For those seeking an overnight stay in a campground without the hassle of setting up camping equipment, Virginia State Parks’ camping cabins may offer just what you need. These small, budget-friendly structures are the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and comfortable convenience, and provide a cozy place to retire after a fun day of exploration. 

Camping Cabin 42 at Shenandoah River State Park

So, if you don’t have a tent or own a camper but want to jump into the world of camping, here is some information to help you decide if camping cabins are an option you’d like to check out. Or, if you are an experienced camper but just want a unique overnight state park experience, like my family, read on to discover how to make the most of your camping cabin stay. 

Where to stay? 

There are four Virginia State Parks with camping cabins: 

• Lake Anna – 6 camping cabins 
• Pocahontas – 6 camping cabins 
• Shenandoah River – 4 camping cabins 
• Westmoreland* – 6 camping cabins 

*All cabins and camping cabins at Westmoreland State Park are currently closed for major renovations. The anticipated completion of the total renovation project is October 2026. 

Camping cabin at Pocahontas State Park

Seasonality and check-in/out times 

Reservations are required and can be made as early as 11 months in advance for prime season bookings (Memorial Day to Labor Day). All camping cabins require a two-night minimum stay.  

Camping, including camping cabin rentals, is available year-round at Pocahontas and Shenandoah River. At Lake Anna, camping cabins can be booked from the first Friday in March until the first Monday in December. Camping cabins can be booked at Westmoreland from April 1 through mid-October (once the renovation project is complete). 

Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. 

Amenities

Outside: Each camping cabin has a porch (some are covered and some come with two wooden rocking chairs), a picnic table, a fire ring with a cooking grate (some also come with a pedestal charcoal grill) and a lantern post. Water is accessed by an outside spigot, similar to the campsites.  

Inside: Within the four walls, you’ll find two sets of bunk beds with mattresses, a table with four chairs, electrical outlets, one lighted ceiling fan, screened windows and a locking door. For those little ones or those who’d prefer not to sleep on a top bunk, simply move the mattress to the floor for easier access. Please note, you will not find air conditioning or heat, a bathroom or a kitchen in these small cabins. 

Inside Camping Cabin 42 at Shenandoah River State Park

While the amenities of a camping cabin more closely resemble those of a campsite or yurt rather than a full-size cabin, the small conveniences go a long way. Opening a few screened windows at night invites in a refreshing breeze and relaxing nature sounds during summer months. When it’s chillier outside, the electrical outlets provide power for a portable electric heater. I personally loved the dimming feature of the lighted ceiling fan in the Shenandoah River camping cabin my family recently stayed in, providing softer light as we got ready for bed. Camping cabins come with built-in ambiance that you’d otherwise have to pack for tent camping! 

What to bring 

Linens: Guests must bring sleeping bags or linens, including sheets, pillows, blankets and towels. 

Lantern and/or flashlights: While the cabin does provide light, the walk to the bathhouse at night can be dark. 

Food and supplies: Please note that cooking inside the camping cabin is prohibited. Just as if you are tent camping, packing an outdoor kitchen bin can help you stay organized. You can utilize the campfire for cooking, or the picnic table provides a good spot for a propane camp stove. You’ll need to bring a cooler to keep any perishable items cool. Don’t forget cookware, paper goods or utensils, if needed, as well as trash bags. Every campground has a dumpster for disposing of your trash each day. Most parks provide an outdoor sink at the bathhouse to make dishwashing easier

Cooking over the fire at a camping cabin

Toiletries: It’s helpful to bring a tote bag for carrying your toiletries, towel, etc. to and from the bathhouse, where you’ll find showers, toilets and sinks.  

Games and/or a good book: When the weather is nice, playing games at the picnic table or reading a book by the fire is a great way to end the day. If it rains during your stay, the table and chairs inside offer a cozy spot to play cards or write in the cabin’s guest logbook, or simply enjoy watching the rain fall from the porch rocking chairs. 

Who to bring 

The maximum occupancy for all camping cabins is four people. Keep in mind, tents, campers or other camping equipment are not allowed at the site. However, most parks have the camping cabins situated in groups of two or three, making it convenient to camp with others.  

Bring the family dog along! Camping cabins allow pets with an additional nightly fee per pet. My family brought both of our dogs on our Shenandoah River State Park trip, and they slept comfortably with the ample floor space in the cabin.  

Dogs are welcome in camping cabins with a pet fee

Accessibility 

If you are looking for accessible lodging, each of the four parks with camping cabins offer one cabin with accessibility. At Shenandoah River State Park, I stayed in Camping Cabin 42, which happens to be ADA accessible. The parking was spacious, with a nice ramp leading to the porch. To find accessible trails and links to each Virginia State Park’s accessible amenities page, click here. 

ADA accessible camping cabin at Lake Anna State Park

ADA accessible camping cabins: 

• Camping Cabin 55 at Lake Anna 
• Camping Cabin 6 at Pocahontas 
• Camping Cabin 42 at Shenandoah River 

If you have any further questions about accessible park amenities not answered on the Virginia State Parks website, call the park directly or the customer service center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275). 

Bathhouses 

Camping cabins are located within a campground, so they are near a bathhouse that is shared by all guests. The bathhouses at Lake Anna, Pocahontas, Shenandoah River and Westmoreland state parks are ADA accessible and provide restrooms and hot showers; some also offer laundry facilities and a dishwashing sink.  

Bathhouse at Shenandoah River State Park

Parking

Parking for two vehicles is allowed at each camping cabin. Those with additional vehicles must pay the daily parking fee and park in an overflow lot. 

Price, rental minimums and cancellations 

Price: $50 per night, with a two-night minimum. 

Transfers: No charge to transfer a reservation to a different time up to four days in advance of the reservation. 

Cancellation policy: Cancellations can be made up until midnight the day before arrival for a penalty of $30 per night per cabin. 

Outdoor breakfast at a camping cabin 

 

Get ready for your camping cabin adventure! 

Book your camping cabin and start planning your getaway. Information on how to make reservations can be found here.