Cabin camping options near Montvale, Virginia range from primitive accommodations to more developed facilities with varied amenities. The region sits at elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F-85°F while winter overnight temperatures often drop below freezing, affecting cabin availability and amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Peaks of Otter Campground, trails provide access to mountain summits with extensive views. "Lots of hiking trails, but make sure you look at the map because we unfortunately did not look at it well enough and thought that the trail was a loop when it led to the opposite side of the mountain and we had to hitch hike back to the campsite. The trails are well marked and lead to awesome views," reports Hannah V.
Swimming options: During summer months, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers multiple water recreation areas for cabin guests. "We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I'd stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond," notes Jennifer H.
Local attractions: Natural Bridge State Park provides a significant geological feature within short driving distance of cabin rentals. "We were glad we stayed! The campground was very nice as well as the owners and staff. There is plenty to do around this area," mentions Ron H. about his stay at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA.
What campers like
Secluded woodland settings: Thunder Bridge offers cabins tucked into forested areas away from main roads. "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," explains Eben O.
Water access: Many cabin campers appreciate sites with creek or lake frontage. "We had a campsite with water and electricity. There's a bath house. There are other amenities, some of which were closed due to COVID," notes Kathleen M. about Jellystone Park during a fall weekend stay.
Bathroom quality: Clean, well-maintained facilities rank high in camper preferences. "The main campground is rather hilly, although our site was a rather level gravel pad. They have a new area, not flat ground, that has cement pads and pretty wood benches around fire pits," comments Karen about Natural Bridge KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many cabins have limited availability during winter months. "Our main season is March 15ish to the end of November, year round WES available," notes the season information for Middle Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends book quickly, especially at family-oriented campgrounds. "This place has tons of activities for kids and teens. This place has a family feel to it," reports Timothy B. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "It is very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, plenty of places to hike, and Natural Bridge is a must see. Plenty to do at the campground - corn hole, pool, playground, etc. We stayed in a pull-thru full-hookup site, they also have tent sites and cabins," explains Jennifer K.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Children enjoy campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "This is a huge campground it has 137 sites that is right in between two mountains. Each site has picnic tables, lantern poles, tent pads, food storage lockers, and campfire rings," reports Hannah V. from her stay at Peaks of Otter Campground.
Entertainment options: Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA offers structured activities for children. "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities. For example, they had a foosball table and a jumping pad. But they also had a 'color a sack' thing where the kids got a KOA canvas tote and access to fabric markers," describes Michael L.
Safety considerations: Some cabins require additional preparation for families with small children. "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. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs," reports Kaylee G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers cabin alternatives for RVers facing challenging weather. "We were not sure about taking such a detour from our path to Asheville, but are so glad we did! We booked a spot 'in the meadow' but when we arrived, they had rooms in the lodge for just $20 more. Great old building + comfy beds + no wet tent to pack up = sold!" shares Heidi.
Advance planning: RV sites near cabins often require different preparation than the cabins themselves. "We had a tent site with water and electricity. There's a bath house. There are other amenities, some of which were closed due to COVID," explains Kathleen M. about facilities at Jellystone Park.
Terrain challenges: Mountain campgrounds often have limited level sites for larger RVs. "Great job building level sites in a hillside. Easy in and out. Clean facilities. Remote not much to do. We don't have a toad. Not an area to ride bikes. Great as a stop over," notes Marletta & Ed M. about their Natural Bridge KOA experience.
