Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter Campground and Camping

Fishing Hot Spots near Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter Campground

About the Campground

The Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is part of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, a very popular destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains that offers family camping, group camping, family picnic sites, a group picnic area, swimming and a sand beach, fishing and hiking. The Group Picnic shelter (also called Williams Branch Picnic Shelter) was constructed by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. Several tables and benches were also constructed by the CCC and are still in use under the shelter. The area can accomodate up to 100 people. Facilities available at the picnic shelter for groups include picnic tables (many of which are accessible), grills, a covered shelter with 4 large picnic tables, a fireplace, and a bathroom with flush toilets. The shelter can be accessed by vehicle using a short service road and parking for up to 40 cars is available immediately adjacent to the shelter. The day use area closes at dark and the main gate into the area closes at 10pm. Visitors not camping overnight need to exit the area before the gate closes at 10pm. There is no electric service available at the picnic shelter. Pets are allowed, but must remain on a leash and under their owner's control at all times. Alcohol is not permitted at the group picnic shelter. A 25 acre lake - Lower Sherando Lake - offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with sand beach, fishing and boating, just a short walk across the road from the group picnic shelter. The swimming area has no lifeguards, so visitors swim at their own risk. Fishing is in stocked waters in spring and fall and visitors are responsible for having the appropriate state licenses and National Forest stamp prior to fishing. These are not sold at Sherando Lake, but can be obtained in the local area. Boats with gasoline motors are not permitted on the lake - electric troll motors, canoes, kayaks or similar type boats only. You must bring your own boat, there are none for rent. Fishing only is available in the Upper Sherando Lake - a smaller 7 acre lake - with the appropriate state licenses and National forest stamp. No swimming in the Upper Lake. Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake to a full day hike along the nearby ridges to backpacking trips along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. During the season between Memorial Day to Labor Day, evening campfire programs are conducted on Friday and Saturday evenings at the amphitheater for campers and area visitors. Visitors to the National Forest are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations of the Forest and the area they are visiting. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts office at (540) 291-2188. Office hours are 8 am through 4:30 pm (Eastern time), Monday through Friday. The nearest groceries and gas are located in Stuarts Draft, Virigina about a 15 minute drive from Sherando Lake Recreation Area. Ice and vending machines are available at the beach bathhouse pavilion. Cellular phone service is not reliable due to the area location, but a pay phone is available on site. America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes are not applicable for group fees. This reservation is for the group picnic shelter only and groups / visitors are also responsible for the regular day use fee charged per car, payable when they arrive at the recreation site.

Services & Amenities

Fees

Alerts and Important Information Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter is for the Williams Branch shelter only, not the beach bathouse pavilion adjacent to the lower lake. There is no electric service available in the group picnic shelter. The main gate on State Route 664 closes at 10pm. Visitors not camping overnight need to exit the area before the gate closes at 10pm. Fishing in both the upper and lower Sherando Lakes requires the appropriate state licenses and National Forest stamp. These can not be obtained at Sherando Lake, but can be purchased locally. Boats are allowed on the upper and lower Sherando Lakes. Gasoline engines are not permitted. Electric troll motors are permitted as well as paddle style boats (canoes, kayaks). Boaters must have approved lifejackets. There is no boat ramp. Boats have to be hand carried to the water. No refunds for inclement weather. Alcohol is not permitted at the group picnic shelter. Pets are allowed, but must remain on a leash at all times and under the owner's control. The bathroom at the group picnic shelter is not ADA accessible.

Campground Contact Information

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Waynesboro, VA
540-942-5965

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