Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
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.
The Group Picnic Shelter (also called Williams Branch Picnic Shelter) was constructed by 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 accommondate up to 25 people, to meet the Governor's COVID restrictions. Amenities at the site include a covered shelter with 4 picnic tables, a double pedestal grill, a fireplace under the shelter, additional picnic tables surrounding the shelter, and a bathroom with flush toilets nearby. The shelter can be accessed by vehicle using a short service road and there is parking for 40 cars immediately adjacent to the shelter. The day use area closes at 9 pm or dusk, whichever comes first and the main gate at the state road closes at 10 pm. Visitors not staying overnight in the campground need to exit before the main gate closes at 10 pm.
Notifications and Alerts
Please note the electronic gate code in your confirmation email prior to arriving at Sherando Lake. A code is required for entry and there is no reliable cellular service on-site. Four Digit Gate Code followed by the # sign.
Need to Know
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 beach bathhouse pavilion is not reservable
- No electricity is available at the shelter
- The shelter closes at 9 pm or dusk, whichever comes first and the main gate at the state road is locked at 10 p.m.
- 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.
- Guests attending events scheduled for the group picnic shelter are still responsible for the appropriate day use fee.
- No lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area. Visitors swim at their own risk.
Natural Features
The group picnic shelter is located a short walking distance from the 25 acre lower lake with a sand beach, shaded grassy area and beach bathhouse. The lake is spring and stream-fed by Back Creek, so the water stays refreshingly cool all summer long.
Nearby Attractions
There are opportunities for gas, groceries, and firewood at convenience stores and local vendors along the state road to Sherando Lake. Ice can be purchased at the Sherando Lake Visitor Center during operating hours. Additional supplies can be obtained in Stuarts Draft, about a 15 minute drive away. The Blue Ridge Pakrway with its scenic overlooks and ridgetop views is a short 3 mile drive up State Route 664 from the Sherando Lake entrance. The Wintergreen Resort offers a golf course and ski area within 10 miles of Sherando Lake.
Recreation
The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated areas with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge and a beach bathhouse with changing and shower facilities. Fishing and boating are also available outside the designated swimming area in the lake. Fishing is in stocked trout waters during the spring and fall seasons. Visitors will need to have the appropriate Virginia Fishing license, National Forest stamp and trout stamp. Boats with gasoline motors are not permitted on the lower lake - electric troll motors, canoes, kayaks, or similar boats only. A hand-carry ramp is available for access to the lake adjacent to the parking area. Fishing only is available at the 7 acre Upper Lake. This lake is also stocked during the spring and fall seasons and the appropriate licenses are required. Boats are allowed, but there is no launch access - hand carry only. Parking is available at a small area below the group camp area and a walking trail will lead you to the lake. Swimming is not allowed in the upper lake. Hiking trails surround the area offering everything from a short walk around the lake on the Lakeside and Cliff Trails to a day hike up the mountain on the White Rock Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For the more adventurous hiker, more challenging day hikes and backpacking trips are available by heading up the Blue Loop Trail to the Torry Ridge Trail to Bald Mountain and beyond. Bald Mountain used to be the location of a fire lookout tower.
Contact Information
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96 SHERANDO LAKE ROAD, LYNDHURST, VA, 22952 (PHYSICAL ADDRESS) GLENWOOD AND PEDLAR RANGER DISTRICTS (FOR INFORMATION) 27 RANGER LANE NATURAL BRIDGE STATION VA 24579
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 540-291-2188
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-64, take Exit 96 just east of Stuarts Draft. Go south on State Route 624, which becomes State Route 664 at Lyndhurst. Continue south on State Route 664 approximately 8 miles to the entrance to the Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the right. The gatehouse is approximately 0.5 miles ahead. If the gatehouse is closed, continue through the recreation area toward the lower lake. The service road entrance to the group picnic shelter is to the left in the sharp curve before you reach the beach parking area.
