No detected openings were recorded in the last 90 days. Campsite Sniper monitors Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter continuously and will alert you if that changes.
Of the 183 tracked reservation dates (Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027): 33 closed · 150 unavailable (cause unspecified).
No online availability right now
Load status
Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027Of the 183 tracked reservation dates (Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027): 33 closed · 150 unavailable (cause unspecified).
Open dates by month
Nov 2026 – May 2027No month in range currently shows online availability. 0 open reservation dates across the tracked window — these reservation dates are a mix of reserved, closed, unreleased and non-reservable dates.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 1 shelter| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 0 | None open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 0 | None open | |
| Christmas | THU Dec 24 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Dec 25 | 0 | None open | |
| New Year | THU Dec 31 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Jan 1 | 0 | None open | |
| Memorial Day | FRI May 28 | 0 | None open |
| SAT May 29 | 0 | None open | |
| SUN May 30 | 0 | None open | |
| MON May 31 | 0 | None open |
Thanksgiving: no online availability on any tracked date. Christmas: no online availability on any tracked date. New Year: no online availability on any tracked date. Memorial Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
About Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
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 shelter can accommodate up to 50 people. The picnic shelter reservation fee covers access to Sherando Lake for the reservation holder ONLY. All other guests are responsible for the appropriate Day-Use Fee. These fees can be paid onsite. 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.
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.
Getting there
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.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
Photo gallery
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter?
Campsite Sniper's current snapshot shows none of the 183 tracked reservation dates open for online reservation at Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter. That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. Pick the shelter on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Nov 2, 2026 16:20 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
Does Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter have online availability right now?
As of the Nov 2, 2026 snapshot, none of the 183 tracked reservation dates are open for online reservation. That can mean dates are reserved, closed, not yet released, or offered first-come, first-served rather than online. A free Campsite Sniper alert tells you if any date opens online.
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