Cabins near Hampden-Sydney, Virginia offer camping options set within Virginia's central piedmont region at elevations between 400-600 feet. The area experiences high summer humidity with temperatures typically reaching the 90s between June and August, while spring and fall provide milder conditions. Most cabin accommodations remain open year-round, though amenities and programming vary seasonally.
What to do
Water activities at Twin Lakes State Park: The park features a swimming beach with designated lifeguard areas during summer months. "The swimming lake is a good size. There is a concession stand, a beach with lifeguard, and a rental station for paddle boats. There were people in the water all weekend enjoying the awesome weather," shares one visitor to Twin Lakes State Park Campground.
Stargazing at Staunton River State Park: This International Dark Sky Park provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes one camper at Staunton River State Park Campground.
Hiking at Holliday Lake State Park: The surrounding Buckingham State Forest extends trail options beyond park boundaries. "There are only about 10 miles of trails within the park, but there are miles and miles of trails within the surrounding forest. You can pick up the Carter Taylor Connector Trail near the campgrounds, which leads to the Carter Taylor Multi-use trail in Buckingham State Forest," explains a Holliday Lake visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront sites at Bear Creek Lake: Cabins and campsites with water views rank among the most popular accommodations in the area. A camper at Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground explains, "The tent-only section of the campground is alongside a lake, which provides beautiful views. The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion."
Privacy between sites: Many of the area's state parks offer wooded cabin sites with natural separation. "Sites are spaced well and still very close to everything. Very bike friendly and lots of trails. Large playground and a good boat launch for tubes and kayaks," reports a camper at Powhatan State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: State park cabins receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance. "The bathhouse is kept very clean. It has a lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are programs every weekend. There is even an archery range," notes a visitor to Bear Creek Lake State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabins in more remote areas have limited connectivity. At Holliday Lake State Park Campground, a camper reports, "Quiet, beautiful and Dog Friendly! There are beautiful trails for hiking and a ton of fishing spots! Phone service is in and out but we didn't mind, it was nice to escape the world for a while."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "The campground itself is not my style. The sites were packed in close together and most of the tent only sites were tiny! There's even one site that wraps around a second site," warns a Twin Lakes visitor.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Some locations offer rustic accommodations while others provide modern comforts. At Staunton River, "The cabins are rustic (they date back to 1936) but very cozy and clean." Visitors should check specific cabin details before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Multiple parks offer swimming areas designed specifically for children. A visitor to Occoneechee State Park Campground shares, "We stayed in Cabin #3 and it was perfect. It's a 3BR/2BA spacious cabin, wooded and lakeside. Great sunsets and nice big deck. The swimming area is so amazing. Great area for the kids to enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience."
Educational programs: Weekend ranger activities provide learning opportunities throughout the season. "The rangers here are awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable. They even came around passing out flyers Friday night for the activities that weekend. Some of the activities included spear throwing, how to start different types of fires, nocturnal animals sounds, and watching fish at night," describes a Holliday Lake visitor.
Playground access: Many cabin areas include playground facilities within walking distance. "They have a large playground for the kids and the roads are good for bike riding. We hiked some of the trails, there is beautiful nature that surrounds you," notes a Twin Lakes visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds require significant leveling equipment for RVs. "Sites in the older section (red bud) will require leveling. As indicated on park web site there is no cell service in the park," shares a visitor to Holliday Lake State Park. Another camper adds, "Bring leveling supplies! Some sites are reservable, some are not."
Electric hookup options: Different parks offer varying levels of service for RVs. At Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort, visitors find "Level sites with brick paver pads, full hookups, RV storage, playground, pool, store, fire rings, 3 fishing ponds, awesome owners. Mid sized campground."
Size restrictions: Some cabin camping areas limit RV length. "This is a nice place to relax, this is the campground. It's an older state park with mature shade trees but well maintained. Limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer," notes a Bear Creek Lake visitor.
