Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Salem. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Salem's most popular destinations.
Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds' Site Types: Two-bedroom frame - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. Two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Two-bedroom frame waterview - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Three-bedroom frame - Three bedrooms; wood frame; two queen beds; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The three bedroom cabin has two bathrooms (one universally accessible shower; the other has a tub). The three-bedroom cabins are meant to sleep six. Eight are allowed, but this relies on the use of a fold-out sofa for the extra two people. Total cabins: 20 Although the only fully universally accessible cabin in the park is cabin 7, numerous cabins, while not fully accessible, are better suited for customers having disabilities. Because of hilly terrain, all cabins other than cabin 7 have steps. Cabins 15, 17 and 19 have two steps, cabins 10, 13 and 20 have three steps, cabin 14 has four steps, and cabins 6, 12 and 18 have five steps. The remaining cabins are unsuitable for those with disabilities because of numerous steps or steep grades leading into the cabin. Bunkhouse Camping Lodge (bunkhouse) - no weekly requirement. The park has a camping lodge (bunkhouse), which is not a full service lodge, for rent. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds ( five in one room and two in another), a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and air conditioning. It has no heating. The bunkhouse has a has a porch and a large covered deck with two picnic table, two other tables and eight chairs. It also has a charcoal grill and a fire ring. Smoking, portable heaters and cooking, except with the microwave oven, are not permitted in the lodge. There's a fire hydrant next to the lodge in the parking lot. Four vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. RVs and trailers may not be parked in the bunk house parking lot; there's an overflow parking lot about 100 yards away.
$20 - $40 / night
The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind!
The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area.
Three mountain peaks sitting atop a thick blanket of forest make up the Peaks of Otter-- a recreational oasis spanning acre upon acre of rolling landscape along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant are located within walking distance of the campground, as is the Sharp Top Country Store. Restaurant dining, grab-and-go meals, snacks, souvenir items, camping supplies, firewood, and ice are all readily available to campground patrons. The Johnson Farm, an old mountain farmstead restored and preserved to look as it did in the mid-1800s, is just a short walk away. Another restored historic structure, Aunt Polly's Ordinary, sits on the northeastern shore of Abbott Lake.
$30 / night
Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. Three lodges and 15 cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. There are 103 campsites, 39 offering electric and water hookups. The park also offers 4 yurts (no electricity).
$35 / night
Chantilly Farm is the perfect place to pitch your tent or set up your RV while visiting our part of the stunningly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! We’re located 6 miles from Downtown Floyd, convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail. Southwest Virginia is full of so many fascinating places and many of those are a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chantilly Farm! Many visit for our awe-inspiring outdoor recreational opportunities, thriving arts and music scene, and some of the best dining options that you’ll find in the region. No matter your interests, this area has something that appeals to everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your gear and join us at the Chantilly Farm Campground—the perfect home away from home!
Wilderness Adventure is more than just a campground. Along with our wide range of camping and lodging options, we also offer free and paid adventure activities like tubing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and more!
Don't miss out on our group program offerings like retreats, corporate gatherings, youth groups, and weddings.
Camping
WA offers private and communal campsites to fit the needs of any size group you are traveling with and has a shared bathhouse with showers and toilets. Drinking water is available from multiple locations
Activities for Guests
Hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on our onsite trails, Canoeing, tubing, swimming or fishing in our pond, creek sitting, fire pits, sand volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, corn hole, and endless open space to wander and relax.
Basecamp Adventure Activities
Canoe Rentals/Shuttle $40/trip/boat
Sit on top Kayak Rentals/Shuttle $30/trip/boat
Tubing/Shuttle $20/trip/person
Mountain Bike Rental $25/half day, $50/full day
Area Activities
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bikepacking, 4-wheeling, Rock Crawling:
Virginia's Triple Crown - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs
Hoop Hole
Roaring Run
North Mountain/Dragons Back
Carvins Cove
Mill Mountain
Douthat State Park
Craigs Creek
Food, Summer Events and Festivals
Throughout the summer we have delicious made-to-order meals from our Outpost from Friday dinner to Sunday Breakfast. Campstore: Our camp store is open during select hours. You can purchase firewood, ice, sunscreen, beverages, merchandise, and other items you may enjoy during your stay. (hours vary or by appointment)
Check out our event calendar for all upcoming events.
Annual Events Include:
**Retreat Center, Group Program, Corporate Retreats, Family Reunions **https://www.wilderness-adventure.com/groups
Whether you’re organizing a group retreat or looking to get away for a weekend with the family in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, let us be your Basecamp for Adventure. Wilderness Adventure offers an extensive list of adventure activities for any group along with easily accessible rentals for quick getaways. All of our listings lie on 500 gorgeous acres run by Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing. Bordered by 500 yards of Craigs Creek along the front of our property and mountains in the rear, Wilderness Adventure offers our guests extensive trails to hike, ponds for fishing and swimming, canoeing and tubing. Giant Swing, Team Building, Low Ropes, High Ropes, Caving, Rock Climbing, Mountain bike lessons and guided trips,
Other Cool Stuff
The Swinging bridge Restaurant - Paint Bank VA
The Mill Mountain Star - Roanoke VA
Lasterday Market - New Castle, VA
Lemon & Vale Cakery, New Castle, VA
Bibos Pizzeria - New Castle, VA
Parkway Brewing Company - Salem, VA
And so much more!
$25 - $75 / night
Cabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
$20 - $40 / night
$30 / night
Middle Creek Campground is located in central Virginia, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just moments from the Appalachian trail, this campground is a desirable location for backpackers and thru-hikers alike. Whether you need a place to rest your aching feet, or if you need a weekend escape, you’ll enjoy sleeping in the shadow of Virginia’s Fork Mountain. There’s plenty to do near Middle Creek Campground; don’t forget the paddles and hiking boots! Bring your kayak for a whirl on the upper James River, bikepack the Blue Ridge Parkway (7mi away), or take the AT on for yourself. And when you’re ready to unwind, rest easy knowing that you can learn some history in the nearby town of Roanoke, or spend a lazy day casting a line close to your site. This campground has 30 sites with 30/50 amp hookups and water, though the campground is also home to a few sites with sewer connections too – so don’t hesitate to ask! Middle Creek has cabins on the premises, and can also accommodate tents, hammock campers, RVs, and even tour buses! You’re sure to fit right in. Come see why so many Virginia campers love spending their weekends at Middle Creek. Cell service and wifi are limited in this neck of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which only adds to the serenity. So “unplug, unwind, and get back to this beautiful natural world!”
$20 - $85 / night
$39 - $241 / night
Scout
We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park. We stayed in one of the cabins after the high season. Comfortable and cozy, we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake. We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines and got to have lazy days around the park. We enjoyed the area so much! The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
They are continuously improving the park love seeing what they are doing as they keep going.
Guide
This place has tons of activities for kids and teens. This place has a family feel to it.
Scout
Not sitting in a field!!! Pretty and quiet. Lovely
Scout
Staff were friendly campground was nice with shade pull throughs and fairly level.
Scout
Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.
White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.
Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.
Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.
Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.
The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.
TravelerThunder 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.
The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes several artists' studios. At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading.
The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.
This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!
Traveler
Best campground I’ve stayed at on a bike. Very welcoming, quiet and peaceful. Few small town stores about a mile away including gas. Nice bath houses with shower. We had a fire every night and good conversation. Great stop, 10/10 I will make a point to be back!
Guide
Campsite was clean, campsite were close to other campsite. There are no showers. The staff were friendly and were able to help with all questions I had. They went above and beyond to help make you stay a good experience.
Guide
The State Park is as close to the interstate as you can get without hearing a single truck- just about 10 minutes.
The campsites have electric hookups but no water or sewer. There wasn’t a dump station but the bathhouse was very well maintained and had great shower. For being so close to the interstate, the park is very quiet. Close to many interesting places to visit.
Ranger
Awesome large spaces. Camped with 8 people/ 2 tents and had room for more if needed. Secluded enough but a lot to do. Will definitely return!
RangerPeaks of Otter is a Blue Ridge Parkway must see. The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here.
RangerCaught the foliage here in October and it was amazing and not too crowded! Facilities are clean and in good shape, you can buy firewood down the road, and there’s nice hiking nearby.
ScoutSwimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise. Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs. (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife). Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats. Lake Norris, Harrison Bay... What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?" No cellular signal which can be a plus. Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.
GuideThe pros:
The not so great:
Overall, I would stay here again!
TravelerGreenbrier West Virginia State Forest campground - very nice, but limited amenities. Electric-only hookups, and no dump station on site. Water is available a short distance from the campsites. This small campground is nestled in the forest only a few miles off I-64 near Caldwell, WV. There are only about 20 RV sites, well-spaced for privacy. The dense tree canopy blocked StarLink satellite connection at our site, though it appeared that a few of the spaces with clearer views might be able to make a connection. Clean bathrooms. Good hiking trails, but watch out for poison ivy found in many spots. The small town of Lewisburg, about 8 miles distant, offers numerous good restaurants and small shops. Accessing the campground involves driving 3 miles off I-64 on State 60/14, Harts Run Rd, a winding and narrow two-lane road, which might be a challenge for larger RV trailers and motorhomes, especially if there is traffic from the picnic/events, area a mile before reaching the campground. Shortly after turning onto Harts Run Rd there is a small, narrow one-way-only tunnel that you must go through to enter the State Forest. There is a misleading sign indicating that the tunnel is only 9'2" tall, which is wrong. As one gets closer to the tunnel there is another sign that shows the maximum height (center of the arch) to be 15'4". We had no trouble getting through the tunnel with our 23" Airstream, and we saw other much longer and taller travel trailers at the campsite, so access is possible. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, although heavy thunder showers on 3 nights interrupted sitting by the campfire. We would be happy to return.
TravelerWe spent 4 nights here nice campsite but close together. Good power, water and nice and quite
TravelerWilderness adventure was perfect. We recently bought a Popup and decided WA would be the perfect spot for her maiden voyage. We were right! Such a laid back place. The staff are all friendly, chill, and helpful. You can buy ice and firewood at the store for 5 bucks. There’s a restaurant that’s open on the weekends if your campfire meal plan doesn’t work out. Live music and beer etc etc. the bathhouse was immaculately clean and had everything you’d need. We stayed in Meadow 10 with our friends. So much space and privacy and able to pull through. We had zero problems with mosquitos but enjoyed the night show of fireflies. The creek was the big hit for our family of small boys. Grab some lawn chairs and a cooler and let them play and explore for hours. My only wish is that they had electric hookup but we were fine. We will be back for sure!
ScoutGood size sites. Most are level. No water or sewer or on site dump station. The bathhouse and restrooms are pretty gross but the park and trails are so beautiful that it doesn't really matter. The on site pool was also great.
LegendPeaks of Otter, T Loop:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 4.5. notes are for the T Loop ONLY
Price: $15 with senior pass
Usage during visit: very low during our 6 week nights
Site Privacy: Most sites have some privacy. More notes below
Site Spacing: Most are pretty good. Study the campground map. You will see a few sites are on top of each other. I note these with a negative mark on my map included in photos.
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Yes. Some sites are first come, first serve.
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Road Noise: Lower T loop is near the road going to Bedford. Traffic is sporadic. The noise, when there is traffic, is significant but only occasional. No commercial traffic is allowed.
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electricity: No
Water: Scattered spigots and fill station available at dump station.
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Flush toilets and sinks are kept clean.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: And Pull Overs(No island between trailer and campground traffic.)
Cell Service (AT&T). Sporadic, with 1 or 2 bars. Lodge nearby has service
Setting: Deciduous Forest.
Weather: Mostly cloudy. One day of slight humidity.
Bugs: Mosquitoes are just beginning.
Animals: Bears, just don’t leave trash etc. out , Filter solids from dishwater.
Solar: For fixed roof, not adequate.
Host: Around and nice.
Firewood: On ground.
Rig size: Some 35’ trailers/RVs in pull throughs.
Sites: See my notes on the map included in my pictures.
-means not private
-* means Too close to & can see the Bedford road.
T means significantly terraced site
Circle A means is on my favorites list
Circle B means still good
PO means a pull over site
PT means a pull through site (has an island separating from traffic.
(Almost all sites are at least a bit of a hill to get to the picnic table from the trailer. )
Guide
The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.
Scout
We camped at middle creek for two nights in mid may in our travel trailer. It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area. We had a fabulous site tucked beside a little brook, very peaceful and quiet. But even if there had been more campers around, the sites are a bit more generous than your average private campground (we do not like the common ‘ parking lot’ type arrangements) I’d recommend those along the brook because you can face away from the road for a bit more privacy.
The staff were super nice and very attentive…when we needed some firewood and none had been bundled, they said the ‘guys’ would bring us some after they returned from a chore, and sure enough, at 9 pm they delivered directly to our campsite (not to mention it was a very generous amount for ten dollars compared to our experience at state and national campgrounds).
Overall a great place. We will definitely return again. We were driving the blue ridge parkway and it’s about 20 minutes away but on very pretty roads with hiking spots nearby (and even closer if you are on rt 81).
Ranger
This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper.
The office staff was very professional while still being country-friendly and helpful. Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.
I had excellent cell service on Verizon. Although the KOA offers WiFi, I was never able to get a strong enough signal to connect to the internet even though I tried several times during the afternoon, early evening, and late at night.
My biggest disappointment was that although the showers, sinks and toilets were very clean and well maintained, they did not meet my ADA expectations.
I was there on Tuesday, May2, 2023.
LegendGeneral: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
Guide
The park is so beautiful. 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. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.
ScoutLoved the campsite, very quiet and the bath house was very clean! The bathroom was stocked and did not smell. I recommend this campsite!
LegendI have to admit that it was an amazing campsite! Double decker with picnic table, lantern pole, and fire pit up stairs and over looking your paved campsite. We were walking distance to the dumpster and public bathroom ( no showers). It also offered no hookups which was fine, there was a dump station on site… The biggest downer for us was just getting to and leaving the site! RVLife took us up and down some insane switchbacks that were just not appropriate for anything larger than maybe 30ft tip to tail?? I wouldn’t advise staying here unless you’re a class B/C, pop up, or 20ft TT. Lodge is nice and has decent prices.
TravelerThis is a great place to motorcycle camp. Clean showers, big fire pit, free coffee in the morning. Several restaurants nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Salem, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Salem, VA is Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 26 cabin camping locations near Salem, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
