Camping cabins near Dana, North Carolina range from basic wooden structures to fully-equipped tiny homes with modern amenities. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, this region experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cooler nights that often drop below 60°F. Winter cabin camping is possible at some locations like Davidson River Campground, where heated facilities remain open during colder months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rutledge Lake RV Resort offers cabin rentals with access to their fishing pond. "The campground is well maintained and the staff are great however I can do without the geese recking havoc at all hours of the night," notes one camper at Rutledge Lake RV Resort.
Hiking trails: Several cabin providers offer direct access to trails. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures. If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then youve come to the right campground," shared one visitor at Davidson River Campground.
Mountain biking: Cabins at some campgrounds provide storage for bikes and easy access to trails. "There are miles and miles of hiking/running and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area, as well as numerous waterfalls. The campground is less than a mile from The Hub bike shop/Pisgah Tavern, a great bike shop offering rentals also," explains a Davidson River Campground review.
What campers like
Private settings: Some cabins offer more seclusion than others. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, campers appreciate the natural surroundings: "The pine trees help with a little privacy because you are tucked in pretty tight to one another."
Creek and river access: Many cabin campers value waterfront options. "We stayed in site 20 and my take on this campsite is that it just needs a little love and care. My site was next to the creek which was nice," explained a camper at Creekside Mountain Camping.
Proximity to attractions: Cabins serve as convenient base camps. "We stayed here over the summer and really enjoyed it. It is prime location to downtown chimney rock and lake lure beach/water park," noted a visitor at Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin providers operate within specific date ranges. "Our July 2018 trip was great for the kids and enjoyable. However as others have noted it is packed and isn't really a place we would want to stay for a week because we love quiet and a little more room," explains a visitor to Asheville East KOA.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for premium cabins. "Book these early - we were here in late June and they were already full until October!" warns a camper about the tiny home rentals at Emberglow Outdoor Resort.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. "The bathroom facility for the loop was open and there were showers (free and hot) and the camp host was very friendly and helpful and had firewood for sale," notes a Davidson River review, while other campgrounds receive more mixed feedback on bathhouse cleanliness.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some cabins provide specific amenities for children. "We have a great stay, the bathrooms are very nice, second only to Disney. Space 85 is the way to go, that spot is not crowded and backs up to a creek with a private picnic pavilion!" explains a Rutledge Lake RV Resort visitor.
Safety considerations: Parents should research specific cabin features. "Just spent the weekend here and loved it! Great place for kids with jump pad, swingset, slides, climbing dome, pool, a creek to explore, hiking trails, and more!" shares a review from Emberglow Outdoor Resort.
Educational opportunities: Cabin stays can include learning experiences. "They have a bible lesson and activity for the children including hay ride on Saturday morning. They do a church service on sundays. They have plenty of activities for kids to do. A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room," explains a visitor to Orchard Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RV campers sometimes choose cabins for variety. "Cabin Fever - Beautiful little KOA with a large lake and river running through the center. Plenty of cabins as well. We stay here annually for a motorcycle rally and the staff really accommodates is well," notes an Asheville East KOA visitor.
Internet access: Working remotely from cabins requires research. "The wifi is off the charts for a campground. Total coverage everywhere you go. I was getting 30/30 speeds at my site. I work remote so it was very important to have good internet," explains an Emberglow Outdoor Resort reviewer.
Pet policies: Not all cabin rentals welcome pets. "They are more worried about banning breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers (and mixes containing the two) than they are keeping the trash dump clean," notes one critical review at Orchard Lake Campground, highlighting the importance of checking pet rules before booking.
