Tina B
December 18, 2019
It has a lot of space and my family and I love it.
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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
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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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
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Reviews
15 reviews
Summary
The Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is praised for its beautiful, peaceful location, ample space, and cleanliness. Reviewers appreciate the ample shade, proximity to restrooms, and available facilities like grills and trash bins. Many express eagerness to return for future gatherings, highlighting it as an ideal spot for family and group outings.
Based on guest feedback
4.9
Overall rating
Based on 15 reviews
5 stars
86.7% (13)
4 stars
13.3% (2)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 15 reviews
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Tina B
December 18, 2019
It has a lot of space and my family and I love it.
Helpful
Janet W
September 28, 2022
This was a great outing for a group of middle school kids to picnic and explore.
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Janet W
September 28, 2022
This was a great outing for a group of middle school kids to picnic and explore.
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Riley S
June 4, 2023
Very nice picnic shelter. Plenty of room, very clean. We enjoyed the huge fireplace. Had a great time.
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Riley S
June 4, 2023
Very nice picnic shelter. Plenty of room, very clean. We enjoyed the huge fireplace. Had a great time.
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Kristina N
July 11, 2025
Very clean, secluded, shaded, plenty of tables, trashcans provided, good proximity to restrooms. We are definitely booking again. 110% recommend!!!!
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Kristina N
July 11, 2025
Very clean, secluded, shaded, plenty of tables, trashcans provided, good proximity to restrooms. We are definitely booking again. 110% recommend!!!!
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Sarah S
July 19, 2025
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.
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Sarah S
July 19, 2025
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.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter
96 Sherando Lake Road, Lyndhurst, Va, 22952 (Physical Address), Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 United States
Elevation: 514 ft
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.
Near Shenandoah National Park
The closest entrance is: Rockfish Gap Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 12.3 mi · 21 min
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.
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Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Natural Bridge Station, VA
Nearby city: Harrisonburg, VA
Approx. 36 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 823 ft
Natural Bridge Station, VA
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service