Cabins near Ridgeway, Virginia provide easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smith Mountain Lake region. At elevations ranging from 800 to 1,300 feet, these mountainous areas experience milder summers than nearby cities, with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water systems may be winterized and require campers to use central spigots.
What to do
Hunt for fairy stones: At Fairy Stone State Park Campground, visitors can search for the distinctive cross-shaped minerals. "We learned about the mysterious 'Fairy Stones' and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy!" writes a reviewer who visited with family.
Explore the lake: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, and kayaking on crystal-clear waters. "Lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," shares one visitor. The park's swimming area has lifeguards during peak season and rental equipment available for those without their own gear.
Hike challenging trails: Hanging Rock State Park Campground features multiple trails with significant elevation changes. "The trails were well-marked, maintained, and offered a good variety for all skill levels. Our kids (ranging from early elementary to preteen) managed the trails with some effort but plenty of enthusiasm," notes one family who stayed at the park. The Moore's Wall Loop Trail is 4.3 miles and provides views of Greensboro and Winston-Salem skylines on clear days.
What campers like
Solitude and disconnection: Remote cabin rentals offer an opportunity to fully unplug. "There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug!" reports a winter visitor to Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many cabin rentals maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep," shares a family who stayed in one of the park's alternative accommodations.
Wildlife viewing: Cabins often place visitors in prime locations for wildlife observation. "We saw lots of deer roaming around," notes a reviewer who stayed at Hanging Rock. At Paradise Lake & Campground, visitors report seeing "groundhogs and crawdads" near the waterfront cabins.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer cabin rentals book quickly, especially at state parks. For Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground, reviewers recommend making reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. "This campground is amazing and a true hidden gem," writes a visitor who stayed in one of their cabins.
Bathroom conditions vary: Older cabins may have dated facilities. At Hanging Rock, a camper noted, "The bathrooms were a mixed bag. On the plus side, the showers had hot water, which was a very welcome amenity after a day on the trails. However, the women's bathroom was unfortunately in rough shape."
Weather preparedness: The mountain climate brings unpredictable conditions. One camper at Fairy Stone reported, "It poured - for hours - but our site stayed dry for the most part. The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well."
Tips for camping with families
Pack bug spray: Insect protection is essential in this region. "We would definitely be back to this site - but I recommend stronger bug spray. We all left with more bites that we usually do camping!" advises a family who stayed at Fairy Stone.
Plan for no connectivity: Willville Motorcycle Camp and several other locations have limited cell service. Many families bring board games, playing cards, and physical books to entertain children. "We had a great time riding bikes and hiking," shares one parent who appreciated the offline activities.
Check swimming options: Some parks have beach access included with camping fees, while others charge extra. "We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass!" notes a Fairy Stone visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Indian Heritage RV Park offers full hookup sites near Martinsville. "Good power, water and nice and quite," reports one RV camper who stayed for multiple nights. Most sites are back-in, though some pull-through options exist.
Level site challenges: At Fairy Stone, RV campers note site leveling can be tricky. "The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain," explains a repeat visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Some parks winterize water systems from November through March. Paradise Lake & Campground maintains year-round operations with frost-free water spigots even during colder months, though individual site water may be turned off.
