Blue Springs Gap Cabin

$45.00/night

Show on map 800-628-7202 sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

3158 Blue Spring Road
Rural Retreat, VA 24368

Prohibitions in designated recreation sites

Several prohibitions related to swimming, camping, and parking apply in Recreation Areas, Day Use sites, and swim beaches on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest lands.

See the below forest order for full details.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

Roanoke, Virginia

ORDER NO. 08-08-00-23-9

RECREATIONAL OCCUPANCY AND USE

Pursuant to Title 16 U.S.C. § 551 and Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.50, the following acts are prohibited in Recreation Areas, Day use areas, and other Developed Sites on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This Forest Order is effective from the date signed by the Forest Supervisor until August 30, 2028, or until terminated by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.

Prohibitions. The following acts are prohibited:

Camping or maintaining a campsite for a period of time exceeding 14 days in any 30-day period. [Ref. § 261.58(a)]
Entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof when posted closed. [Ref.
§ 261.58(b)]
Camping in or within 300 feet of any developed parking area or boat ramp. [Ref. § 261.58(e)]
Operating a gasoline engine powered electrical generator between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except in designated areas. [Ref. § 261.10(i)]
Occupying an individual campsite with more than eight (8) persons and two (2) tents. [Ref. § 261.58(f)]
Parking or leaving a vehicle or trailer in violation of posted instructions. [Ref. § 261.58(g)]
Parking or leaving a vehicle outside a parking space assigned to one’s own camp unit. [Ref. § 261.58(h)]
Possessing, parking or leaving more than two (2) vehicles, except motorcycles or bicycles, per camp unit. [Ref. § 261.58(i)]
Swimming or being in the water within 100 feet of a designated boat ramp, unless loading or unloading a boat. [Ref. § 261.58(k)]
Swimming or being in a designated swimming area at any time except during day light hours. [Ref. § 261.58(k)]
Possessing glass containers in a designated swimming area. [Ref. § 261.58(k)]
Swimming outside of a designated swimming area, located in a developed recreation area. [Ref. § 261.58(k)]
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, BB gun, gas gun or archery equipment from, into or across any parking area, trail, boat ramp, camping site or National Forest System road. [Ref. § 261.58(m)]
Possessing or operating a boat within a designated swimming area. [Ref. § 261.58(n)]
Operating a gas power motorboat on the following lakes:
- Sherando Lake;
- High Knob Lake;
- Cave Mountain Lake
Being in a developed recreation area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except a person who is camping or who is visiting a person camping in that area. [Ref. § 261.58(u)]
Fishing in designated swimming area. [Ref. § 261.58(v)]
Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. [Ref. § 261.58(aa)]
Possessing any alcoholic beverages in the beach, picnic, swimming areas and/or parking lot or in violation of state law. [Ref. § 261.58(bb)]
Possessing a dog, except for those on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control 36 CFR 261.16(j).

Exemptions: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of their official duty.
Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

Executed in Roanoke, Virginia this 30th day of August 2023.

Signed, Joby P. Timm, Forest Supervisor, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Overview

Blue Springs Gap Cabin is located high on a mountaintop near Camp, Virginia, giving visitors the feeling of being on top of the world. The space has three comfortable bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Electricity and flush toilet add modern comfort to this rustic mountain setting.

Accessible hiking and biking trails pass near the cabin and Hale Lake is just 2 miles away, providing combined opportunities for bird watching, hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking.

Recreation

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area features four Congressionally designated wilderness areas; the Virginia Creeper Trail; the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway; the 5,000 acre Crest Zone, featuring elevations over 4,000 feet, large rock formations and a herd of wild, free-ranging ponies; and last but not least, the highest elevated road in the state of Virginia leading to the summit of Whitetop Mountain.

A trout stream is located nearby and Hale Lake is about 2 miles away. Hale Lake is popular among anglers who come to these quiet mountainside waters in search of a good day of fishing. State hunting and fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply.

The Hale Lake Trail, 0.58-mile loop trail is an easy hike around that lake, occasionally veering away from the shoreline and into the surrounding hardwood forests. Birders will probably find this site most productive during migration.

In spring, it should be easy to spot several species of warblers and flycatchers. In fall, the lake is likely to invite migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Wood duck breed in the area and can occasionally be seen on the lake. White-tailed deer and wild turkey roam through the surrounding woodlands, and might be found approaching the lake to quench a thirst.

Facilities

The cabin and grounds can accomadate a maximum of eight people. The single-story cabin comes with three bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living room. One bedroom has a queen bed, the other has a full sized bunk bed, and the third has a twin bunk bed.

The large stone fireplace is inoperable and there is no other heat source, and no air conditioning either. Electricity is available during the season. Flush toilet is available until October 31. A portable toilet is used from November 1 until the cabin is closed.

Outside there is a porch with a porch swing, a grill and picnic table. No linens, blankets or pillows are provided, so campers are recommended to bring their own to ensure a comfortable stay. There is a kitchen with a refrigerator stove, and microwave available for your use. There are limited pots, pans, dishes, glassware, and silverware available for your use.

There is no water available at the cabin. Visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, washing and cooking. Garbage bags, a flashlight and a first aid kit are also recommended. Firewood or charcoal is recommended for the outdoor firepit and grill.

This cabin is not professionally cleaned between each renter. Renters are asked to bring basic cleaning and paper products (broom, mop, dustpan provided) and leave the cabin in good order for the next renter.

Natural Features

Blue Springs Gap is situated in a grassy clearing atop a mountain peak in southwest Virginia. From the cabin's front porch campers have views of the impressive Appalachian peaks and valleys. Beyond the clearing is a dense stand of mixed hardwoods and pines.

The cabin is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a 200,000-acre stretch of land that includes two lakes, 50 miles of streams and multiple historic sites. During the fall months, visitors are treated to an incredible showing of autumn colors, as the foliage display in the area is known as some of the best in the region.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest access to drinking water is 4 miles east at Comers Rock Campground. The nearest phone is 12 miles in Speedwell, Virginia.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Electric hookups: all 1 sites
Fire pit: all 1 sites
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 30 amps

Fees

$45.00 nightly

Directions

From Marion, VA: Take I-81 to exit 45 and proceed south on VA Route 16 for about 10 miles to VA 695 (Slemp Creek Road) at Sugar Grove, VA. Turn left onto VA 695 (Slemp Creek Road) and go 1 mile before turning left onto VA 614 (Cedar Springs Road) towards Cedar Springs. Drive 4 miles and turn right onto VA 612 (Camp Road) before Cedar Springs, VA. Continue for 5 miles and turn right onto VA 798 (a gravel road - Hale Lake Road). Continue about 3 miles to the top of the mountain and a "T" intersection. Turn right onto VA 672 (Blue Springs Road). After about 0.3 miles, take the first gravel road on the right. This road leads to the cabin gate. Access to Blue Springs Gap Cabin along VA 798 is not suitable for low clearance vehicles

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

31 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Shiella D

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I was so charmed by this cabin I wanted to contact your office and have not had a chance. I may be able to get you some help in replacing the windows. It would certainly help with keeping the bugs out of the cabin. I can't wait to come back and visit in the Spring.

David L

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The cabin was quiet and rustic, which was just what we were looking for. The lack of potable water for drinking and showering was not a big deal for us, for our short stay, but it was nice being able to have the flush toilet. The fridge and stove worked fine. Be advised there are mice so bring some traps if you don't want them rustling around in your stuff. There are a dozen or more empty 1-2 gallon water bottles in the cabin but we were unable to find the potable water that is supposedly available at the nearby FS campground. Fortunately we had enough for ourselves, but we wanted to leave some extra for future cabin users. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will happily go back again if we're in the area.

Cordelia P

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Bring plenty water, My parents took care of this cabin for years, I was able to take my grandchildren, like my children went, loved it

Charlie S

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

An amazing cabin in an amazing natural area. A great home base to go see the ponies, hike a mountain or meander down the road to the blue Springs gap pond to fish.There is plenty to do close by, yet plenty of quiet and relaxation to be had. I really enjoyed watching the hummingbirds chase each other, and having the place to myself. The cabin holds up to eight people comfortably, but can also hold one who wants to be alone at only $45 a night. The lack of water is no big deal. Plan ahead and bring all your water - estimate 2.5 gal per person per day. The flush toilet and the electricity make for a comfortable summer or fall or spring. Enjoy!

waverly P

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Excellent value for the price. Pretty much includes everything you would find in a normal cabin, except running water and central heating, and cooling. I'm used to off-grid camping, so this was no problem. Even my cell service was better than what I was expecting. The only caveat is to make sure your vehicle has enough ground clearance because the only way to reach the cabin is VIA unpaved National Forest roads. Hale Lake is nearby if you want to fish or go kayaking or fishing.

Robert P

Loop:Blue Springs Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

For more detailed info please see our review for our last stay 11/26/2023 - 11/29/2023. For this stay: The Good Thank you to the local managing office for the improvements and repairs! We've stayed at 40 cabins and Fire Towers across the country and nobody has been more responsive to suggestions and complaints. Upon arrival we found that since our last stay:: The swing has been replaced on the porch! After we mentioned that the fridge gasket was broken they had replaced it! After we complained that on 3 different days different people rode ATVs and dirt bikes past the gap on the side of the gate they extended the fence to block it! No unwanted visitors this time made it a better stay! They repaired the kitchen sink so it can drain again! They dumped some gravel on parts of the drive to stop puddles! The price is still $45 for now after there was talk of raising it. Whew! The bad: Somebody either took, threw away or burned all the journals! What kind of sick person would do that to all the worded memories and drawn images from years of previous guests? Thankfully a new one has been started in July 2024. This same person probably threw away the silk flowers that were in the vases on the kitchen window sill too. The flag pole line is gone so you can't raise a flag. The windows seem to be getting worse. Somebody had suggested that the USFS get the windows replaced by Window World as they charge $189 each. Sounds like a good idea to us. The check in time at 4PM is the latest of any place we have stayed. Sure wish it was 1PM or 2PM like all the other places.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 27% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.