Best Cabin Camping near Forest, VA

Several campgrounds near Forest, Virginia provide cabin rentals with varying levels of amenities and comfort. Thunder Bridge offers both screen cabins and fully furnished log cabins in a wooded setting with a forest creek nearby. Smith Mountain Lake State Park features well-maintained cabins with wood stoves, porches, grills, and fire pits. According to one visitor, "The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table." Some cabins at the park back up to the lake and are spaced to provide privacy. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA and Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA both offer cabin accommodations with electricity and basic furnishings.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available throughout the region, with options ranging from basic one-room structures to multi-bedroom units with kitchenettes. At Red Oak Campground in James River State Park, two-bedroom cabins feature decks with picnic tables and rocking chairs. One camper noted, "We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs." Many cabins are pet-friendly, including those at Natural Bridge KOA, which one visitor found "perfect for our family of three plus two dogs." Most locations require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months. KOA properties typically operate from spring through fall, while some state park cabins remain open year-round.

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary widely, from basic setups with mini-fridges and microwaves to more complete kitchenettes with sinks and counter space. One reviewer at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley mentioned, "The cottage had a basic kitchen with sink, plenty of counter space, mini fridge, and some utensils and dishes." Firewood is generally available for purchase at campground stores, with bundles costing around $7. Visitors should check specific cabin listings for amenities like air conditioning, as some cabins at James River State Park include A/C while others rely on wood stoves for heat. On-site camp stores stock basic provisions, though bringing essential groceries is recommended.

Best Cabin Sites Near Forest, Virginia (28)

    1. Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    14 Reviews
    Big Island, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "While not necessarily secluded, they felt more private. The bath house was central to the sites and were unisex individual bathrooms. Not modern but clean."

    "There was plenty for kids to do playground, pool, jump pillow, fishing pond and hiking trails. The tent site was amazing right by the pond. The fire pit has a grate for cooking."

    2. Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    23 Reviews
    Thaxton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 586-7321

    $30 / night

    "It was a pull-through site with an additional area containing a picnic table and fire ring, accessible via a small set of steps up the hill."

    ": Most sites have some privacy."

    3. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "There is a fenced dog park. The playground is a bit dated. However they make up for that with the bathroom and laundry facilities, which were absolutely AMAZING."

    "We had a gravel pull through spot with a picnic table on a wooden deck, fire pit, and full hook up. There is a pool and a playground, however they were both closed due to Covid."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    16 Reviews
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2727

    $39 - $241 / night

    "We had a campsite with electric and water close to the bathhouse which is great because we have a popup camper with no bathroom and six kids."

    "They have play grounds, mini golf, a game room, air pillow, a pool with a kids area and water slides."

    5. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin."

    "The campsites are roomy, although some are definitely more private than others. The tent (non-electric, non-hookups) sites are at the back in their own section."

    6. Middle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, VA
    20 miles
    Website

    $20 - $85 / night

    "They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."

    "It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."

    7. Lynchburg KOA (formerly Wildwood Campground)

    1 Review
    Big Island, VA
    14 miles
    +1 (434) 299-5228

    "It’s quiet and peaceful, and the surrounding area is gorgeous."

    8. Natural Bridge KOA

    8 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-8514

    "Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December."

    "Big patios, bbq grill, tables, fire pit. It was a quiet, well laid out and easy to manage in our 36 ft trailer. Wished I was staying much longer at this campground."

    9. Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly."

    "We have stayed in the cabins here and they are awesome. We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs."

    10. Thunder Bridge

    1 Review
    Natural Bridge Station, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 460-1542

    $35 - $95 / night

    "Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp."

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Cabin Reviews near Forest, VA

274 Reviews of 28 Forest Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Thunder Bridge

    Idyllic forest campground

    Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.

    The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes  several artists' studios.  At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading. 

    The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.

    This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Amazing Park With Everything You Need!

    This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It’s a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road.

    The rangers at the park are very knowledgeable and kind and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, Some near creeks and on the lake as well. There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!

    It’s $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout. You can keep them for dinner if you like! Just follow all DNR laws on size and amount!

    Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables, Picnic tables, fire pits and so on.

    I highly recommend this park for your next getaway or along your way!

  • Emilia F.
    Oct. 17, 2019

    Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    Great Summer Location

    We recently 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! There were multiple picnic tables out back of the unit with a fire ring and of course lake front not even a stones throw away. The campground has plenty of activities from multiple playgrounds to activities every weekend. They rent golf carts which it great because the place is huge. There is also a very small fishing pond in the campground.

  • M
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Montebello Resort

    I had a nice time

    Montebello is a lovely campground. There are tent, RV sites and cabins with campground bathroom. There are showers, slop sink and laundry. The pond at front has stocked trout and a small lake in the back has bass and crappie. Suitable for paddle boats or kayak. There was also a playground for children. You check in at the cute store across the street.

    I stayed in the tent area. The site has a fine gravel pad, picnic table and fire ring. I was in site 2 near the lake. A crowd with chairs sat above my site on the hill that were rather noisy. But biggest drawback was distance to bathroom which I had to drive to.

    Lots of good trails nearby and a small one around the lake. I plan to return in the fall.

  • Teresa K.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Little Piece of Heaven

    We went off season in March of 2018. It was the perfect time to go as it was still "wintery", but had days of mild weather to allow for hiking. The lake is huge and allows for boating and fishing. There's a beach that you can swim from. They have several cabins that are well maintained and clean. We stayed in a cabin. But, we also checked out the tent camping pads. I would not recommend for camping with a tent as the sites are stacked on top of each other offering little to no privacy. The RV/camper sites might be better. I can't say for sure as I don't rv camp. The cabins were phenomenal. They offer a clean and basic setup with a wood stove. The exterior has a porch/deck, grill, firepit, and picnic table. Some of the cabins backup to the lake. The cabins are spread so that their is ample space between them offering privacy. Beautifully maintained, the park was pristine. The visitor center is large and offers education, camp store, literature. I am going back!

  • Gary G.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Outstanding State Park!

    Douthat (Doubt-that) State Park is a campers dream!  Level sites with or with out hook ups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest!

    Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails.

    It is off the beaten path so it appears to be less visited than other Virginia State Parks.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 30, 2023

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Nicely wooded sites

    General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October. 

    Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse. 

    Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked. 

    Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there! 

    We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    New owners improving this one!

    While my initial feeling was one of a run down campground, it's obvious the new owners are working to make it better. The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good. There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area. You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day. Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup. It was separated from the site on one side and close to the site on the back side. My only complaint is about the people who walked past our site along the lake side (about 10 ft. between our sitting area and the lake and even less from our picnic table) when 2 other sides of the lake were wide open with no camping near the lake. Not the campgrounds fault.

    The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much. There are cabins for rent as well up on the top of the hill.  Overall, a nice campground with potential and the new owners are doing a good job.

  • Katie The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Middle Creek Campground

    Great location but...

    Stayed here for a long weekend. We had our 20 foot camper trailer and our friends stayed in - cabin. Pro’s:Our campsite was nice, fairly private and backed up to a creek. Relatively level site. Location of campground was excellent with convenient access to breweries, great hike, blue ridge parkway, etc. large campground with lots of camp sites.

    Con’s: we called and called to to inquire about some of our reservation needs, could rarely reach anyone. Rarely staffed in the shoulder season of the fall. Asked about fire would and was told told that they don’t have it ( they didn’t say they were out or didn’t have any at that time, just they don’t sell firewood) Later in the evening a new set of campers checked in after hours and had fire wood waiting for them. Our friends checked in after hours and we’re not provided a door code for their cabin and someone had to crawl through an unlocked window. No after hours number. When staff informed the next day, no attempt to apologize. The cabin seemed to be infested with stink bugs. Bathrooms were poorly maintained. Definitely functioning and clean but needs sim TLC and upgrades. Trash bins through out site tipped over every morning and didn’t seem to be collected. The electric hookup circuit breaker was very loose.

    Overall, I would choose somewhere else to stay next time.


Guide to Forest

Cabin camping near Forest, Virginia offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Explore the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Experience the breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the mountains.
  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Thunder Bridge, nestled in the woods with access to a forest creek for wading and relaxation.
  • Stay at Natural Bridge KOA, just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park, perfect for exploring local trails and attractions.

Cabin Prices and Amenities

  • Some prices for cabin camping range from $15 to $20 per night, making it an affordable getaway for families and friends.
  • Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge offers a variety of cabin options along with family-friendly amenities like pools and playgrounds.
  • Experience the charm of Middle Creek Campground, where cabins are set beside a brook, providing a serene atmosphere for your stay.

Family-Friendly Activities and Features

  • Engage in fun activities at Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, which features a pool, playground, and organized children's events.
  • Enjoy a unique camping experience at Sun Spoke Farms, where you can participate in farm activities and enjoy fresh produce during your stay.
  • At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, families can take advantage of the pet-friendly environment and various outdoor activities available nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Forest, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Forest, VA is Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Forest, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 cabin camping locations near Forest, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.