Cabins near Steeles Tavern, Virginia provide rustic to modern lodging options in the Blue Ridge foothills at elevations averaging 1,800 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to the low 30s while summer highs reach the mid-80s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The area's unique positioning between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest creates microclimates where cabin conditions can vary significantly within short distances.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Montebello Resort offers cabin stays with access to two fishing areas where guests don't need a license for the trout pond. "The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website. It's a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains one visitor at Montebello Resort.
Waterfall hikes: Rental cabins at Crabtree Falls Campground provide direct access to one of Virginia's tallest waterfalls. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes one camper who stayed in the tent sites but visited the falls during their stay.
Safari adventures: Cabin accommodations at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA position families within walking distance of wildlife encounters. "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park," shares a frequent visitor who appreciates the convenient location for family activities.
What campers like
River proximity: Many cabin rentals feature waterfront locations with natural soundscapes. "Our campsite was at the end of a row, which made it great for taking the dogs on little walks away from the campsite. Nice clean restrooms, and cute little store where you can get items you might have left at home. Staff was very nice. It was a great jumping point to visit the craft breweries in the area & to access the trail at Crabtree Falls," reports a visitor to Crabtree Falls Campground.
Fully-equipped kitchens: While basic cabins offer minimal cooking facilities, vacation rentals at Love Ridge Mountain Lodging provide complete kitchen setups. "In January of 2022 the original owners, the Smiths, retired and Royal Oaks became Love Ridge Mountain Lodging," explains a reviewer noting the property's recent transition to new ownership.
Private settings: Some cabin options feature secluded layouts with natural buffers. "We stayed in the mountain view cabin lower level with our two dogs. The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing," explains a Montebello Resort visitor who appreciated the cabin's location but noted the sound considerations.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many rental cabins close during winter months or operate with reduced services. "The campground had everything we needed without unnecessary frills. Full hookups, but no Wi-Fi or anything that high up in the mountains. Didn't even miss it," notes a visitor to Stoney Creek Resort describing the basic but functional setup.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary significantly between properties. "The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes. Roughly 45 minutes away are from some breweries and wineries," reports a visitor to Montebello Resort.
Shower facilities: Cabin shower setups range from private bathrooms to communal facilities with usage fees. "The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters," notes a visitor describing the facilities at Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cabins at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park include recreation areas for children. "There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area. You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything," reports a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin locations feature opportunities to observe local animals. "We were certainly surprised to have a deer family join us during dinner. The mountain remained fogged in for most of our stay, but hikes on the AT and Doyles Falls were stunning," shares a visitor to Loft Mountain Campground.
Entertainment options: Look for cabin rentals with on-site activities for rainy days. "They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," describes a visitor to Shenandoah Valley Campground who found plenty to keep children engaged.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For cabin campers who also bring RVs, consider specific location requests. "While my initial feeling was one of a run down campground, it's obvious the new owners are working to make it better. The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," explains a visitor to Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park.
Cabin alternatives: RV travelers sometimes choose cabin rentals during maintenance needs. "We stopped here after a failed hitch caused damage to the truck and trailer. They were very accommodating and treated us like family. Great place for kids," shares a visitor to Shenandoah Valley Campground who unexpectedly needed alternative accommodations.
Utility considerations: When booking cabins, check the electrical outlet configurations. "Electric sites have 20a, 30a, and 50a hookups so small trailers can use a normal extension cord," notes a visitor to Misty Mountain Camp Resort who appreciated the practical electrical setup.
