The Blue Ridge's Secret Beach
Sherando Lake sits inside the George Washington National Forest, about 40 minutes from downtown Staunton.
Most people find out about Sherando Lake the way you find out about the best things: from someone who made you promise not to tell too many people.
The Sherando Lake Recreation Area sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains inside the George Washington National Forest, about 40 minutes southeast of Staunton by way of I-64 and State Route 664. The campground occupies a position between two lakes at an elevation of about 1,800 feet in the shadow of Torry Ridge. The lower lake has a sand beach. The water stays cold all summer. On a Saturday in July, there is no better place within an hour of the city.
Plan ahead. All camping requires advance reservation through Recreation.gov. The campground runs from early April through late October, and there is no reliable cell service on site. Summer weekends fill up fast.
The Lakes
The Lower Lake covers 25 acres, fed by springs, the North Fork of Back Creek, and Williams Branch, keeping the water cool throughout the summer. The designated swimming area has a sand beach, an accessible ramp to the water’s edge, and a bathhouse with changing and shower facilities.
Fishing and boating are available outside the swimming area. Spring and fall bring stocked trout fishing, which requires a Virginia fishing license, a National Forest stamp, and a trout stamp. Gasoline motors are not permitted on the lower lake. Electric trolling motors, canoes, kayaks, and similar boats only. There is no boat ramp. All boaters must wear approved life jackets.
The Upper Lake covers 7 acres, fed by the North Fork of Back Creek. It is available for fishing only, not swimming. Hand carry access only, no launch ramp.
A Little History
The Williams Branch Group Picnic Shelter was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. Several of the original tables and benches built by the CCC are still in use under the shelter today. The lake and surrounding infrastructure share that same Depression-era origin. The CCC built the campground, carved the trails, and shaped the recreation area that families have been returning to for nearly 90 years. The bones of the place are old, and they have held.
The Trails
Sherando Lake is not just a swimming hole. The trail network surrounding it ranges from a short lakeside walk to a serious ridge hike with connections to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Blue Loop Trail runs 2.5 miles, blazed with blue markers. It begins in the lakeside picnic area, climbs to the top of Torry Ridge, and circles Sherando Lake before ending near the fishermen’s access road. The climb is not casual. The trail ascends at roughly a 20 percent grade for the first mile, gaining nearly 900 feet in elevation. The ridge views reward the effort.
The White Rock Gap Trail stretches 2.5 miles from the Upper Lake to the Blue Ridge Parkway, following Back Creek with fairly gentle grades. It is the right choice for families with younger hikers.
For those wanting a longer day, the Torry Ridge loop via the White Rock Gap Trail is the area’s signature hike. AllTrails lists this route at 9.5 miles with 1,755 feet of elevation gain, rates it moderate, and estimates five to five and a half hours to complete. The route passes views of Bald Mountain and Kelly Mountain and can be combined with a swim at the beach on the way back.
Fees
Day use costs $8 per vehicle, with a maximum of eight people per vehicle. For buses, vans, and walk-ins carrying more than eight passengers, the fee is $2 per person. Fees can be paid at the entrance station, by envelope at the on-site iron ranger, or at the automated fee machine.
A George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass, available for $30 at ranger district offices and the Sherando Lake entrance station, covers unlimited day use visits for the season. America the Beautiful Interagency Senior and Access passes provide a 50 percent discount on day use fees and basic campsite fees.
Wildlife
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources lists Sherando Lake on the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail. The surrounding hardwood forests are nesting grounds for scarlet tanager, Canada warbler, black-throated green warbler, and yellow-breasted chat. In fall and winter, the lake draws shorebirds and waterfowl, including bufflehead and American black duck. Wood duck, belted kingfisher, and green heron are resident year-round. The area also supports the Blue Ridge two-lined salamander and northern dusky salamander, both found beneath rocks along the creeks.
Camping
The campground has 66 family campsites divided into three loops. Meadow Loop and River Bend Loop have sites with electric hookups suitable for larger units and RVs. White Oak Loop has non-electric sites for tents and camping units under 20 feet. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, serving table, lantern post, and campfire ring with grill.
Overnight rates run $25 per night for a single site and $40 for a double site, with a $7 per night electric fee for hookup sites. All sites require advance reservation through Recreation.gov or by calling 1.877.444.6777. There are no first-come, first-served sites. Check-in is 1 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. The entrance gate closes at 10 p.m. and reopens at 6 a.m. A gate code is included in your reservation confirmation email. Note that firewood and ice are not available on site. Additional supplies are available in Stuarts Draft, about 15 minutes away.
Planning Your Visit
Getting there from Staunton: From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Head south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst without a distinct turn. Continue south on SR 664 approximately 8 miles to the Sherando Lake Recreation Area entrance on the right. The physical address is 96 Sherando Lake Drive, Lyndhurst, VA 22952.
Reservations: All camping requires advance booking through Recreation.gov or by calling 1.877.444.6777.
Season: The campground is open early April through late October. The day use area opens April 1 and runs through December, with the swimming beach opening May 15.
Cell service: There is no reliable cell service on site. Download your maps, trail information, and gate code before leaving Staunton.
Contact: Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts at 540.291.2188, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times within the recreation area, per federal regulation.
Recreation area conditions, fees, and hours are subject to change. Verify current information with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests or by calling the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts at 540.291.2188 before your visit. Always tell someone your plans before heading out.
Have a trail report or outdoor story worth covering? Contact us at brad@stauntonian.com.