Camping cabins near Star Tannery, Virginia nestle within the Appalachian foothills at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct four seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows regularly dipping below freezing. Most cabin areas sit within a 25-mile radius of Shenandoah National Park's northern entrance, providing access to both mountain and valley environments.
What to do
Fishing access: The Shenandoah River offers prime fishing spots directly from some campgrounds. At Low Water Bridge Campground, riverside sites put you steps from the water. "We got a site right on the river bank so we just hopped out and were at our site! The Shenandoah River is gorgeous," noted one visitor who stayed at site #15.
Kayaking and tubing: River adventures can be arranged through outfitters at several locations. "The staff was great from beginning to end. They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back," explained a camper at Low Water Bridge Campground. Most river trips range from 3-8 miles depending on water levels and put-in locations.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds. At Big Meadows Campground, "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."
What campers like
River proximity: Waterfront sites provide direct access to swimming and fishing. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins," according to a guest at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. "Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained. Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park."
Spacious sites: Room to spread out makes camping more comfortable. Middle Ridge Campground offers "large campsites with good spacing between guests, which makes your site feel private. I called before booking and talked to the owner which helped us pick out the perfect spot!" wrote one satisfied camper.
Walking paths: Trail access from sites allows for easy exploration. "We loved that we could walk to the Lodge, Wayside, Visitor Center and more," mentioned a visitor to Big Meadows Campground. Most locations feature interconnected trail networks ranging from 1-5 miles in total length.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Winter options exist but with limited facilities. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," reported a camper at Shenandoah River State Park.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," noted a guest at Low Water Bridge Campground. At Big Meadows, "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online."
Accessibility considerations: Terrain challenges affect some sites. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared," advised a visitor to Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Swimming options provide entertainment for children. "The pool is a nice amenity," mentioned a visitor at Middle Ridge Campground, adding "We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys!"
Playground access: Recreation areas keep kids busy between outdoor adventures. "Nice playground, free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," wrote a camper at The Cove Campground, though they noted "WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router."
Educational activities: Ranger programs offer learning opportunities. Big Meadows Campground features a "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Terrain variations affect setup requirements. "We stayed in a level back-in site(#39) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep. Full hook-ups with 50-amp service," described a visitor to Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Access roads: Navigation challenges require advance planning. At The Cove Campground, "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," noted a visitor, though they added "We really enjoyed it and will go back."
Winter hookups: Cold weather camping offers quieter experiences. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," shared a winter visitor to Big Meadows Campground, which maintains some facilities even in extreme cold.
