Cabin camping near Chatham, Virginia offers sheltered forest accommodations between the Dan and Roanoke Rivers, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing from December through February. Several parks maintain cabins with varying amenities within an hour's drive of downtown Chatham.
What to do
Stargazing at night spots: Staunton River State Park Campground is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional viewing opportunities. "The park has been recognized as International Dark sky and there are two telescopes that can be checked out for free at the visitor's center," a visitor noted, highlighting the unique astronomy resources.
Paddling on calm waters: At Paradise Lake & Campground, visitors enjoy water-based recreation on the small private lake. "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids," reports a camper. Multiple locations offer kayak rentals during summer months, typically ranging from $15-25 per hour.
Searching for fairy stones: Near Fairy Stone State Park Campground, visitors can hunt for the unique cross-shaped minerals known as fairy stones. A visitor explained, "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," describing a popular activity for families with children.
What campers like
Cabin variety and views: Occoneechee State Park Campground offers cabin options with excellent water views. "It's a 3BR/2BA spacious cabin, wooded and lakeside. Great sunsets and nice big deck (some areas of the porch are covered, and have rocking chairs)," one visitor reported about their accommodations.
Historical features: Cabin sites often connect to historical sites and trails. One visitor to Occoneechee described "Plantation Trail, a large historical site that was once a homestead. Mellow, family-friendly walk with a cemetery, historical markers, and an old chimney."
Kitchen amenities: Most cabins include basic kitchen facilities. A visitor at Occoneechee noted, "Kitchen is equipped with microwave, toaster, coffee pot, water glasses, coffee mugs, plates, bowls, utensils, can opener, etc."
What you should know
Prepare for packing essentials: At Occoneechee State Park, a visitor advised, "Bring your own dish towels, dish rags, linens (including pillowcase if you don't have room to pack your own pillow), towels/wash rags, etc."
Limited cell service: Many cabin camping locations have spotty connectivity. At Mayo Lake Park Campground, visitors noted, "If you have to have cell phone service it is very spotty."
Seasonal facility closures: Some park facilities close during winter months. At Peaks of Otter Campground, a reviewer explained their season runs "May 6 to October 29," while other locations like Fairy Stone State Park operate year-round.
Temperature variations: The temperature can fluctuate significantly at higher elevation sites. One camper at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground described, "The setting was heavily wooded, so the shade combined with the higher elevation made for a very cool, pleasant retreat from the July heat."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for water activities: Multiple lake locations offer swimming areas with kid-friendly zones. At Paradise Lake & Campground, a camper reported, "Lake view, clean in-ground pool, staff was nice and campground was family oriented and peaceful."
Visit visitor centers: Staunton River State Park has educational exhibits for children. "They also have a nature learning lab, some cool animals, and a fantastic gift shop," reported a visitor with grandchildren, noting the educational value.
Book early for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly at popular cabin locations. A visitor at Fairy Stone State Park shared, "We took to Fairystone for the maiden voyage of our pop up camper July 4th weekend...Great family campout with plenty to do for our kids." Early booking is recommended 3-6 months in advance for summer holidays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for proximity: At Hyco Lake State Park Campground, an RVer advised, "We noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box."
Access considerations: Some parks have challenging access roads. A visitor noted about Chantilly Farm, "Wow, getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area."
Leveling challenges: Not all sites provide level pads for RVs. A camper at Hyco Lake State Park observed, "Nice roads but the sites could use some updating. A lot of them are sloped. Very hard to level out a RV."
