Cave Mountain Lake Campground — Hotel in Buena Vista

Wow, and I mean Wow! I can't believe I have lived 40 minutes from this hidden gem for most of my life and this past weekend was my first trip. I always prefer national forest campground over privately owed. Nationals' are more primitive and offer a more authentic camping experience.

There is a creek that runs throughout the campground and almost every site is able to hear the peaceful sounds of the running water. There are a few small bridges around the grounds/roadway. There are plenty of trees and nature hasn't been terribly disturbed by the creation of the campground.

There is little to no cell service so you can detach and enjoy nature.

It had a perfect little lake with a small beach. The lake was beautiful and the water was freezing. The nearby creeks feed the mountain water stright into the lake so no matter the time of year its always cold. My husband went for a swim and many children seemed to enjoy it. I saw multiple salamanders or tadpoles/frogs swimming around. There was also plenty of fish jumping and I would love to fish once its allowed again. Currently in May 2022, only youth fishing is allowed but adults will be able to fish in the middle of June. It is a trout stocked lake. There are also plenty of picnic tables near the lake area to have lunch or use the stationary charcoal grills. There is also a large covered area that can be rented for events, we saw a wedding while we were there.

At the campground the bathhouse and restrooms were all very clean and kept. Only 1 of the 3 restrooms had soap and paper towels but all very clean. They had a cleaning schedule that worked well and didn't impact our plans at all. The location of the restrooms are placed very well and no site it too far of a walk. There is only one actually bathhouse which offers parking if you wanted to drive. There are only 4 showers for the campground but it seemed to be enough...1 handicap and 3 normal.

The sites themselves were all very shaded, well equipped, and spacious. We walked around many different sites that weren't occupied and none received direct sun. Some had times were it would get sun but all seemed doable. I don't think any site would disappoint me. That being said I loved my walk in site and would definitely choose a walk in again. Most sites could accommodate multiple tents. Each site had a table and fire ring with some type of grilling grate, some sites had different grates. They all had a second small table for food preparation and to place a small charcoal grill. They also had 3 lantern poles or everysite, some poles were movable. The tables had s taped notice about feeding bears and other wildlife and it advised that all coolers and even charcoal would need to be stored inside the tent or vehicle. The campground also had rules on how long generators could run and honestly I never heard the first one. It was so peaceful everywhere.

There was a hiking trail which seemed to be well trimmed and kept. We didn't walk very far in but plan to on our next stay.

The campground hosts were very nice and inviting and clearly wanted to make sure everyone's stay was enjoyable. They let me know if anyone was causing issues, no matter the hour, they would help out.

The only negative thing I have to say is the firepits/rings were very full of ash and needed to be cleaned out. This was the weekend before Memorial day so the season had just began and i could see it becoming a problem.

I loved this campground so much and I would absolutely come back. I can't wait for...

First time here and we absolutely fell in love with this simplistic, natural campground. No pool, no amenities, no hookups, no cell service…just quiet, peaceful, nature. Easy access from I-81 (less than 10 miles/ four turns). 41 reservable campsites, $20/night or $10/night with America the Beautiful Access Pass. The campground area/bathhouse was immaculate, with flush toilets and warm showers. Beautiful shady, private & level sites (we didn’t require any blocks/levelers). Four sets of camp hosts were present and all were awesome (Peter, Carol, Ronnie, Melissa…sorry if we can’t remember all)…they were so friendly & personable. We’re actually considering becoming volunteer campground hosts because of them! Most of the campsites have a wonderful accessible creek that runs thru the center …site#3 even has it’s own little bridge and sites#40 & 39 have a lovely large & sunny grassy area next to sites. Three pull-thru sites (sites 1, 4 & 20) and the buddy site (41 & 42) could accommodate rigs slightly over 30ft+ with truck/toad. The rest we would recommend 30ft or less. We were in site #26 with a 30ft and a longbed - backing in was slightly challenging, but doable - the rest of the site was large, with extra -long picnic table, lantern posts and fire pit w/cooking grate (other sites also had grills, tall grill tables and a kettle hooks over fire pit). Lots of tent campers were there during our stay and a handful of RV’s. There’s a lovely local couple that sells firewood at 84 Cave Mountain Rd/Rt 781…you’ll see their sign with a wheelbarrow of wood for $10 on the right side of the road, heading up to the campground. We bought two loads that lasted all week. All in all, this was a fabulous base camp for our travels on the BRP (4 miles away), quaint, awesome towns (Buchanan, Buena Vista, etc) and some scouting to points west toward West Virginia (1.5hrs to Bolar Mountain/Lake Moomaw). For couples, you’ll love Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery (spectacular sunset views, great wine and you can watch the safari animals graze below in valley), Halcyon Days Cider Co & Orchard Labyrinth (quirky atmosphere and delicious flights/snacks), and local flea & farmer’s markets. For families, The Pink Cadillac (try the Elvis burgers!), Virginia Gold Orchards (you pick ‘em), Hull Drive-In, Mane Gait Equestrian Center (also an awesome Harvest Host!), Layne’s Country Store (for all those, ‘oh, I forgot!’, local fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, groceries/deli and wine!), Natural Bridge State Park and Caverns, Buchanan Swinging Bridge and Virginia Safari Park - many on/or right off 11/Lee Hwy. Anything else you may need is also in Lexington (20mi) or Family Dollar in Buchanan (20mi). This is our third stay in this area but not our last, as it’s one of our favorites to explore. You’ll...

The campground is still nice and well maintained. The hosts are rude and entitled. They misinformed the guests about dogs being down at the lake. For my entire life the dogs could not go past the shower house. For the past 5 years or so they were allowed past the shower house but not on the sand. Now they are enforcing the sign barrier again but telling campers at the checkin station that they are just not allowed on the beach. I would have planned a different location to spend my time with my family or arranged animal care prior to arriving. Instead I was misinformed by the staff and rudely told off by an angry elderly volunteer that came speeding down to the lake on a golf cart (his dog is allowed to go anywhere with him) and he had the nerve to cuss in front of my wife and other people's children. I can understand how difficult it can be to find good help especially unpaid but they are allowing control freaks that want to camp for free to volunteer. Will be steering clear and warning everyone about the lack of information and rude behavior expressed by the staff of Cave Mountain Lake. 30 years of summers down there just to be chased off. Don't bother trying to complain or get a refund. No one...