Cabin rentals near New Market, Virginia provide access to the Blue Ridge Mountains from several well-maintained facilities. Basic accommodations include tent platforms with shared amenities while upscale options feature private bathrooms and screened porches. Winter camping at Big Meadows Campground offers heated restrooms during colder months when temperatures can drop to 14°F at elevations above 3,000 feet.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access the AT directly from Lewis Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park. "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can't live without them; bathrooms, showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps away from the tent," notes one visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground.
River activities: Enjoy tubing at Luray RV Resort with direct river access. "We went swimming in the water hole. The tent site was big and clean and the staff was super friendly. They have chickens and ducks roaming around," reports a camper at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Explore local trails: Several campgrounds offer on-site walking paths. "One of the features I look for in campground is hiking trails right out of the campground. Most KOAs don't have that - but this one does! Great hiking trail info the hills and woods at the back of the property," notes a visitor about Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Evening ranger programs: Attend educational events at park amphitheaters. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," reports a camper at Big Meadows Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many cabin rentals offer chances to see native animals. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," mentions one visitor.
Private outdoor spaces: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," shares a camper at Big Meadows Campground.
On-site amenities: Many locations provide unexpected facilities. "The bathhouse was clean and blissfully warm. There's great hiking nearby," notes a visitor to #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp. Another camper adds, "We could not have asked for a nicer location! Our tent was about 20 feet from the river and the campground had everything we could have asked for."
Local food delivery: Some campgrounds offer unique food services. "Biggest KOA I've been to. 24 hr laundry, big camp store, office stays open later than other KOA's. Convenient to the highway and easy to get to," reports a visitor to Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, while another mentions they offer "pizza delivered to your site!"
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose locations based on specific needs. "Not all have a bear food locker, so check if you need a food locker," advises a camper at Loft Mountain Campground. Another visitor notes, "The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters."
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30)... The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available. Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground," reports a visitor to Big Meadows.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," notes a camper at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Firewood restrictions: Many campgrounds limit outside wood. "They state that you're only allowed to burn the firewood that you purchase from them which is tricky because their office closed very early everyday," explains a visitor about Luray RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for locations with dedicated play areas. "This isn't my idea of camping, but I brought my 11 year old nephew. He was able to run around and make friends with his aunt always looking over his shoulder. He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound," reports a visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Site spacing considerations: Some locations offer better family layouts. "We stayed here for 3 nights in August for our little guy's 8th birthday. It was perfect for kids! The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site," mentions a Jellystone Park visitor.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer programs for children. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," reports a camper at Shenandoah River State Park, which offers "very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners."
Washing facilities: Check for dish cleaning stations. "The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms," notes a visitor to Shenandoah River State Park, which features "water and electric. Large sites."
Tips from RVers
Power requirements: Verify amperage before booking. "The power pole is well positioned," reports a camper at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, while another notes it has "full RV hookups, easy in and out."
Site leveling needs: Some locations require additional preparation. "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," cautions a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Access considerations: Mountain terrain affects RV access. "While convenient to II 81, the campground is far enough away that there is no outside noise at all," notes a visitor to Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Fall season facilities: Some services remain open late into the year. "Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site," reports an October visitor to Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
