Cabin camping near Willis, Virginia offers access to the southern Appalachian mountain ecosystem between 1,500 and 3,500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, providing comfortable camping conditions even in July and August. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round with some amenities like camp stores operating on seasonal schedules from April through October.
What to do
Trail hiking: Little Oak Campground provides direct access to lakeside trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are some short hiking trails, but plan to spend most of your time on the water. Close to 81 and lots of other campgrounds nearby if this one fills up," notes reviewer Lynn G.
Water recreation: Breaks Interstate Park features both a swimming pool and water park open during summer months. "There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store. White tail deer are frequent, and very tame," shares Carol J.
Interpretive programs: Rangers at Natural Tunnel State Park offer guided cave explorations through Stock Creek. "Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel. Highly recommend!" according to Rob J.
What campers like
Creek soundscapes: Several campgrounds feature sites positioned along creeks that provide natural white noise. "Our site was clean and quiet. Close to the bathhouse. The full hookups are just so far from the main park," mentions Rosa S. about Hungry Mother.
Fishing opportunities: Roan Mountain State Park offers trout fishing in the Doe River running through the property. "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports Tracy D.
Elevated camping platforms: For tent campers seeking dry conditions, elevated wooden platforms provide advantages. "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," notes Katrin M.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature variations: Cabin camping in higher elevations provides natural cooling in summer. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat. Bathhouse was nice and clean," explains Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp.
Road access challenges: Some parks have challenging access roads that may restrict larger vehicles. "Long dirt road not necessarily accessible to all cars if it's been raining," warns Lynn G. about Little Oak Campground.
Utility hookups: Water availability varies significantly between properties. "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out," explains Mandy R.
Tips for camping with families
Biking opportunities: Paved pathways around lakes provide safe cycling routes for children. "Great little campground with a nice biking/hiking trail along the lake. Kids had a great time!" shares Molly F. about Hungry Mother State Park.
Child-friendly campsites: Look for sites with natural barriers and safety features. "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night," notes Tiffany G.
Educational activities: Rainbow Campground offers opportunities to watch fish stocking operations. "They stock the creek twice a month with trout, it was stocked 80 ft from my tent 2 days ago," explains Zach P., providing a potential educational opportunity for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many mountain campsites require significant leveling. "Very scenic place!! We spent 6 nights here, hiked & biked a lot. The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling," advises Bob M.
Tree clearance issues: Watch for low-hanging branches at some campgrounds. "The sites are level and can fit big rigs but the only problem we had were that some of the trees need to be trimmed back and scratched the upper sides of our coach," warns Nancy W.
Electronics connectivity: Camp Burson offers reliable internet service. "There is free wifi at your site that worked fairly well and we were able to get about six over the air antenna television stations (albeit none were from major networks)," reports Nancy W.
