Cabin accommodations around Pembroke, Virginia provide camping options within the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,700-3,500 feet. The region features over 100 miles of waterways including the New River, the second oldest river in the world. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during the day and cool to 60-65°F at night, making cabins a comfortable alternative for those seeking shelter from occasional mountain thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing access points: Claytor Lake State Park Campground offers multiple locations for anglers with boat rentals and fishing access. "Beautiful lake 🛶... We paddled around the lake on Sunday; there are a couple of different boat launches in the park. The cliffs are freaking amazing from the launch closest to the park entrance," notes one visitor to Claytor Lake State Park Campground.
Waterfall hiking trails: Camp Creek State Park features accessible waterfall trails within walking distance of camping areas. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," according to a visitor at Mash Fork Campground.
Mountain biking routes: The New River area contains numerous off-road trails accessible from cabin bases. "It sits on 1500 acres and has 41+ miles of trails. The only complaint is the campsites are very close but everyone was friendly and respectful so all in all it was a great place," reports a camper about the trail system at Kairos Wilderness Resort.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Gatewood Park offers two-tiered waterfront sites with direct lake access. "Campsite #3 was a 2 tier site with water front access. The water front sites are difficult to book, but off water sites are more readily available," shares a visitor to Gatewood Park & Reservoir Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: National Forest campgrounds maintain well-serviced facilities. "The bathrooms were clean. The camp host directed us to where we could buy firewood. The wood was dry and seasoned, and the gentleman gave us some sites to check out," mentions a camper at Stony Fork Campground.
River recreation: Several properties offer river access with equipment rentals. "Best place. I did a rv rental. I love the swimming area my kids had such a great time. Bath house was so clean and amazing. Was super chill even this there was a lot of ppl," notes a visitor to Greenbrier River Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation schedules: Most cabin facilities have limited availability during winter months. "We stayed for one night on our way back north. We got the last site available and it was pretty decent. Site 10 across from the bathhouse," reports a visitor to Camp Creek State Park.
Reservation requirements: Peak season weekends require advance planning. "The water front sites are difficult to book, but off water sites are more readily available. We will be returning later in the season with the hope the weather will be more cooperative," advises a Gatewood Park camper.
Cell service limitations: Remote cabins often lack reliable connectivity. "This campground is miles from anywhere so make sure you have what you need or the trip into town will take a while. There's no cell service but they upgraded the WiFi and it's very good," mentions a visitor to Gatewood Park & Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Wytheville KOA offers multiple water recreation options for children. "It seems like a great place for kids with a pool with a waterslide. The camp store is well provisioned and each site that I saw has a patio and a fire bowl," according to a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several properties offer animal sightings nearby. "There were also TONS of deer all around (just hanging out eating vegetation) during our short one night stay. Additionally, there was a nice trailhead right nearby," reports a camper at Bluestone Lake State Park.
Organized family activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. "This campground is terrific! All the facilities are extremely well kept and clean. Our kids loved the arcade, the wagon and train rides around the campground, the craft time, pool and the fishing!" shares a family who stayed at Wytheville KOA.
Tips from RVers
Highway access: Fort Chiswell RV Park provides convenient Interstate proximity without noise issues. "Located not too far from I-81, easy to get to. This CG does a lot of overnight business. Sites are mostly level, hookups are convenient. Located adjacent to a sheep and cow ranch," notes an RV traveler.
Full hookup availability: Cabin areas typically include RV sites with utilities. "All pull thru, full hookup, and level sites. Pool and bathhouse are open. We had only planned to stay the night but decided to stay a couple of days to let weather pass us by," shares an RV owner at Fort Chiswell.
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires planning for limited services. "Rustic camping is fine when we have planned for it. Early in the morning (around 7) workers arrived to work on the closed bathrooms for the opening in a few weeks," mentions a camper about seasonal limitations in the area.
