OutReserve

Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter

Williams Branch Group Picnic Area
Lower lake swimming beach
Beach Bathhouse Pavilion at Lower Lake
Lower Sherando Lake
Williams Branch Picnic Shelter at Sherando Lake

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly

About Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter

Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter, also known as the Williams Branch Group Picnic Shelter is a part of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area. The recreation area is often referred to as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a very popular destination where families enjoy picnicking in the shade and relaxing on the sandy beach.

Seasonal information

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

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Reviews (10)

What Guests Are Saying

Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is a beautiful, secluded spot with ample shade and space, making it ideal for gatherings. Reviewers appreciated the cleanliness, availability of tables, and proximity to restrooms, along with amenities like a big grill. Many expressed their intention to return and highly recommend the location.

Review Summary

4.8
10 reviews
5
80.0%
8
4
20.0%
2
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Sarah S

July 19, 2025

5

Absolutely beautiful spot! Hidden with trails. We will Absolutely be doing it again in the future. Tons of shade. A big grill. Tons of space! We loved it. And the bathroom was not to far for the kids.

Sarah S

July 19, 2025

5

Absolutely beautiful spot! Hidden with trails. We will Absolutely be doing it again in the future. Tons of shade. A big grill. Tons of space! We loved it. And the bathroom was not to far for the kids.

Kristina N

July 11, 2025

5

Very clean, secluded, shaded, plenty of tables, trashcans provided, good proximity to restrooms. We are definitely booking again. 110% recommend!!!!

Kristina N

July 11, 2025

5

Very clean, secluded, shaded, plenty of tables, trashcans provided, good proximity to restrooms. We are definitely booking again. 110% recommend!!!!

Riley S

June 4, 2023

5

Very nice picnic shelter. Plenty of room, very clean. We enjoyed the huge fireplace. Had a great time.

Riley S

June 4, 2023

5

Very nice picnic shelter. Plenty of room, very clean. We enjoyed the huge fireplace. Had a great time.

Janet W

September 28, 2022

4

This was a great outing for a group of middle school kids to picnic and explore.

Janet W

September 28, 2022

4

This was a great outing for a group of middle school kids to picnic and explore.

Tina B

December 18, 2019

5

It has a lot of space and my family and I love it.

Tina B

December 18, 2019

5

It has a lot of space and my family and I love it.

Location Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter

Address:
96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, Va, 22952 (Physical Address)
Natural Bridge Station, VA, 24579
United States

Highway access

Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is accessible via US Highway 250, which is approximately 10 miles to the north. Additionally, Interstate 81 is about 20 miles to the west, providing further access to the area.

Latitude & Longitude: 37.9297 / -78.9797

Elevation: 514 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • Note that the reservable Gourp Picnic Shelter (Williams Branch) is approximately 1/4 mile walk from the beach area. Not to be confused with the Beach Bathhouse Pavilion where the Visitor Center is located. 
  • The picnic shelter reservation fee covers the day-use fee for the reservation holder's vehicle ONLY (for up to 8 occupants). Additional Guests attending events at the group picnic shelter are responsible for paying the appropriate day use fee. Fee is charge "per vehicle" for those carrying 8 or fewer people. A per person fee is charged for vehicles containing 9 or more occupants.
  • The beach bathhouse pavilion is not reservable
  • No electricity is available at the shelter
  • The shelter closes at or dusk, whichever comes first and the main gate at the state road is locked at.
  • No alcohol is allowed at the picnic shelter or at the beach area, including the grassy area above the sand.
  • Cell phone coverage is not reliable
  • Neither the shelter nor the adjacent bathrooms support accessibility standards. The beach bathhouse does support accessibility standards.
  • No boat ramp available for boat access to the lower lake, hand-carry from the parking lot only
  • Electric troll motors, kayaks, canoes or similar boats are allowed on the Lower Lake - no gasoline powered boats
  • 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.
  • Interagency Senior or Access passes are not applicable for the group fee to reserve the shelter.
  • No lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area. Visitors swim at their own risk.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 9, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service