Best Cabin Camping near Altavista, VA

Several state parks and private campgrounds near Altavista, Virginia offer rustic cabins with varying amenities. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground provides well-maintained cabins equipped with wood stoves, porches, grills, and fire pits. Some cabins back up to the lake and are spaced for privacy. "The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table," notes one visitor. Red Oak Campground at James River State Park features two-bedroom cabins with decks, picnic tables, and rocking chairs. Staunton River State Park contains historic cabins dating to 1936 that maintain their rustic character while offering modern cleanliness and comfort.

Cabin rentals range from basic one-room structures to fully furnished multi-bedroom units. Thunder Bridge offers screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rental cabins in a wooded setting. KOA properties in the region, including Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA and Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, provide pet-friendly cabin options that accommodate families. "It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs," reports one KOA guest. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when availability becomes limited. Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge operates seasonally from April through mid-November with family-oriented cabin accommodations. Winter cabin options are more limited but still available at year-round facilities like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA.

Most cabin facilities provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen setups vary significantly between properties, from basic fire rings to full kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Visitors should check specific amenities before arrival as some cabins have air conditioning while others rely on natural ventilation. Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site, with bundles costing around $7. Camp stores at larger facilities stock basic provisions, though bringing groceries from Altavista is recommended for extended stays. Cabins with electricity often include outlets for charging devices, but cell service can be limited in more remote forest cabins.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Altavista, Virginia (20)

    1. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin."

    "The campsites are roomy, although some are definitely more private than others. The tent (non-electric, non-hookups) sites are at the back in their own section."

    2. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    "Each site has picnic tables, lantern poles, tent pads, food storage lockers, and campfire rings. 63 of their sites are available for advanced reservation and then 79 first come-first serve basis."

    3. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "While not necessarily secluded, they felt more private. The bath house was central to the sites and were unisex individual bathrooms. Not modern but clean."

    "There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking."

    4. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "There is a fenced dog park. The playground is a bit dated. However they make up for that with the bathroom and laundry facilities, which were absolutely AMAZING."

    "We had a gravel pull through spot with a picnic table on a wooden deck, fire pit, and full hook up. There is a pool and a playground, however they were both closed due to Covid."

    5. Paradise Lake & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Danville, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 836-2620

    "We stayed overnight on the lake (#45). The campground is very well maintained with clean restrooms. Though predominantly longer term campers, all sites were tidy."

    "The walking trail was nice but you will for sure want to take an extra large can of deep woods off or equivalent. There are swarms of large flys all around the water on the trail."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "We had a campsite with electric and water close to the bathhouse which is great because we have a popup camper with no bathroom and six kids."

    "They have play grounds, mini golf, a game room, air pillow, a pool with a kids area and water slides."

    7. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    33 miles
    Website

    $20 - $85 / night

    "They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."

    "It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."

    8. Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    43 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly."

    "We have stayed in the cabins here and they are awesome. We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs."

    9. Staunton River State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Henrico, VA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 572-4623

    "We got a non-electric site and in November is was in the 30's at night - pretty cold for tent camping! But we bundled up and made lots of fires!"

    "Park rangers had great kids programs including animal feeding frenzy where we learned about snakes and turtles and we invoked in feeding. Also lots of any pelts to learn about."

    10. Holliday Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Prospect, VA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 248-6308

    $30 - $80 / night

    "We love camping at Holliday Lake. It is completely off grid, and we like that! With busy jobs during the week it’s nice to unwind and enjoy nature."

    "Campground Review

    Holliday Lake State Park is located in the middle of the Buckingham State Forest, so it is completely surrounded by protected forest."

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Cabin Reviews near Altavista, VA

196 Reviews of 20 Altavista Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Thunder Bridge

    Idyllic forest campground

    Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

    The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

    The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

    This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

  • Teresa K.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Little Piece of Heaven

    We went off season in March of 2018. It was the perfect time to go as it was still "wintery", but had days of mild weather to allow for hiking. The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin. But, we also checked out the tent camping pads. I would not recommend for camping with a tent as the sites are stacked on top of each other offering little to no privacy. The RV/camper sites might be better. I can't say for sure as I don't rv camp. The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table. Some of the cabins backup to the lake. The cabins are spread so that their is ample space between them offering privacy. Beautifully maintained, the park was pristine. The visitor center is large and offers education, camp store, literature. I am going back!

  • Katie The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Middle Creek Campground

    Great location but...

    Stayed here for a long weekend. We had our 20 foot camper trailer and our friends stayed in - cabin. Pro’s:Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site. Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hike, blue ridge parkway, etc. large campground with lots of camp sites.

    Con’s: we called and called to to inquire about some of our reservation needs, could rarely reach anyone. Rarely staffed in the shoulder season of the fall. Asked about fire would and was told told that they don’t have it ( they didn’t say they were out or didn’t have any at that time, just they don’t sell firewood) Later in the evening a new set of campers checked in after hours and had fire wood waiting for them. Our friends checked in after hours and we’re not provided a door code for their cabin and someone had to crawl through an unlocked window. No after hours number. When staff informed the next day, no attempt to apologize. The cabin seemed to be infested with stink bugs. Bathrooms were poorly maintained. Definitely functioning and clean but needs sim TLC and upgrades. Trash bins through out site tipped over every morning and didn’t seem to be collected. The electric hookup circuit breaker was very loose.

    Overall, I would choose somewhere else to stay next time.

  • Gypsy G.
    May. 17, 2021

    Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    Wonderful Place to stay !!!

    The sites were very generous in size - not cramped at all! Sites were partially shaded and backed up to woods. Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly. Will definitely return!!

  • Kaylee G.
    Jan. 1, 2022

    Natural Bridge KOA

    Just right

    Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs. Our toddler was throughout entertained by exploring everything around us and we would have visits by a black cat. Can't wait to go back and check out their tent sites.

  • Bridget H.
    Dec. 9, 2020

    Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    Dark Sky Park with Plenty of Amenities

    We have stayed here a couple of times and our family loves it! We have stayed in the cabins here and they are awesome. We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs. The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay. They have miles of trails, a playground, marshland, and it is right on the James River with multiple river access points. The rangers here are very interactive and very helpful. We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend. I highly recommend this park and can't wait to stay here again.

  • John R.
    Aug. 21, 2022

    Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    Nice Park With Plenty To See!

    This state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around.

    There are plenty of places to fish! The ponds are full for Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, The river has plenty of fish in it too! Only thing is, if it just rained the current will be pretty quick.

    There is camping sites all around the park, Some with water frontage, There are bathrooms, fire pits and picnic tables at the sites. I camped along the James river in a pull in spot and had a great time!

    Little cell service there but the radio came in fine, There are some bumpy trails and paths within the park but I recommend you check out the pond on the first right turn after you leave the front entrance. Beautiful gazebo overlooking the pond with picnic tables.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Kids loved it!

    We stayed at the Natural Bridge KOA for one night on our way further north and loved it!

    They opened the pool a week early, and although the water was still ICE COLD (75 degrees?), the kids loved it. There is a game room in the basement of the campground store with some arcade games, pool and ping pong table, and air hockey. Each thing takes quarters so be sure to bring some.

    Your site number is assigned at check-in and you are escorted to your site from the front office.

    There is a fenced dog park. The playground is a bit dated. However they make up for that with the bathroom and laundry facilities, which were absolutely AMAZING.

    The park is a short drive from Natural Bridge State Park (pictures included), the Pink Cadillac Diner (Elvis themed, great food, pictures included), and the Caverns at Natural Bridge (we missed the last tour by 20 minutes, unfortunately!). It’s right off of I-81 and very easy to access.

    Our site was a pull through with water and electric. The site was level and had a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are pretty close to each other but not so close that you feel like you’re in someone else’s space.

    The whole park was very clean. The bridge going between our area and the bathhouse was damaged but it was still a reasonably short walk around the “long” way. The camp store seemed very well stocked with basics.

    This was our first KOA experience. It was a bit more expensive than most state and national parks we’ve camped at but reasonable considering the amenities.

  • Diane D.
    May. 22, 2018

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Wooded campground with lake perks

    This is our favorite campground in the Roanoke area. The campsites are roomy, although some are definitely more private than others. The tent (non-electric, non-hookups) sites are at the back in their own section. They are the farthest from the bathhouse, but also the most private.

    Tent sites have a deep bedding of fine crushed stone. All sites include a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is there to purchase. It will burn very quickly and we usually need several bundles in just one night.

    Price to camp is very reasonable, especially if you consider that you get a beach pass for both the day you arrive and the next day. For a family of 3 or more, it's actually cheaper to reserve a camping spot than to just come for the day to swim. Get reservations in the peak summer months. The campground is often full.

    There are also several hiking trails, but they aren't terribly long or difficult. Good if you have smaller children.

    The camp hosts have been hit or miss through the years. There are no rangers on site after hours.


Guide to Altavista

Cabin camping near Altavista, Virginia offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $20 to $50

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway provides a serene setting for cabin camping amidst nature's splendor.
  • Middle Creek Campground offers easy access to hiking trails and picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy the rustic charm and artistic vibe at Thunder Bridge, where you can unwind in a cabin surrounded by the beauty of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Altavista, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Altavista, VA is Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Altavista, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Altavista, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.