Cabin camping near Hollins, Virginia offers options within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with fall foliage typically peaking in mid-October, creating prime conditions for cabin stays. Winter cabin camping requires preparation as overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Creek exploration: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing provides direct access to creek recreation where visitors can bring lawn chairs and coolers while children play. According to one camper, "The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours."
Hiking to summits: Trails at Peaks of Otter Campground range from moderate to strenuous with significant elevation changes. A visitor noted, "Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful." Another camper recommended: "Definitely check out sharp top and flat top hikes. Both were beautiful, but slightly difficult so just be prepared. Also bring bug spray because the flies were terrible at the top."
Disc golf and outdoor games: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground features a 9-hole disc golf course alongside cornhole facilities. A reviewer mentions, "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!"
What campers like
Mountain privacy: Many cabin campers appreciate the secluded feeling at Middle Creek Campground, where sites back up to natural features. One visitor shared, "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."
Water access: At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, cabin guests enjoy direct lake access. A camper noted, "Lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open. Totally recommend! Also a good region for wineries and I believe the site of an annual Wine Festival every September."
Cabin locations: Sites at Douthat State Park offer varied landscapes within the same property. According to a reviewer, "Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them are located near the lake. Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin options remain limited with many facilities closing. At Peaks of Otter, availability follows a strict schedule as noted by a camper: "The CG as a whole looked kind of overgrown and neglected, but for some reason that added to its charm for me. The overgrowth made everything look extra green and lush."
Bathroom facilities: Most cabin sites provide shared bathroom facilities of varying quality. A Claytor Lake State Park visitor reported, "Clean, convenient sites off highway 81. Not much privacy between sites because they're quite close together but there are trees. Sites 11 and 12 have more privacy space."
Electrical capacity: For cabins with electrical hookups, service varies by location. A visitor to Explore Park noted the specific amperage: "Tent sites are large and a good distance apart. RV sites are good and have decent privacy. Power and water are reliable. There is one dumping station."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers comprehensive water facilities for children. A parent shared, "Lots of stuff for kids, very close to river for tubing, reservation system in place because of Covid prevention guideline for swimming which worked out really well for kids."
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare for local wildlife encounters. At Smith Mountain Lake, one camper observed: "Very territorial deer, will stalk you on way to dumpster!" while another at Claytor Lake mentioned, "Bear county. Beautiful park with ample size sites a little tight."
Terrain considerations: Cabin sites often feature natural terrain variations. A visitor to Peaks of Otter noted: "Many sites were tiered—I had steps or the worn path down to the actual site from where I parked. The sites were spacious and well kept. Gravel tent site—common in the area but I'm not a fan."
Tips from RVers
Site access: RVers seeking cabin alternatives should note access limitations. A Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA visitor commented, "I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on."
Hookup availability: Middle Creek Campground provides specific hookup configurations. According to one RVer, "We camped at middle creek for two nights in mid may in our travel trailer. 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."
Leveling requirements: Terrain at many area campgrounds requires leveling equipment. A visitor to Chantilly Farm observed, "Beautiful grounds - would be incredible as a music festival venue. For camping it is tightly spaced and lacking privacy but it made for a convenient and scenic layover night nonetheless."
