Don's Cab-Inns Campground

For us Virginians, the Roanoke Valley offers a fantastic blend of urban charm and stunning natural beauty, perfectly encapsulated by destinations like Explore Park. Nestled within this expansive natural playground is Don's Cab-Inns Campground, a truly unique camping experience that goes beyond the traditional tent site. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer, looking for a cozy cabin getaway, or interested in the rising popularity of glamping in a yurt, Don's Cab-Inns provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring everything our vibrant Roanoke region has to offer. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors while still enjoying a surprising level of comfort and access to modern amenities.

Don's Cab-Inns Campground is distinct from many other camping spots because it's part of the larger Explore Park, a Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism facility. This means guests benefit from not only the campground's offerings but also the extensive recreational opportunities available throughout Explore Park. Locals who've stayed here often highlight the spaciousness of the sites and the exceptional cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the bathhouses. One recurring theme in reviews is the outstanding quality of the private, key-code accessible showers, which offer a level of privacy and cleanliness that sets them apart.

While the name "Cab-Inns" might suggest only cabins, this campground truly caters to a diverse range of preferences. From the compact and efficient pod cabins to the more expansive yurts and traditional RV sites, there's an option for almost every style of traveler. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature without sacrificing convenience, making it a highly appealing choice for residents of Roanoke and beyond who are looking for a refreshing local adventure.

Don's Cab-Inns Campground is strategically located at 55 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA. This address places it directly within Explore Park, which itself boasts a prime location right off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. For Virginians, this means incredibly easy access, especially if you're coming from the Roanoke Valley, Blacksburg, or even points further east and west via Interstate 81. The convenience of being located so close to a major scenic byway makes it an ideal stop for those on a road trip, or simply a quick and effortless escape for a weekend getaway.

The campground's design within Explore Park ensures that while you feel immersed in nature, you're not isolated from essential amenities. While some RV sites might require a slightly longer electrical cord due to the placement of the electrical box, the overall accessibility of the park is excellent. Check-in is handled at the Explore Park Visitor Center, which helps streamline the arrival process. For late arrivals (after 7 PM), a convenient system is in place where directions and access information for your accommodation are left in a secure box at the backside of the visitor center. This thoughtful approach ensures a smooth arrival, even during off-hours. Furthermore, the close proximity to the city of Roanoke means that grocery stores, diverse dining options, and other urban conveniences are just a short drive away, allowing campers to easily resupply or enjoy a meal out if desired. This blend of natural seclusion and urban accessibility is a significant advantage for Don's Cab-Inns Campground.

• Pod Cabins: Hand-crafted, compact cabins, most featuring a queen-size bed and a full-size loft bunk. All pod cabins include heating and air conditioning, a refrigerator, microwave, and pod coffee maker. Some units are pet-friendly.

• Yurts: Spacious 16-foot or 20-foot round yurts that can sleep up to six or eight guests. Equipped with air conditioning, a half-bath (except when winterized), a refrigerator, microwave, and pod coffee maker. Some yurts are pet-friendly.

• RV Sites: Five paved, back-in RV sites (12’ x 35’) with 30-amp electrical service. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with a cooking grill topper. Water is available via centralized spigots (not direct hookup for continuous use), and a dump station is available on-site.

• Clean Bathhouses: Well-maintained and highly praised showerhouses with individual private showers accessible by key codes, ensuring cleanliness and privacy.

• On-Site Visitor Center & Camp Store: Serves as the check-in point and offers museum exhibits, a gift shop with local products, books, and camping gear.

• Optional Extras for Purchase: Guests can purchase convenient add-ons for their stay, such as firewood, linen rentals (for cabins and yurts), coffee pods, and charcoal, which can be delivered to your campsite before arrival.

• Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Select cabins, yurts, and RV sites are pet-friendly for an additional nightly fee (maximum two pets per site/unit).

• Online and Phone Registration: Reservations can be made conveniently online through the Roanoke County Parks & Recreation online registration portal or by calling the Explore Park Visitor Center.

• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Provided at all cabin, yurt, and RV sites for outdoor cooking and dining.

• Unique Accommodation Options: Offers a distinctive blend of camping styles with cozy pod cabins, spacious yurts, and convenient RV sites, appealing to a wide range of preferences.

• Part of Explore Park: Guests have direct access to all the amenities and activities within the larger Explore Park, including extensive hiking and mountain biking trails (over 14 miles of dual-use trails and 9 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails), a Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, and the Twin Creeks Brewpub.

• Exceptional Bathhouse Facilities: Consistently praised by visitors for being very clean and offering private, individually locked showers with key codes, providing a comfortable and secure experience.

• Pet-Friendly Policies: Designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts, and RV sites allow Virginians to bring their beloved pets along for the adventure, making it a great option for the whole family.

• Proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway: Ideal location right off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning views and easy access to one of America's most famous drives.

• Spacious Sites: Despite the variety, many sites, particularly RV spaces, are noted for being spacious and not feeling overly crowded.

• On-Site Visitor Center: Provides not only check-in services but also educational exhibits about the park's history and the surrounding region, plus a gift shop.

• Outdoor Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill topper, enhancing the outdoor living experience.

• Seasonal Rates: Offers flexibility with "on-season" rates (April to November) and "off-season" rates (December to March), providing options for year-round enjoyment.

Don's Cab-Inns Campground, being part of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, offers various ways to save on your stay, particularly for extended bookings or during off-peak seasons. While specific promotions may change, here are some common types of offers you might encounter:

• Extended Stay Discounts: Special rates and discounts are often available for longer stays. Guests interested in these deals are typically advised to book over the phone by calling the Explore Park Visitor Center to inquire about current offers for extended stays.

• Off-Season Rates: Reduced pricing applies during the "off-season" which runs from December through March. This provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the park's amenities and the tranquility of winter camping at a more affordable rate.

• Weekday Deals: Occasionally, promotions might target midweek stays. For example, previous offers have included "Buy two nights, get one free" for Monday to Wednesday bookings, though these typically require booking by phone.

• Group Discounts: For larger groups or events, it’s always worth inquiring directly with the park about potential group rates or special arrangements for booking multiple cabins, yurts, or RV sites.

To ensure you receive the most current and accurate information on any available promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended to visit the Roanoke County Parks & Recreation official website or contact the Explore Park Visitor Center directly by phone. Promotions often require booking over the phone rather than online to ensure the discount is applied correctly.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Don's Cab-Inns Campground and Explore Park, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 55 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA

Phone: (540) 427-1800 (Explore Park Visitor Center, which handles campground bookings)

Mobile Phone: +1 540-427-1800

Website: For more information and online booking, search for "Don's Cab-Inns Campground Roanoke County Parks" or visit the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism website and navigate to their camping section. (The exact URL can vary but is part of roanokecountyparks.com)

Check-in is at the Explore Park Visitor Center. For after-hours check-in (after 7 PM), your cabin/site access information will be in a box on the backside of the Visitor Center.

For us Virginians, Don's Cab-Inns Campground at Explore Park is an exceptional local resource that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable relaxation right in our backyard. Its prime location in Roanoke, directly accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, means that a rejuvenating escape is never too far away, minimizing travel time and maximizing your leisure. This convenience makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways or even midweek breaks without the need for extensive planning.

The diverse accommodation options, ranging from unique pod cabins and spacious yurts to well-maintained RV sites, cater to nearly every preference, ensuring that whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a more comfortable "glamping" experience, you'll find something to suit your needs. The highly praised, meticulously clean, and private bathhouses are a significant highlight, offering a level of comfort that can transform a camping trip from rustic to truly enjoyable. For pet-owning Virginians, the availability of pet-friendly units is a huge plus, allowing the entire family to enjoy the beauty of Explore Park.

Beyond the comfortable lodging, the integration with Explore Park itself is a major draw for locals. With miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, unique attractions like Treetop Quest, and even a brewpub on-site, there's always something to do, whether you're seeking high-energy adventure or a relaxing stroll. The ease of access to the vibrant city of Roanoke also means that local dining, shopping, and cultural attractions are just a short drive away, providing the best of both worlds. Don's Cab-Inns Campground truly provides a unique and accessible way for Virginians to connect with the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make our region so special, fostering a deeper appreciation for our state's incredible outdoor offerings.

Don's Cab-Inns Campground

55 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA