We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Mendota. Find the best information on cabins near Mendota, including photos, reviews, and tips. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Virginia cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
LITTLE OAK CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Little Oak Campground hugs the shores and inlets of beautiful South Holston Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. With a view of the Holston Mountain ridgeline and lake islands, Little Oak campsites are a relaxing setting for your vacation. There are 69 universally accessible campsites improved in 2012 including warm showers and a paved access road. Campground hosts are available on site to answer your questions.
Fishing is a popular activity for campers at Little Oak, with a concrete boat launch within the campground. Numerous campsites have easy access to the lake shore for tying off your boat. There are nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding. Children and adults enjoy riding their bikes on the roads between camping loops. There is also a lakeside grassy area popular for swimming and picnicking. There is an array of wildflowers to enjoy throughout the season, resident deer and turkey and other natural wonders for the naturalist in your group.
South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Holston Mountain and nearby Iron Mountain provide habitat for an array of wildlife including a healthy population of black bear.
Little Oak Campground is within 30 minutes of Bristol, Tennessee, and nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is approximately 30 minutes away up beautiful Shadey Valley, and just five minutes past Backbone Rock is Damascus, Virginia. Jacobs Creek Campground and Swim Area is 25 minutes away for another view of South Holston Lake.
$10 / night
All of the park’s 106 family campsites have a grill and picnic table and are located near a *bathhouse with hot showers. A dump station is located at the campground check-in. The campground has 86 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 20 tent sites, each with water. The tent camping area does not have electric hookups. There are no sewer hookups in the campground.
*Off-Season Bathhouse Closures: November 1st through April 15th Bathhouses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be closed during the off-season. The 94 Bath House located in the lower area around sites 10 and 11 will be the only bathhouse open during the off-season.
Dumpsters and recycling bins are also located at the campground check-in. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground. A cell phone booster is also located at the campground check-in that Verizon Wireless customers may use to assist with cell service.
Four group sites, which will accommodate approximately 25 people each, are available. The group sites are located just south of the individual tent-only camping area of the Roan Mountain State Park campground. They have large gravel tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and water spigots at each site. There is no electricity, camping is only allowed on the gravel pads (not in the surrounding grassy areas), and it is approximately a 1/4 mile walk to the nearest bathrooms/shower houses. These four sites may be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
Located on TN Hwy 143 at the base of the majestic 6,285 Roan Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres dominated by rich hardwood forest along rugged ridges. The cool, clear Doe River winds its way through the center of the park and supports a healthy population of trout. Wildflowers and wildlife inhabit the hollows and ridges of the Roan foothills in abundance.
There are 30 comfortable cabins, as well as RV and tent camping at the 106-site campgrounds. Each cabin has a front porch with rocking chairs, fully outfitted kitchen, full bath, wood burning stove and gas/electric heat. Each campsite has a grill and picnic table and is located near a bathhouse with hot showers.
Visitors can hike along the creeks and ridges, tour the century-old Miller Farmstead or enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous.
$14 - $54 / night
$25 - $45 / night
$20 - $30 / night
Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
$25 - $136 / night
View of Watauga Lake in Cherokee National Forests Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers; several streams and seven waterfalls. Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry. Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove. Watuaga Lake Area Map Watuaga Lake Area Guide
$30 - $95 / night
Mountains and streams provide the quiet country backdrop for this 50-acre KOA, with quick and easy access from I-81. There's so much to enjoy here: Tee up a bucket of balls at the on-site driving range, swish a pan in the gem mining sluice, cast a line in one of the spring-fed ponds, stroll along wooded hiking trails or join in planned themed activities (seasonal). For your stay, choose from a variety of RV Sites, Tent Sites, Cabins and even a tiny house. Visit historic Greeneville (a half-hour south), home of President Andrew Johnson. Race enthusiasts will discover roaring good fun at the nearby Volunteer Speedway dirt track or at Bristol Motor Speedway (less than an hour away). It's an easy day trip to the theme rides, live music shows and family entertainment at Dollywood. Pool: April 1 - September 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet.
Ranger
I like this campsite. You have to be careful to book the correct kind of tent site if you want to be in a more wooded area. The camping cabins are really nice and spacious. It's a good site with some really good breakfast spots located just right next to the campsite itself
Ranger
I enjoyed the drive out to this site, it is far enough off of the beaten path but still close to town. The site is a very easy drive to Boone and Tweetsie Railroad. We stayed at a camping cabin and it was really nice. The RVs are close to each other in proximity and RV sites are not separated by any brush or trees. We walked the country road for a nice walk each day. Overall it was a really nice KOA if you are in the area and wanting to explore Boone.
LegendGrandfather Campground is located about 15 minutes south of Boone NC and less than 10 minutes from the trailhead to Grandfather Mountain.
There is a new sign for the Grandfather Campground directly off HWY 105. Pulling in, you drive over a bridge with a beautiful view of the creek and immediately see an office to your right and a large grassy area and private gazebo to your left (I do not think the campground owns this gazebo).
RV's and tents occupy the first loop past the office. On the left side of the road are several tent sites (too close for our preference - but in a pinch - it works!) On the right side of the road are RV sites that back up to the creek. A bathhouse is centrally located for this loop. As you continue on, you pass several simple camping cabins and then a variety of different sleeping arrangements depending on the size of your group. There is fishing and a playground but to us, the most valuable amenity of this site is the proximity to Grandfather Mountain. We can be at the trailhead within 10 minutes for a great hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain!
Scout
Great sites right by the river for tents, various unique styles of “cabin camping” along the river and off the river, great staff (brings wood to you!) and if you have family members who don’t wanna rough it they have a great bar(beer, food, music)by the river with WIFI. Everybody wins. Launch your raft or theirs and enjoy the outdoors.
Scout
We arrived with a reservation and there was no spot because someone decided to stay longer and someone unreserved showed up. It was just not unorganized and no one seemed to want to move from the spot so we could park our camper. It was a unique campground and after overhearing lots of talk due to the place we were parked we learned they try and over pack the park with people. It’s not your ordinary state park or US park. There is definitely a vibe I’ve never seen before. More of a hippy vibe. We were given a dvd a lady made of here visions. No dogs were on leashes and no one seemed to care. Just bizarre. The river was beautiful if you could see passed the tents. Bathrooms were clean enough but very small. This campground sits on a half gravel/half paved road that is mostly one way as far as width. If you’re hauling a huge camper it’s gonna make you sweat getting to the campground. You will question if your even on the right road because it turns to gravel and cuts under a train bridge. The office was under remodel so there was no “working office” or store. You has to knock on the guys trailer(not creepy at all). They parked our camper in front of his since our spot was given away so we had many people thinking we were the camp manager. Very annoying. There is also a rafting company with cabin rentals in the same area so there are quite a few random people moseying around. It is in a private area but is not private. I would not recommend this place unless you are and old hippy that wants to raft the rapids. If you want a quiet woodsy getaway this is not it. You are likely to have strangers sitting on your picnic table and making themselves at home at your site.
Legend
Hungry Mother State Park, Royal Oak Campground, Marion VA...site 3. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother
Campground Overview: Located outside of Marion VA
Hungry Mother State Park is somewhat split up and fragmented on either side of a local highway and the first campground is distanced from the other two. So a little different than most parks but not necessarily a negative.
The Visitor’s Center is on the left after the first campground (Camp Burson) and across the roadway from the reservoir and beach area. The remaining two campground loops are past the beach area...one to the right along a feeder stream (Creekside Campground) and opposite that is the third loop (Royal Oak Campground) on the side of a hill with wooden platforms for tents.
I was hoping to paddle this meandering reservoir but it was being drained for bridge work...so it was six feet or so lower than normal. Even the migrating geese weren’t too happy about it, as they waddled around on the mud.
During the peak of the summer season, it appears that it would be very popular with s nice swimming beach, paddlecraft rentals, cabin rentals, conference center, ample covered picnic pavilions and both paved and dirt trails.
I stayed on site 3 in Royal Oak Campground, pitching the tent on a 20’x20’ leveled wooden platform. Several pros and cons to elevated platforms.
Pros: It’s level and large enough for any tent I’ve ever seen. Water drains pretty decent between wood decking, so no pooling. D-ring lashing points were attached to the decking to assist in securing tent or rainfly.
Cons: When the cold wind blows, it’s hard to retain heat in the tent...360 cold. While there are D-ring lashing points, they don’t accommodate every tent of rainfly. Previous knucklehead campers drill Tapcon screws or nails in the wood decking and rails to secure their tent...then leave them there so everyone else snags or rips their tent on them.
It rained for 12 hours straight with cold, high winds...so it was a bit chilly, but still enjoyable.
What I enjoyed: deer wandering through the grounds, the Molly’s Knob Trail and Vista Summit,
The ugly: the lake (reservoir) was drained. Heaters weren’t on in the shower rooms...37 degree showering gets tricky.
Guide
This place is absolutely breathtaking. A must go. Cabins, yurts, RV camping, primitive camping. Excellently maintained. The are so many activities for everyone of all ages. Pool, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, fishing. There's a trail to the tunnel or you can take a chairlift. There's a museum, several gift shops, camp store, visitor centers. The staff is helpful and friendly. Many educational activities. The cabins are very clean and relatively new. But, I haven't run into 1 bad Virginia state park.
Ranger
The Breaks are considered the “Grand Canyon of the south”. Great mountaintop views, hiking, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boats, a zip line, and seasonal white water rafting all available. A few miles from the campground you’ll even find river access with a sandy beach for summer fun. A wonderful getaway when you want to be away from it all. Several campground sections to choose from with primitive sites to full hookup with electric, water, and sewer. Dump stations are available also. There are laundry facilities and bathhouses (didn’t use either so not sure on condition), playgrounds, picnic shelters, cabins, and inns. Each campsite had a fire ring and picnic table. Spots are definitely not level, so bring a variety of blocks—you’ll need them. No outside lights at the sites so when it’s dark it’s d-a-r-k. Beautiful campground.
GuideWe stayed here during ski season and it was great! Not very busy, which was fine and only 15 mins to the ski slopes. That trip we had a great experience.
On another occasion, over Labor Day weekend, we tried to get a spot but they were ful. So we decided to rent one of their cabins. Upon arriving, we found out that they had switched our cabin to a different one then the one we had originally booked, and it was so small (which would have been okay, but we had a young baby who needed to sleep in a port-a-crib, which did not fit anywhere in the cabin) but the real issue was that there was mold on the ceiling and coming down some of the walls. We immediately went down to the office, at first we were told there was nothing they could do. After I went momma-bear on them and let them know I would not be staying in a moldy cabin with a baby and demanded my money back, they finally agreed and gave us a refund. Luckily I was able to find a hotel that still had a room available.
So long story short: great for camping, beware of cabins.
Scout
Everything a small family with very young kids could need. We tent camped for two nights on the lower back end of the campsite, then rounded out our stay with one night in the cabin. The owners were extremely accommodating, since technically the cabin required multiple night's stay.
Legend
Friends and I rented a cabin here the 3rd time. It is simply beautiful. The mountains, creeks and nature are breathtaking. There are a lot of hiking trails near by. From easy to moderate… so something for everybody. The cabins are very nice and clean. They have everything you need. I would definitely recommend to stay here and enjoy this gem of nature.
LegendHungry Mother State Park, just a short drive off I-81 in southwestern Virginia, is an easily accessible gem offering modern cabins, yurts, and campgrounds equipped for tents or RVs, with limitless activities.
We stayed in one of the cabins after Hurricane Michael rained out our plans for tent camping. This was our first time in one of the VSP cabins, and will not be our last. There are three types of cabins; log exteriors, part of the original Civilian Conservation Corps structures; wooden frame cabins with wooden interiors, and cinderblock exteriors with tile floors. Cabins range from economy to three bedroom, and all have a kitchen with microwave, stove, and refrigerator/freezer, a bathroom with a shower, and a fireplace, as well as heating and air conditioning. Most cabins also have covered porches, exterior picnic tables, and exterior fire rings.
The Creekside Campground loop has water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The layout is similar to most water/electric sites in state and national parks in Virginia; not much privacy between the sites, but fairly shaded, and a quiet atmosphere. This loop is true to its name, and right on the creek running through the park. We were there during the rains from Hurricane Michael and the creek was running so high that sites 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 19 looked like they were in danger of flooding.
The Royal Oak campground has platforms for tents set into the mountain rather than dirt or gravel tent pads, however as there are hooks in each of the pads to anchor your tent they can only accommodate tents with a 20x20 footprint. These sites have picnic tables and fire rings on the dirt beside the platforms. The two VSP Yurts at Hungry Mother are in the Royal Oak loop, along the entrance that are set up from the road. This loop overall offers a lot more privacy for each site that I have typically seen in state parks due to the platforms, though you will still see/hear your neighbors. Both camping loops have bathrooms with electricity, flush toilets, and showers with warm water.
Amenities in the park include a lake with a swimming area, boat/canoe rentals, fishing (with license), a restaurant, hiking, biking, and ranger programs. The park office also has several cool displays of local wildlife and history of the area, as well as backpacks you can check out with books and gear for tree, wildflower, and animal identification. Hiking varies from short and easy trails with minimal elevation gain, to the difficult Molly’s Knob trail with one of the most epic sunset views I’ve ever hiked in Virginia.
I love Virginia State Parks, and this is definitely a new favorite. I’m skeptical of the comfort of the wooden platforms for future tent camping trips, but the cabins will definitely be a future stay for us, particularly during the winter months, and there is so much to do in this park even the most reluctant adventurer will find fun.
**Product Review **
As as Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time — on this trip I tested the RōM pack, from RōM Outdoors.
I was skeptical about this pack when I first received it—it felt extremely heavy for a day pack, particularly as it doesn’t have a hip belt, and while I was impressed with the removable pockets, it didn’t seem like the pack itself had a lot of cargo capacity.
After using this pack on our trip, I am a convert. We used it to pack clothes for my husband and I, knowing we would be able to leave our clothes at camp when we went hiking. This freed up space in the car that would normally go to a larger backpack, and we got to take advantage of the pack’s ability to convert to both a poncho and a blanket, not just for review purposes, but out of necessity.
The poncho’s rain resistance held up well, considering we were hiking in the outer bands of a hurricane. The first hike we took this on we started in the rain, and my husband wore the poncho—he stayed dry for the first half mile of our hike, but by end of our mile the water had started leaking through so he did get a little wet—though mostly around the the seams/openings. On our second hike he wore it as a backpack. Because it was raining when we set out and we anticipated needing the poncho feature again, we elected not to bring the detachable pockets, but the interior of the pack was enough to hold our 5 year old’s day pack once she got tired of carrying it.
It stopped raining by the time we got to the summit of our hike, and we tested the blanket feature of the pack for a picnic. It unfolds to a size that was perfect for our family of four. The canvas is thick enough to make a great picnic blanket—it protects from damp ground and sharp rocks, and the lining makes for a very soft surface to sit on. On the way back I took advantage of the poncho. By this point it had gotten extremely windy and was getting dark quickly, and the poncho was excellent at keeping me warm. It’s very heavy, which was welcome in the strong wind, though it did make it hard to hear with the hood over my ears.
Pros to this pack:
-Versatility. In one trip we used the backpack, poncho, and blanket feature, and were grateful for all three.
-Durability. This is definitely a well-constructed pack, with heavy materials that seem like they will last for a long time.
-User-friendly. The pack looks intimidating at first, but it unfolds/folds from pack to poncho/blanket very easily. Combined with the drawstring inner pack and detachable pockets it’s easy to convert while still keeping track of your gear.
Cons to this pack:
-Space. This is great to bring on a camping trip where you can bring additional packs/bags for your gear, but it doesn’t hold much on its own.
-Weight. It only weighs in at 4.6lbs, which is less than a lot of backpacking packs, but as the pack doesn’t have the hip belt it’s a high starting weight.
-Thin straps. The width of the straps is comfortable, but they could use a little more padding.
ScoutWe stayed at Blue Bear Family Campground on Thanksgiving evening and the following weekend last year. The staff were extremely helpful, arranging items so we could come in Thanksgiving evening without disturbing their family time, at my request. It was me, my 2 dogs, 2 cousins, and my nephew. Our campsite didn't have any direct neighbors until Friday evening, and even then, they were not close enough to disturb us. The campsites are spread out well, and the owner showed me a few places they plan to expand, also explaining that they want to keep everything spread out to avoid the cramped camping feeling. The property itself has miles of trails available, although we didn't get a chance to test them out ourselves this trip. In addition to tent sites, Blue Bear offers RV sites, cabins, and teepee rentals as well. Blue Bear is a hidden gem that I cannot wait to visit in the near future for further exploration.
Scout
This place is great. Wife and I stayed in the cabin. Owner of the camp is awesome. We had our own bathroom in the bath house. They also have big cabins, tent and RV spots. There is also a full size kitchen in the bath house. There is a e throwing, fire pit, ping pong, plenty of board games, tv’s, internet, great views, a small waterfall, and the best camp dog around (Gunner).
TravelerWe loved the new cabin we rented in this beautiful park. A hiking trail ran behind the cabins, past the campground (also new) to the tunnel. It is a great hike and even better when you use the ski lift going up :) The tunnel is at the base of a massive rock and a train drives through it very slowly each day.
We drove 2 hours to canoe the Clinch River which was great fun and we got to see a lot of the area.
GuideBuild by the Civilan Conservation Corps In the 1903s- Hungry Mother is state park planning its historical peak! The amenities cannot be missed - beach with bath house and snack bar, interpretive center with children’s activities, on-site restaurant with wonderful lake view, $8 kayak rentals, well-kept paddle boats, and wonderful hiking. We loved the kayaks - if you only have 1 hour, power right out of the boat slip (past the beach) up and around the far part of the lake. Utter solitude among the hills! 💗
For hiking, we especially enjoyed Lake Trail - easy but quiet and lovley vegetation. We stayed in one of the old CCC cabins (pups and cats allowed!), and while simple and rustic - it was perfectly maintained and clean. we hope to go back during fireplace season! The loss of one star is as due to the number of white supremacist bumper stickers, t-shirts, and tattoos in the day use parking lot and on the beach. We ended up not sticking around due to concerns about our safety - clearly a genderqueer same sex couple was not welcome news among the locals.
Guidelocated in Roan Mtn ,Tn . This place is gorgeous!! Scenery breathtaking. Camped there and also rented cabin. Hiking, Appalachian Trail, riding motorcycle, so much to see and do.
Guide
I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.
Legend
Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential.
Scout
Love Grumpy, love the whole space (cabins and tent areas), always appreciate the warm shower and easy breakfast, and look forward to the campfire in the evening. The AT access is also a special treat ;)
TravelerStayed in a small cabin for thanksgiving and it was quite and peaceful. There was 2 small bedrooms and a very tiny kitchen. The living room had a fireplace and a bundle of wood was provided with reservation.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. This A-frame cabin comes with 5-gallon refillable solar heated water bag, porch, cooking area, outhouse, gas fire pit, lounge chairs, and a beautiful mountain view! Come check them out and leave them some love!
Legend
Black Bear Resort was about an hour from Boone NC. We had come to camp and do some section hiking of the Appalachian Trail. This campground was nice in many ways - there was a variety of camping available, from different homes/cabins to rent, to a bunkhouse, RV sites in the very back of the facility and tent sites down by the stream.
We were camping in early June, it was very quiet - in fact, we were the only tent campers! We camped down by the stream in tents and hammocks - close enough to be able to hear the trickle of the water all night long!
When we first pulled in, we were greeted by a gentleman on a golf cart. He offered to help us shuttle our supplies to the creek. We were car camping, but able to carry our supplies easily on the stone walkways. We walked past the one room cabins (most had 2 sets of bunk beds inside) and down to the creek edge where we set up camp.
We loved this campsite, due to the close nature to the water, easy accessibility for swimming, flush toilets and hot showers, the lack of poison ivy (at least that we ran into) and remote feeling provided.
This campground is good for the entire family. My extended family that RV camps could have stayed here with us, as well as other friends and family who prefer warm beds in cabins and houses. We'll surely be back!
ScoutEverything you need to have a good time in the mountains! Very nice lake for swimming and kayaking. Challenging hiking and biking trails. I saw some monster fish in the lake so my guess is the fishing is good. Cabins are comfortable and have air conditioning!! I had a really great time there in June.
Scout
Little oak offered a great place to stay for a week. With south Holston lake at your finger tips it offers a great area to fish, boat, kayak, paddle board and swim. Facilities were cleaned everyday so no stinky bathrooms and showers. Only thing I wish they had was cabins for when you don't really want to rough it in a tent.
TravelerThis park has so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have campgrounds,cabins and Yurts. There are nice hiking trails,chairlift to view the tunnel,picnic areas,swimming pool and so much more. People are friendly and helpful too. They have concerts and lots of outdoor activities during different times of the year. Great place for family fun!
Legend
This is a cute KOA campground at a great price! Pool, Waterpark, driving range, 2 lakes, showers, bathrooms, mining for kids, playground and store. They offer hand packed ice cream and hot foods daily as well. A great place to stay with kids! We stayed in C5, basically level gravel site, not too close to other campers. There are cabins, too.
Cabin camping near Mendota, Virginia offers a serene escape into nature, with various options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Mendota, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Mendota, VA is Little Oak Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
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