Did you know that Lake Sherwood is the largest lake in Monongahela National Forest, spanning an impressive 156 acres at an elevation of 2,600 feet? This hidden gem in Pennsylvania offers a complete family destination with diverse wildlife including black bears, coyotes, wild turkeys, and even elusive creatures like bobcats and otters. As a perfect escape into nature, Lake Sherwood combines pristine waters with mountain scenery to create an outdoor paradise that remains surprisingly uncrowded compared to more famous destinations.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Lake Sherwood is nestled in the Monongahela National Forest, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The closest major airports are Yeager Airport in Charleston (about 2 hours away) and Roanoke Regional Airport in Virginia (approximately 2.5 hours drive). For those traveling by car, the area is accessible via WV-92 from White Sulphur Springs.
Ready to Visit Lake Sherwood?
Find the best flight deals to nearby airports and start your adventure!
From White Sulphur Springs:
- Head northeast on E Main Street toward Mill Hill Avenue
- Turn left onto WV-92 N/Pocahontas Trail (15.4 mi)
- Turn right onto Lake Sherwood Rd (3.8 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on Lake Sherwood Road (6.4 mi)
- Turn right to reach the Lake Sherwood Recreation Area
From Rimel:
- Head southwest on WV-92 S (15.7 mi)
- Turn left onto Lake Sherwood Rd (3.8 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on Lake Sherwood Rd (6.4 mi)
- Turn right to reach the Lake Sherwood Recreation Area
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Lake Sherwood experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Understanding the seasonal patterns will help you plan the perfect trip.
Summer (June-August)
Recommended
Peak season with temperatures ranging from 21-27°C (70-80°F). Perfect for swimming, boating, and all water activities. All campground facilities are fully operational with hot showers and flush toilets.
Fall (September-October)
Highly Recommended
Spectacular foliage with comfortable temperatures between 10-18°C (50-65°F). Reduced crowds and fees during non-peak season. Some water systems may be shut down in late fall.
Spring (April-May)
Good Option
Refreshing temperatures from 7-18°C (45-65°F) with blooming wildflowers. West Shore Loop opens mid-May, with other sites opening shortly after. Use fees begin in mid-May.
Winter (November-March)
Not Recommended for Most Visitors
Limited facilities with only vault toilets and hand pump wells available. Boat launch and trailhead remain open year-round for winter enthusiasts. Temperatures can drop below freezing, ranging from -7 to 5°C (20-40°F).
Getting Around Locally
Lake Sherwood’s natural setting means that having your own transportation is essential. The recreation area is spread out, with various camping loops, hiking trails, and activity areas requiring short drives between them.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to easily access all the attractions around Lake Sherwood and the surrounding Monongahela National Forest.
Within the Recreation Area
- Walking trails connect various parts of the recreation area
- Parking available at campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads
- Bicycles are a great way to explore the area’s scenic roads
- Boat access to different parts of the 156-acre lake
Nearby Attractions
- White Sulphur Springs is approximately 25.6 km (16 miles) away
- The Greenbrier resort is about 30 minutes by car
- Monongahela National Forest attractions require driving
- No public transportation options available in this rural area
Where to Stay
Lake Sherwood offers several accommodation options, with camping being the most popular choice for experiencing the full natural beauty of the area. The campground features 104 individual sites and 10 group sites across multiple loops, each with its own character.
Book Your Stay Near Lake Sherwood
Find the perfect accommodations for your Lake Sherwood adventure!
Campground Loops
- West Shore Loop: Premium sites ($20/night) with some double sites ($40/night)
- Pine Run Loop: Standard sites with good access ($20/night)
- Meadow Creek Loop: Popular family-friendly area ($20/night)
- Cales Knoll Loop: More economical option ($16/night)
Campsite Amenities
- Parking spur and tent pad at each site
- Picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post
- Access to restrooms with running water
- Hot showers and electricity (summer season)
- Vault toilets and hand pump wells in spring/fall
Nearby Accommodations
- White Sulphur Springs hotels (25 km/16 miles away)
- The Greenbrier luxury resort (30-minute drive)
- Vacation rentals in surrounding communities
- Other National Forest campgrounds in the region
Reservation Tips: Campground and pavilion reservations can be made through recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites and 12 months in advance for group sites.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Lake Sherwood itself doesn’t have restaurants within the recreation area, part of the outdoor experience is enjoying meals in the beautiful natural setting. Many visitors bring their own food for picnics and campsite cooking. The nearby towns offer dining options for those looking to explore local flavors.
Picnicking at Lake Sherwood
- Large picnic area with individual sites
- Each site includes a grill, picnic table, and waste receptacle
- Picnic shelter available for group gatherings ($50/day)
- Volleyball nets and horseshoe pits in the picnic area
- Day use fee: $5 per vehicle per day or $30 annual pass
Campsite Cooking
- Each campsite includes a fire ring for cooking
- Firewood available locally (don’t transport from other areas)
- Camp stores in nearby communities for supplies
- Coolers recommended as no electricity at campsites
- Water available from campground spigots
Nearby Dining
- White Sulphur Springs restaurants (25 km/16 miles)
- The Greenbrier resort dining options (30-minute drive)
- Local diners serving traditional Appalachian cuisine
- Grocery stores for self-catering in nearby towns
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From water recreation to hiking and wildlife viewing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this natural playground.
Explore Activities Around Lake Sherwood
Discover guided tours and activities in the region!
Water Activities
- Swimming: Two sand beaches (mainland and island) connected by a scenic footbridge
- Fishing: Bass, bluegills, bullheads, catfish, and tiger muskies
- Boating: Three boat launches and rental options available
- Canoeing: Explore the 156-acre lake at your own pace
Note: Only electric boat motors are permitted due to the lake’s size.
Hiking Trails
- Lake Sherwood Trail: 5.6 km (3.5 miles) scenic loop around the lake
- Upper Meadow Trail: Moderate difficulty with forest views
- Meadow Mountain Trail: More challenging with elevation gain
- Meadow Creek Trail: Follows the creek with fishing access
All trails start from the trailhead in the picnic area.
Family Activities
- Playground for children near the campground
- Volleyball courts for family games
- Wildlife viewing opportunities (deer, turkey, etc.)
- Photography of scenic landscapes
- Stargazing in the clear mountain air
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Lake Sherwood itself is primarily a natural destination, the surrounding area offers cultural and historical attractions worth exploring during your visit. Many of these sites showcase the rich heritage of the Appalachian region.
Nearby Museums
- Greenbrier Historical Society (White Sulphur Springs)
- Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center exhibits
- Pearl S. Buck Birthplace (Hillsboro)
- Pocahontas County Historical Museum
Historic Sites
- The Greenbrier Resort (dating back to 1778)
- Former Cold War Bunker at The Greenbrier
- Historic downtown Lewisburg (National Register)
- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Seasonal Events
- State Fair of West Virginia (August)
- Taste of Our Towns in Lewisburg (October)
- Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company events
- Seasonal festivals in surrounding communities
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Lake Sherwood is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities throughout the year. The natural setting provides opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying recreational pursuits.
Water Sports
- Kayaking on the calm lake waters
- Canoeing around the shoreline
- Swimming at designated beach areas
- Fishing for various species
- Electric-motor boating (no gas motors allowed)
Land Activities
- Hiking on multiple trail systems
- Mountain biking on designated trails
- Bird watching (over 200 species in the area)
- Wildlife photography opportunities
- Horseshoe pits for friendly competition
Wildlife Viewing
- Black bears (view from a safe distance)
- White-tailed deer throughout the area
- Wild turkeys in forest clearings
- Red and gray foxes
- Otters and mink near water
- Bobcats (rare sightings in quiet areas)
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Enjoying Lake Sherwood safely requires awareness of outdoor conditions and respect for the natural environment. Following these guidelines will help ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Outdoor Safety
- Carry plenty of water when hiking
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Check weather forecasts before water activities
- Wear life jackets when boating (required by law)
- Be aware of wildlife and maintain safe distances
- Store food properly to avoid attracting bears
Environmental Etiquette
- Pack out all trash (Leave No Trace principles)
- Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion
- Use established fire rings only
- Don’t transport firewood from other areas
- Respect quiet hours in campgrounds (10pm-6am)
- Keep pets leashed and clean up after them
Local Regulations
- Valid fishing license required (state regulations apply)
- No alcohol in some public areas (check posted rules)
- Electric motors only on the lake (no gas motors)
- Observe posted speed limits on forest roads
- Follow all campground rules and regulations
Visitor Comments About Lake Sherwood
“Lake Sherwood exceeded our expectations! The campground was clean and well-maintained, and the lake itself is absolutely beautiful. We spent hours fishing and caught several bass. The hiking trails around the lake offered stunning views and weren’t too challenging for our kids. We’ll definitely be back next summer.”
“As international travelers, we found Lake Sherwood to be a perfect example of American natural beauty. The campground facilities were excellent, and the staff was very helpful in suggesting activities. Swimming in the lake and hiking the surrounding trails gave us wonderful memories of West Virginia’s forests.”
“We visited Lake Sherwood during fall, and the colors were spectacular! The campsite was peaceful with plenty of space between sites. The kids loved the playground and beach areas. Just be prepared with all your supplies as it’s a bit of a drive to the nearest store. Perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature.”
Practical Travel Tips
Make the most of your Lake Sherwood adventure with these helpful tips from experienced visitors. A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a memorable stay.
What to Pack
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Swimwear and water shoes
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit with basic supplies
- Cooler for food storage
Planning Ahead
- Reserve campsites 4+ days in advance (6 months max)
- Download offline maps as cell service is limited
- Bring cash for day use fees ($5/vehicle)
- Stock up on supplies before arriving
- Check recreation.gov for current alerts
- Consider weekday visits to avoid crowds
Useful Information
- Nearest medical facilities are in White Sulphur Springs
- Limited cell service in parts of the recreation area
- No Wi-Fi available at campgrounds
- Nearest gas stations are 15+ miles away
- Ranger station hours: 8am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri)
- Emergency contact: Forest Service (304-536-2144)
Your Mountain Lake Escape Awaits
Lake Sherwood offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and peaceful seclusion that’s increasingly rare in today’s busy world. Whether you’re casting a line for tiger muskie, hiking through forests alive with wildlife, or simply watching the sunset paint the mountains in golden hues, this hidden gem in Pennsylvania provides an authentic connection to nature. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to create lasting memories in one of the East Coast’s most pristine lake destinations. The crystal-clear waters and mountain vistas of Lake Sherwood are calling – it’s time to answer.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
