Cabin camping near Tazewell, Virginia offers access to mountain recreation within the Appalachian range, with elevations typically ranging from 2,300-3,800 feet in the surrounding Jefferson National Forest. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Several cabin options provide year-round shelter across multiple state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Camp Creek State Park's network of trails leads to multiple waterfalls from its Mash Fork Campground. "The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful. The campground staff was very friendly, and the amenities were clean and kept up," notes a visitor to Mash Fork Campground.
Lake activities: Explore Hungry Mother Lake via rental watercraft during warmer months. "We loved the kayaks - if you only have 1 hour, power right out of the boat slip (past the beach) up and around the far part of the lake. Utter solitude among the hills," shares a camper from Royal Oak Campground.
ATV riding: Access the Hatfield-McCoy trail system directly from some cabin locations. "Trails are literally out your front door. Popular place to stay yet not crowded. Don't be fooled by other places claiming to be right on the trails. This is it!" explains a visitor to Hilltop Escape LLC.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Royal Oak Campground provides elevated wooden platforms ideal for tent setups. "All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff. The sites have the usual amenities like a picnic bench and table, a firepit, and a lantern pole," mentions a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Stony Fork Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Very clean well maintained. An added plus, a national forest campground with showers!" reports one camper at Stony Fork Campground, noting this uncommon feature for a national forest facility.
Creek-side sites: Many campsites back up to flowing water for natural white noise. "We had site 17. It was long and wide enough. Trees kept us cooler. Very clean. Restrooms and showers very clean," shares a camper about Hungry Mother State Park's creek-adjacent options.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir and waterfall conditions vary significantly by season. "We were hoping to paddle this meandering reservoir but it was being drained for bridge work...so it was six feet or so lower than normal. Even the migrating geese weren't too happy about it," notes a fall visitor to Hungry Mother.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal to nonexistent at most cabin locations. "Because of its remote location cell service is all but nonexistent and Wifi is spotty, but when you're enjoying God's handiwork who needs electronics?" explains a Deer Trail Park camper.
Winter preparation: Heated facilities may not operate year-round despite campground availability. "We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away which was not exactly convenient. The website information is not accurate so definitely call," advises a Camp Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation: Deer Trail Park offers multiple play areas beyond standard camping. "This quaint little family owned park is beautifully manicured with a babbling brook that the kids can wade in. There is literally something for everyone. Playgrounds, Noah's Ark, a clean heated pool, a game room and a beautiful catch and release pond," shares a seasonal camper.
Platform camping for kids: Royal Oak's wooden deck sites provide safer tent spaces for children. "We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground was fantastic. All campsites are on platforms, which makes it very nice to set up your stuff," notes a visitor.
Biking opportunities: Some campgrounds offer paved pathways ideal for younger riders. "Great little campground with a nice biking/hiking trail along the lake. Kids had a great time!" mentions a Camp Burson visitor about Hungry Mother State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some parks have limited access for larger rigs. "Creekside is a nice and secluded but no sewer hookups and road in is narrow for large rigs. The town of Marion has what you need and nearby towns, like Saltville, with its museum, are fun to explore," advises an RVer about Hungry Mother.
Tree clearance: Check overhead clearance before booking at wooded sites. "Sites are very level and easy to access. The bathhouse was immaculate. Easy trail access. Nearby road is a bit noisy because you are in a valley and the sound reverberates but fortunately the traffic is not too heavy. Not a lot of tree cover to provide privacy in the sites," notes a Camp Burson camper.
Electric hookup options: Electrical capacity varies between campgrounds. "Camp Burson is flat and very well maintained gravel pads. Creekside is a little hilly with blacktop pads and Royal Oak is very steep with deck like structures at each site to set up on," explains a visitor describing the different camping areas at Hungry Mother.
