Camping cabins near Bassett, Virginia offer woodland retreats in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter nights often dropping below freezing. Spring and fall camping seasons provide optimal temperatures for outdoor exploration with moderate rainfall.
What to do
Hunt for fairy stones: At Fairy Stone State Park, visitors can search for the unique cross-shaped minerals. "The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids!" noted a camper.
Hike challenging trails: Near Bassett, multiple state parks offer varied hiking experiences. "The trails were very challenging and the views were spectacular. Definitely worth the trip," remarked a visitor at Hanging Rock State Park about the elevation changes and rewards.
Paddle on Smith Mountain Lake: Water activities abound at nearby lakes. "Spending a week by the lake was one of the best experiences here. Lots of adventures to explore including hunting Fairystones, swimming, boating, fishing," shared one Smith Mountain Lake camper who appreciated the multiple water-based options.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground receives praise for its layout. "We were on top of a hill with other RV's with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed. Trash cans were abundant and bathrooms were decent," explained one visitor who enjoyed the spacious setting.
Clean bathing facilities: Many area campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. The bathhouse at Willville Motorcycle Camp earned specific praise: "Clean showers, big fire pit, free coffee in the morning. Several restaurants nearby," noted a motorcyclist appreciating the amenities.
Camp stores for essentials: Several campgrounds provide on-site shopping options. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" mentioned a Chantilly Farm guest who found the convenience helpful during their stay.
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "We stayed for one night in December. We arrived late around 7pm and it was getting dark, our lovely Host was very kind and showed our site - It also had heated water hose so that was a big bonus," commented a winter visitor to Chantilly Farm.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access is spotty in the mountains. "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away," explained a Fairy Stone State Park visitor, highlighting how the lack of connectivity contributes to the disconnected experience.
Tent pad sizes differ: Campsites accommodate various tent sizes. "The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well," reported a Hanging Rock State Park camper, noting how the well-designed tent platforms prevented water accumulation during rainstorms.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: State parks offer ranger programs for children. "Perfect places for families. We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones. Kayaking was fun," shared a Fairy Stone visitor who appreciated the structured activities.
Swimming areas for children: Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides beach access for younger campers. "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids. Also love the trails that surround the campground," commented a family who visited multiple times.
Playground options: Several parks feature dedicated play spaces. "The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming. Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby," noted a family staying in a yurt at Fairy Stone.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Meadows of Dan Campground offers various RV site options. "This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. The manager is very friendly & accommodating. We loved our first week so much we stayed two more!" explained a first-time RVer who appreciated the helpful management.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "No trees for the pull throughs but still a nice place and right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway," noted a Meadows of Dan visitor who found the site accessibility convenient for larger rigs.
Full hookup capabilities: Indian Heritage RV Park provides complete services. "The site we have was easy to back in. Everything works well. The WiFi is decent. Convenient location for the Martinsville area," shared a camper who appreciated the reliable utilities and strategic location.
