Cabins near Montebello, Virginia sit at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night with occasional snow, while summer days reach the 80s with cooler evenings. The high elevation contributes to dramatic weather changes that can affect camping conditions, especially during spring and fall when temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night aren't uncommon.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Crabtree Falls Campground provides convenient access to one of Virginia's most impressive waterfalls. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes Anna R. The waterfall trail begins just a mile from the campground entrance.
Fishing opportunities: Montebello Resort offers both trout fishing and bass/crappie fishing in separate bodies of water. "The trout pond is a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains Adrian K. The back lake allows for bass and crappie fishing.
Swimming lakes: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas during summer months. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," reports Steven S. about Stoney Creek Resort. These swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Blue Ridge Parkway access: Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA provides direct access to the scenic byway. "We did not think we would be able to squeeze it into the visit but it's hard to pass up and they are literally right next to it," explains Marc W. The parkway offers numerous overlooks and hiking trails within 15-30 minutes of most Montebello cabin rentals.
What campers like
Private water access: Crabtree Falls Campground earns consistent praise for its riverside sites. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," shares Britt S. Sites along water features typically book first, especially during summer months.
Clean facilities: Many visitors highlight bathroom cleanliness as a key factor in their satisfaction. "The bathhouse was close and clean with laundry and dump site next to it. They pick up trash each morning and have propane refill, if needed," comments DK S. about Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park.
Affordability: Montebello Resort offers competitive pricing compared to other accommodation options in the area. "This is a wonderfully priced spot nestled in the middle of some great outdoor adventure opportunities," notes Adrian K. Tent sites typically range from $25-40 per night, with cabin rentals starting around $75-125 depending on size and amenities.
Seasonal activities: Stoney Creek Resort provides varied recreation options through different seasons. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," mentions Steven S. The resort also features fishing access and hiking trails for year-round use.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. "Montebello's camp store closes at 6pm so make sure you stock up on check in," advises Adrian K. Plan to arrive with essential supplies if checking in later in the day.
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies drastically throughout the mountain region. "Zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive," warns Quinn G. about Montebello Resort. Most campgrounds offer WiFi near main buildings, but coverage at individual sites can be unreliable.
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds feature relatively close sites. "The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing," describes Adrian K. about the mountain view cabins at Montebello Resort.
Road access challenges: Mountain roads present navigational considerations. "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises Quinn G. GPS directions often route visitors on challenging secondary roads not suitable for trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park provides fishing access for children. "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" suggests John D. Most lakes and ponds in the region don't require fishing licenses for children under 16.
Playground availability: Many campgrounds feature play structures. "There was also a very small fishing pond in the campground," mentions Emilia F. about Shenandoah Acres Campground's recreational facilities, which include multiple playgrounds.
Cabin considerations: When booking cabins with children, consider bathroom proximity. "The facilities were about a quarter mile walk away from our sites; this is something to consider if you are camping with older folks or children," explains Britt S. about Crabtree Falls Campground's accommodations.
Scheduled activities: Seasonal events add value for families. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities," shares Michael L. about Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, noting they offer organized games during summer and holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA provides personalized assistance with parking. "They even guided you to your site and help you level," notes Ron H. This service is particularly valuable for first-time RVers or those with larger rigs.
Water pressure variations: RVers report inconsistent water supply at some campgrounds. "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets," explains Christopher C. about Lynchburg NW Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
Hook-up configurations: Some campgrounds feature unusual utility layouts. "The sites were a little tight. The amenities like paddle boats and kayaks were a fun addition to the site pay," explains Emily R. about Montebello Resort, where some sites require longer hoses or cords to reach connections.
Road considerations: Interior campground roads present challenges at some locations. "The campsites are very close to each other and the roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic," explains Jennifer A. about navigating within Walnut Hills Campground.
