Cabins near Etlan, Virginia range from primitive accommodations to fully furnished cottages at elevations between 1,200 and 3,500 feet. Situated near Shenandoah National Park's Central District, the area features mixed hardwood forests interspersed with mountain streams. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 60°F at night in peak season.
What to do
Hiking from your cabin site: Big Meadows Campground offers cabin access to numerous trails. "There are tons of trails to explore, walk to the Lodge, Wayside, Visitor Center and more," notes camper Jaclyn B. The campground connects to several waterfall hikes within 3 miles.
Wildlife watching: Lewis Mountain Campground has documented black bear sightings from cabin areas. "During our long-weekend stay, we saw a total of 6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs, brook trout, a salamander, and some other wildlife," shares Danielle V. Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Farm visits: Graves Mountain Farm Campground combines cabin accommodations with agricultural experiences. "There is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge," explains Matt. Free range horses return at dusk and leave at dawn.
What campers like
Mountain views: Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views cabins feature panoramic vistas. "Sunset over the mountains from our campsite each evening. Who could ask for more?" reports Matt S. The campground sits at an elevation that provides unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Privacy levels: Tent and cabin sites at Lewis Mountain provide woodland seclusion. "The spots are secluded, there's bathrooms that are in good shape, and it's super close to some awesome hikes and great sunset lookouts," reports Molly G. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Water features: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers riverside cabin options. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins," explains Ricki F. Primitive riverside sites require a short walk from parking areas with wagons provided for gear transport.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Shenandoah Park cabins require advance booking. "Reservations are first-come, first-served, which makes it a bit tricky. Out of the 31 sites, only 3 remained when we arrived at about 1:45 PM on a Friday afternoon, and those remaining filled up within the hour," notes Danielle V. at Lewis Mountain.
Wildlife precautions: Loft Mountain Campground enforces strict food storage regulations. "The mountain remained fogged in for most of our stay, but hikes on the AT and Doyles Falls were stunning," reports Cindy M. Bear-proof storage containers are provided at sites.
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities have limited operating seasons. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30)... It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14°F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," shares Carol B. about Big Meadows Campground cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray offers family-friendly cabin options. "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site," reports Jen O. The campground features outdoor laser tag and jumping pillows.
Proximity to amenities: Cabin campers at Big Meadows appreciate convenience factors. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," shares Kim L.
Weather preparedness: Cabins provide shelter during unpredictable mountain weather. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," notes Veronica S. at Big Meadows. Pack layers for 30°F temperature swings between day and night.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA offers both RV sites and cabin options. "Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well," reports Sara R. Request sites away from the playground for less noise.
Leveling considerations: Terrain challenges affect both RVs and cabins. "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," notes Jen O. at Jellystone Park. Sites on hillsides may require additional leveling blocks even for cabin stays.
Accessibility options: Madison Vines RV Resort offers accessible cabin alternatives. "Campsites are level gravel (no pads). Located near multiple vineyards," explains John H. Some cabins feature ramps and wider doorways for mobility-impaired guests.
