As two families traveling with an assortment of kids, we were looking for something as close to camping prices as possible without the need to sleep on the ground. Virginia Creek Settlement was perfect. Although they offer some motel-type rooms and furnished mobile homes to make your stay more comfortable, a couple of bare-bones cabins better fit our budget. The cabins are whimsically arranged like a little settlement next to a creek (hence the name) with plenty of surrounding space.
Other than the fact that we were in wooden structures with beds, it was just like camping: no electricity (other than a light that only came on at night), barbecued dinners in our "yards," a shared bathroom and shower in an outbuilding. The kids loved the camping feel and we appreciated sleeping in real beds.
We weren't quite prepared for was how cold it got at night. In the middle of August we weren't expecting the temps to drop into the high 30s! With no heat and only wood slat walls there was no keeping any warmth in the cabins. Again, just like camping!
Before we headed out we had breakfast at the on-site restaurant, which was fabulous. The enormous pancakes were the best, so make sure you bring your appetite for one. Yes, just one! Did I mention they're enormous?
We had a great time at Virginia Creek Settlement and recommend a stay, especially for visitors to Bodie or Mono Lake.





