Camping cabins near Churchville, Virginia sit between 1,200-1,500 feet elevation in the western Shenandoah Valley. The area experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 86°F and cold winters with January lows near 24°F. Weather can shift quickly in mountain terrain, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and occasional snowfall making winter access unpredictable for remote cabins.
What to do
Hiking from your cabin doorstep: The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Loft Mountain Campground, offering immediate trail access. "There are tons of trails all around. They have a camp store within grounds and a wayside just outside of grounds," notes Anna Y. The trail system connects to multiple viewpoints and waterfalls.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds or river access. At Stoney Creek Resort, the large lake offers both fishing and swimming options. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," reports Steven S. Fishing licenses required for adults cost $23 for a 5-day non-resident permit.
Mountain biking trails: Stokesville Campground offers direct access to mountain biking trails. "Four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside. Stokesville is a mountain bike destination that cyclists travel from all around," explains James. Trails range from beginner flow trails to technical advanced routes.
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams and swimming holes provide welcome relief during hot months. "The sites were fairly close, but separated by trees, so you felt private. Lots of hiking along skyline drive, and a few trails around the campground," shares Annie B. about her stay at Loft Mountain.
Wildlife viewing: Big Meadows Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," writes Rachel M.
Camp store conveniences: Many locations offer well-stocked stores with camping essentials. "The camp store has a lot of stuff! The showers are $5 for 10 minutes. Kind of a steep price," reports Veronica S. about Big Meadows. Stores typically stock firewood, basic groceries, and emergency supplies.
What you should know
Shower availability varies widely: While some campgrounds offer included showers, others charge fees or have limited facilities. At Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, "Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong," notes Julia A.
Cell service limitations: Most mountain cabins have limited connectivity. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," shares Dale Y. about Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Bear safety protocols: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced in Shenandoah National Park. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," writes Terri S. Improper food storage can result in fines at park campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers numerous family amenities. "Very laid back atmosphere, plenty for the kids to do! Kept them occupied the whole trip! Enjoyed the music and smores offered by the campground," reports Christopher T.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area. You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything," shares Laure D. about Walnut Hills Campground.
Family-friendly cabin layouts: Cabin layouts range from single-room to multi-room configurations. "We stayed in one of the cottages. The cottage had a basic kitchen with sink, plenty of counter space, mini fridge, and some utensils and dishes. Perfect for the simple life!" writes Emilia F. about Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary greatly in size and accessibility. "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup," reports Ralph P. about Walnut Hills.
Hookup configurations: Electrical, water, and sewer connections differ across campgrounds. "Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises," notes Mimi B.
Winter accessibility: Several campgrounds near Churchville remain open year-round. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water," shares Carol B. about Crabtree Falls Campground.
