Cabins near Damascus, Virginia offer a base for exploring an area that sits at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 feet, creating mild summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby lowland areas. The region contains over 400 miles of marked trails within a 30-mile radius, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail. Many cabin rentals remain open year-round with peak rental periods from May through October.
What to do
Hike to mountain vistas: Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers access to multiple hiking options with significant elevation changes. "The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away," notes Kristen J., who appreciated the cooler mountain climate.
Paddle at nearby lakes: Little Oak Campground provides direct access to South Holstein Lake with multiple water recreation options. "The camp ground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water," reports Lynn G., who recommends walking the shoreline at sunset.
Mountain biking trails: Locations near Boone KOA offer technical mountain biking terrain with varying difficulty levels. "We really enjoyed the Booneshine brewery after our hikes and mountain biking," shares Joe B., highlighting the combination of outdoor activities and local refreshments available in the area.
Road touring: The mountainous terrain offers scenic driving routes with significant elevation changes. A visitor to Hungry Mother State Park recommends "the 'Back of the Dragon' an AWESOME DRIVING TOUR across the mountains from Marion to Tazewell, VA" as a must-do activity while in the area.
What campers like
Peaceful water sounds: Camping adjacent to flowing water creates natural white noise for sleeping. At Roan Mountain State Park, Joseph D. appreciated "the sounds of the water running down the creek all night" and noted the campground enforces quiet hours starting at 9pm.
Cooler summer temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat even during peak season. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," notes Kristen J. at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, while another camper at Boone KOA mentioned "Temperature was very comfortable, didn't need the A/C in June!"
Clean facilities: Most cabin-offering campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathhouses. Nathan F. at Little Oak Campground was impressed with "surprisingly clean bathrooms" and noted the campground is "well organized with many amenities including super easy access to the water."
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings provide opportunities for wildlife encounters. Van M. recommends swimming at Little Oak "when the boats go quiet" for a more peaceful lake experience, while visitors to Hungry Mother State Park regularly report seeing deer throughout the property.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some cabin facilities close during winter months. A Camp Burson visitor mentioned that during off-season "some of the park was closed and they collected payment through honor system," though hiking trails remained accessible.
Road conditions: Access to some cabin areas requires navigating steep or unpaved roads. Lynn G. noted that Little Oak Campground has a "long dirt road not necessarily accessible to all cars if it's been raining," highlighting the importance of vehicle selection when visiting during wet seasons.
Varying amenities between cabins: Water and electrical hookups differ significantly between properties. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, a camper explained "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
Reservation timing: Advanced booking is essential for peak season. "This place stays booked up, so reservations are suggested during the summer/fall months," advises Denise about Hungry Mother State Park, particularly for their platform tent sites and cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Look for cabin campgrounds with educational programming: Hungry Mother State Park offers interpretive activities for children. Shelly S. noted "There are interesting campfire get togethers" and "interpretive center with children's activities" making it ideal for families wanting educational components.
Select sites with natural boundaries: Properties with creeks or vegetation barriers help contain younger children. At Honey Bear Campground, Amy P. recommends sites "with established plumeria shrubs separating sites for some privacy" and notes the campground has "a fish pond and creek available to explore, so boredom isn't an option."
Consider seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer special programming during holidays. A visitor to Honey Bear mentioned "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos" during Halloween weekend.
Check for amenities that accommodate multiple age groups: Facilities that offer varied terrain and activity options keep different-aged children engaged. Julie L. observed that Boone KOA "is a really nice KOA if you are in the area and wanting to explore Boone" and is "a very easy drive to Boone and Tweetsie Railroad."
Tips for RVers
Verify site dimensions before booking: Many mountain campgrounds have limited turning radius. Dave V. at Hungry Mother State Park noted "It rained for 12 hours straight with cold, high winds" yet they remained comfortable in their cabin, while cautioning that some sites require "a stack of 3 leveling blocks to get level."
Check for full hookup availability: Not all cabin campgrounds offer complete RV services. Dryw B. pointed out that at Boone KOA "the sites are narrow" and explained "With the steps out, there was only a few feet between them and the picnic table" due to mountainside grading constraints.
Consider seasonal water system closures: Some cabin areas winterize water systems during colder months. At Roan Creek Campground, Gregg K. found it to be a "great campground in the Smoky Mts of East Tennessee" with "easy access to off-road adventures" but recommends checking with owners about seasonal water availability.
Look for campgrounds with dedicated RV areas: Some facilities separate tent and RV camping sections. At Camp Burson near Hungry Mother State Park, Nancy W. appreciated that "the campground was really nice as our site was very long, had a huge patio, was level, and water and electric were well-placed" while noting some trees needed trimming for larger vehicles.
