Camping cabins near Paris, Virginia offer convenient access to the Shenandoah River and Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,700 feet. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. The surrounding area features over 200 miles of hiking trails, with many cabin sites positioned within 30 minutes of Shenandoah National Park.
What to do
Riverside activities: Low Water Bridge Campground provides excellent river access for fishing and water recreation. "They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back. Their store had everything that we had forgotten with good prices," notes Christopher L. The campground offers convenient shuttle services for tubing and kayaking.
Hiking trails: Big Meadows Campground connects to numerous trails within Shenandoah National Park. "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 Kim L. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring multiple waterfall hikes.
Wildlife viewing: Shenandoah River State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities. One camper mentions, "Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners. Campground access to the Shenandoah River." Deer frequently visit campsites, and early morning offers the best viewing times.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: At Low Water Bridge Campground, the waterfront sites are particularly sought after. A camper notes: "We enjoyed many different activities during our stay. It was great that they provided a nice pancake breakfast free of charge." Sites directly on the water provide immediate access for fishing or wading.
Off-grid experience: The Cove Campground offers a genuine remote camping feel. A visitor explains, "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots." Cell service is minimal to nonexistent.
Clean facilities: Bull Run Regional Park maintains high standards for their amenities. "I'll go again just for the showers. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," shares Yvonne B. The park regularly cleans restrooms and maintains trash collection.
What you should know
Train noise: Harpers Ferry Campground sites sit close to active train tracks. "A friend and I chose this campground because of its right-on-the-river sites and its close proximity to the tubing we'd be doing on the Shenandoah River through the same company as the campsite, River Riders," notes one camper, later adding, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin options close during winter months. The best availability occurs midweek during spring and fall. Heavy rainfall can impact site conditions, particularly at low-lying areas near water.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings during summer weekends. Some cabins cannot be reserved online and require phone calls directly to the campground office. Deposits typically range from $25-50 per reservation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Candy Hill Campground provides multiple play areas for children. "This campsite is right off of the highway (not super busy at night). They have a nice pool, 2 playgrounds, neat bikes you can rent, gold cart rentals. Best of all, they sell bags of special stones and fossils for you to mine. My boys had a blast with that!" reports Leanne B.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, but water temperatures remain cold in spring. Most cabin sites position swimming areas within walking distance, eliminating the need for driving to water access.
Educational programs: Several parks offer junior ranger activities and nature programs. These typically run weekends during summer months and require advance registration. Programs usually last 1-2 hours and accommodate ages 5-12.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When choosing cabin or RV sites, consider leveling requirements. At Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, one visitor observed, "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site (#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Hookup availability: Check utilities when reserving cabin sites. Many basic cabins share electrical hookups or have limited amperage. Water access points may require additional hose length depending on site location.
Access considerations: Some cabin areas have limited turning radius for large vehicles. RVs over 35 feet should confirm access before booking, especially at smaller cabin-focused campgrounds or during periods of wet weather when unpaved roads may become challenging.
