. The entrance for Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area is approximately 1.6 mi ahead. Turn left into the recreation area and continue to the beach area parking. The group picnic shelter is across the foot bridge to the right of the main path to the lake.
From I-81 South, take Exit 180 and continue south on U.S. Highway 11 to Natural Bridge. In Natural Bridge, take a left onto Route 130 East and continue 4 mi to Natural Bridge Station and continue following the directions above.
Highway access
Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter is accessible via I-81, with Exit 175 providing direct access to U.S. Highway 11. Route 130 East connects to Natural Bridge Station, with additional access via State Route 759 and State Route 781.
Near Shenandoah National Park
The closest entrance is: Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 59.6 mi · over 1 hr (102 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The facility closes at dark or earlier.
Fees & deposits
- The reservation fee includes day-use for one vehicle with up to 8 occupants; additional guests must pay a fee.
Accessibility
- The shelter is not accessible due to its historic structure and lack of ramp access.
Site types & loops
- No boats, canoes, or rafts are allowed on the lake.
- Tables and benches must remain in the shelter.
- Alcohol is prohibited at the picnic shelter.
Safety & rules
- Guests must clean up all trash and dispose of it properly.
- Swim at your own risk; there are no lifeguards on duty.
General
- For more information, call (540) 291-2188, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Pets
- Pets are allowed but must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.
- Pets are prohibited in the beach and swimming area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Natural Bridge Station, VA
Nearby city: Lynchburg, VA
Approx. 24 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 823 ft
Natural Bridge Station, VA
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service