While you may lean more towards the beach getaways for your summer group vacations, the mountains of Virginia offer a quiet beauty in the summer months that provide an appealing alternative. There is plenty to see and do in the region: serene hiking trails end in breathtaking views of the Virginia landscapes and wildlife, and hidden pathways lead to secluded waterfalls that speak to the beauty of the Commonwealth. Plan a summer getaway with your friends or family and stay at one of these mountain vacation rentals to experience an unforgettable Virginia trip.
Pebble Beach River Cabin—Luray
Photo credit: Terye Williams
Located on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, the Pebble Beach River Cabin in Luray sleeps eight people, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The cabin sits on 9.5 acres of pristine rural land and from the hot tub, you can get a clear view of the George Washington National Forest. This cabin rental is located right on the river so you have prime access to swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking at any time (the rental even includes free use of the on-site kayak and canoe). Roast marshmallows or warm up on a chilly evening at the fire pit. There is also a propane grill on the porch if you want to have a barbecue during your vacation. The Pebble Beach River Cabin is pet friendly and starts at $345 per night. Book your stay
River Haven Cabin—Elkton
This charming cabin in Elkton has room for up to eight guests, with two bedrooms, a loft area with a sleeper sofa, and one bathroom. The huge deck on the River Haven Cabin overlooks the Shenandoah River, and the rental property includes a private boat dock and outdoor grill. With rates starting at $99 per night, this cabin is an affordable option for guests looking for a pet friendly rental. Book your stay
Laurel Point Cottage—Meadows of Dan
Photo Credit: William Day
Sleeping two to four people, the Laurel Point Cottage at Meadows of Dan is great for couples looking for a private mountain retreat. The cottage has a full-length covered back deck that offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a smaller covered deck attached to the front of the house. Pets are allowed, and rates start from $230 a night. Book your stay
Hilltop Log Cabin—Shenandoah
Hilltop Log Cabin has all the comforts of home without the distractions and busy schedules! This cute log cabin comfortably sleeps up to six people, with two bedrooms, a futon, and a sleeper sofa. The home has two full bathrooms with a Jacuzzi tub and shower. There is a large outdoor hot tub and a campfire area on the property, and the cabin accepts pets on a case-by-case basis. Average of $163 per night. Book your stay
Retreat at the Reserve at Fairystone—Stuart
If you book the Retreat at the Reserve at Fairystone in Stuart, be aware that the rental property may come with some wildlife neighbors popping up from time to time. Deer, turkey, and other wildlife are common sights at this two bedroom, one bath log cabin. The cabin is small but cozy, and is the perfect destination for an outdoors-loving couple looking for an intimate Virginia getaway. There is plenty to do at nearby Fairystone State Park and Philpott Lake, where guests can hike, swim, kayak, canoe, and more. The Blue Ridge Parkway is only minutes away, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing drive with unforgettable scenic views of the Virginia Mountains. Rent this cabin from $100 per night. Book your stay
Bear’s Lair Cabin on the New River—Austinville
The Bear’s Lair Cabin (say that three times fast!) on the New River has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. This Austinville gem is wrapped with more than 400 square feet of deck and has over 300 feet of easily accessible waterfront. Guests can spend their time fishing canoeing, hiking, or biking on the New River Trail. Rates from $189 per night. Book your stay
The Cabins at Crabtree Falls—Tyro
Photo Credit: Beth-Anne Norman Driskill IG account: @thecabinsatcrabtreefalls
With five unique, fully furnished cabins available to rent, the Cabins at Crabtree Falls provide an excellent base camp for those looking to hike the nearby Crabtree Falls trails or surrounding trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or a scenic place to rest for those traveling down the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Every cabin has an outdoor fire pit and charcoal grills, and occupancy ranges from four to eight people for each cabin.
Book Your Stay
Cottage on Craig—Eagle Rock
Wake up to sunlight in the country every day of your amazing vacation at the Cottage on Craig. This home has glass walls in the bedroom, but is far enough off the beaten path to still have plenty of privacy. Walk right out the back door and jump right into Craig Creek, where you can swim, tube, canoe, and fish (While you have to bring your own fishing tackle, this rental includes use of inner tubes, kayaks, and a canoe). The cabin has two bedrooms, with two queen beds, two twins, and a full sofa bed, and two bathrooms. From $160 per night, this charming country cabin in Eagle Rock is a secluded Virginia paradise. Book your stay
Lydia Mountain Log Cabins—Stanardsville
This 122-acre property has a total of fifteen cabins available for rent that range from one to five bedrooms to accommodate groups of every size. These cabins are all pet-friendly so that you don’t have to leave your four-legged family members behind. Located in Stanardsville, the Lydia Mountain Log Cabins are near Skyline Drive, Charlottesville, and plenty of wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail. Prices range from $175 (1 bedroom) or $350 (5 bedroom) per night. Book your stay
Breaks Interstate Park Cabins—Breaks
Visit the “Grand Canyon of the South” at the Breaks and stay at the Breaks Interstate Park Cabins. You can rent either the lakefront or woodland cabins. The cabins are ideally suited for groups of six or less and do not allow pets. The grounds around the cabins have an Olympic-size pool, a lake with paddleboats and fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, a visitor center and gift shop, playground equipment, a restaurant and an amphitheater. With so much to do, you will always find ways to fill your time at the Breaks Interstate Park. The cabins are available to rent from $160 per night (prime season minimum is one week). Book your stay
A little exploration can reveal a side of Virginia not often seen. Whether you want to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains or are looking for an active getaway complete with mountain biking and long hikes, a vacation in the Virginia Mountains gives you access to everything you need to create a fantastic summer trip in 2016.
Want more options? Find a Virginia State Park cabin that suits your budget, style, and size.
Great Idea thank you for sharing the idea
I Glad to thanks you for these wooden house ideas
Thanks you so much to give me an a idea & guide me,I’m also want or actually I’m try to build the wooden house at side of river.
Had a wonderful family reunion at Rolling River Farm in the Fall of 2016. With 108 acres to wander on, our family and friends enjoyed all four cottages on the property, with lots of privacy for all, but also lots of fun, unique gathering spots. (Docks on the river, decks galore and fire pits at each house).
Go stay at Rolling River Farm in Front Royal right outside D.C.. Their houses are each unique, impeccably clean, fully stocked and touched with a bit of magic! Each house has its own access to water whether private landing to the Shenandoah, or a quiet pond and waterfall for swimming. It’s a special spot! My husband and I stayed there right after we got married!
We really loved our stays at Rolling River Farm rental homes in the Shenandoah river valley, too!
You’re not fooling anybody Nell, we know you are also Angelique and C Krom