Cabin camping near Mathias, West Virginia provides visitors access to the eastern edge of the Allegheny Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers, crisp falls with vibrant foliage, and cold winters with occasional snow. Cabins remain available year-round at several properties, with some facilities adjusting their amenities during winter months.
What to do
Hiking near Shenandoah National Park: Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs with multiple trailheads accessible within 30 minutes of Mathias. "There are several campsites available at this National Park. I like this campsite particularly because its close to one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA. Lots of beautiful hikes and bike course with awesome views of the valley," notes a visitor about Loft Mountain Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The South Branch of the Potomac River offers excellent trout fishing, particularly during spring and fall seasons. "Only 10 sites right on the river. Great fishing. Very quiet. Easy access to Dolly Sods, short drive to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob. Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing," reports a guest at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort.
Cave exploration: Several cave systems within 45 minutes of Mathias offer guided tours ranging from $12-28 per person. "We camped here for 2 nights. The campsite has the common amenities - a firepit, a bench, and a picnic table. We drove to the visitor center at the Big Meadow. They had very cool programs and really good food. I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area, and it was delicious," shares a camper from Loft Mountain Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many cabin properties near Mathias feature secluded settings with substantial tree coverage. "Very nice valley location. Site 71 best for privacy. Pool, playground, frisbee golf & pizza delivered to your site!" reports a visitor at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout the region, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy. You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," mentions a camper from Loft Mountain Campground.
Mountain views: Several cabin locations offer vistas of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges. "Beautiful views in every direction, extremely dog friendly also. Well appointed sites and well laid out campground. Small but wonderful. We will keep this on the top of our list for fall foliage and a quick 2hr away getaway," comments a visitor at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
What you should know
Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many valley locations having limited or no coverage. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," notes a camper at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Facilities reduce operations during winter months, with some closing completely from December through March. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available. Showers and laundry were closed for the season," reports a visitor at Big Meadows Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin properties require advance bookings, particularly from May through October. "Very busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," explains a Big Meadows Campground guest.
Tips for camping with families
Jellystone amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured activities for children throughout summer months. "We stayed here for 3 nights in August for our little guy's 8th birthday. It was perfect for kids! The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site. The birthday boy also loved the outdoor laser tag!" shares a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
Animal attractions: Several cabin properties feature farm animals that children can observe. "We enjoyed our stay at Middle Ridge Campground. The owners were amazing family people who were so polite and helpful! We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys! The pool is a nice amenity," explains a camper from Middle Ridge Campground.
Educational programs: National Park locations offer Junior Ranger activities and seasonal programs. "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," notes a Big Meadows Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Mountain road navigation: Access roads to some cabin properties feature steep grades and switchbacks requiring caution. "Though convenient to I-81, the campground is far enough away that there is no outside noise at all. Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," reports an RVer at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Level sites: Site topography varies significantly between properties, with some requiring substantial leveling. "We camped here for 3 nights. Level site 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," comments a visitor to Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Generator policies: Rules regarding generator usage differ between campgrounds, with National Park locations enforcing strict quiet hours. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center," mentions a Big Meadows Campground visitor.
