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George Washington and Jefferson National Forest › Mount Rogers National Recreation Area › Virginia
› Wythe County
› Rural Retreat
› Blue Springs Gap Cabin
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at Blue Springs Gap Cabin, VA
$45
Cabin Site #1
| Drive-In | 8 people |
| 8 | good |
5/15
Campsite #1 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 30 amp hookup, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 72% |
| 4 star | | 8% |
| 3 star | | 16% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 4% |
@CharlieS557438 · Camped on Aug 24, 2025 at Campsite #1
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!
Some Coverage
@waverlyP842764 · Camped on Aug 4, 2025 at Campsite #1
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.
Good
@RobertP6375002 · Camped on Nov 17, 2024 at Campsite #1
For more detailed info please see our review for our last stay 11/26/2023 - 11/29/2023. For this stay:The GoodThank 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.
Excellent
@CharlieS557438 · Camped on Jul 9, 2024 at Campsite #1
So peaceful and fun! Sat on the porch and watched the day go. Quiet, pretty comfortable. Highly recommend. So many great hikes reachable from the cabin in an hour or less!
Some Coverage
@TomE1777758 · Camped on Jun 30, 2024 at Campsite #1
This was the fourth year we have brought grandchildren to the cabin for 5 day stays. Planning for next year also. Great times at Hale Lake for the kids. SUPs and Fishing. The website says to use Acorn Road to the Cabin. I have used that road and also Hale Lake Rd. Acorn recommends high clearance. We drove our minivan on Hale Lake Rd. and had no problem. Suggest you revise the website to Hale Lake Rd. Previous users left a Solar Water Heating bag in the Shower. That was great for heating water. Will bring my own next time.
Some Coverage
@RobertP6375002 · Camped on Nov 26, 2023 at Campsite #1
Great stay & last guests in 2003.The good:We would stay again. This and 2 nearby cabins will be having price increases next year so reserve now.Nice huge 3 bedroom cabin with huge porch to match. Bunk beds with dresser in 2 bedrooms & 1 queen with dresser in last all with curtains. Electricity. Has fans no ac.Has fridge, sinks, stove/oven microwave, dishes, pots, pans, glasses & silverware. 6 place dining table.Has shower/tub but must use solar shower since no water. Flushing toilet except November when porta potty is used.Picnic table with fire pit.We have Verizon & were able to get 4 bar 4G LTE but went down to 1 bar at times.Saw no mice but saw evidence in utility room which needs to be cleaned. Huge metal box in here & the fridge great for mice proofing items.Bring humming bird food as that seems to be a thing.It's reported this used to be a hunting cabin with airstrip nearby. Supposedly it turned into a drug distribution center & was seized by the gov. Could not verify this but when you stay look for the hidden space. FUN!The bad:There is a locked gate but there is a wide opening on the left allowing access to people on dirt bikes & 4 wheelers to ride to the cabin. 2 of 3 days this happened. Also was a hunter set up right by the cabin violating distance regulations. If you have this happen while you stay make sure you complain to the rangers like we did so they block the entrance more. People should not be able to bypass the locked gate.Fireplace closed until further notice.Not too much of a view due to clouds and trees.The queen mattress is SUPER firm. Bring a pad or air mattress.No ax or maul if you bring wood for fire pit.Porch swing is in utility room. Maybe the USFS will reinstall some day.Some light bulbs out or missing.
Excellent
@RobertP6375002 · Camped on Sep 24, 2023 at Campsite #1
WARNING: The fireplace has been closed by the USFS for some time & with no date for reopening for now. While there were two electric heaters you may want to bring a couple due to cabin size.The good:We would stay again. This and 2 nearby cabins will be having price increases next year so stay now.Nice huge 3 bedroom cabin with huge porch to match. Bunk beds with dresser in 2 bedrooms & 1 queen with dresser in last all with curtains. Electricity. Has fans no ac.Has fridge, sink that drains, stove/oven microwave. Has dishes, pots, pans, glasses silverware. 6 place dining table.Has shower/tub but must use solar shower since no water. Flushing toilet except November when porta potty is used.Picnic table with fire pitWe have Verizon & were able to get 4 bar 4G LTE but went down to 1 bar at times.Saw no mice but saw evidence in utility room which needs to be cleaned. Huge metal box in here & the fridge great for mice proofing items.There is a locked gate & we had no visitors. Others have not been as lucky. Always make sure you bring your OWN locks if away at any USFS cabin.Bring humming bird food seasonally as that seems to be a thing.It's reported this used to be a hunting cabin with airstrip nearby. Supposedly it was also a drug distribution center & was seized by the gov. Could not verify this but when you stay look for the hidden "room". FUN!The bad:Overall clean upon arrival except floors & toilet. We have stayed at many USFS cabins & the bigger they are the messier they are upon arrival.The queen mattress is SUPER firm. Bring a pad or air mattress.No ax or maul if you bring wood for fire pit.Don't expect a view if it is cloudy. Trees & brush have grown so much that you may need to hike to a better spot for view. Maybe better when leaves fall off.Porch swing is in utility room. Maybe the USFS will reinstall some day.Some light bulbs out or missing.Beware of huge paper hornet nest on tree at nearby pond.
Excellent
@GeraldN6627439 · Camped on Jul 24, 2023 at Campsite #1
Very nice cabin and beautiful surroundings. We got in late and mostly just slept here but found everything we needed to make a very comfortable night. In the morning we made coffee and hummingbird food and enjoyed watching the hummingbirds for a bit before we left for our next adventure. I wish we had taken the time to spend another night at this cabin.
Some Coverage
@PhilipM3845838 · Camped on Nov 3, 2022 at Campsite #1
This is a nice location. We did a day of mountain biking in the area. We got rained out, but the storms coming through the gap were better than anything on TV.
Good
@Alexander18435 · Camped on Oct 14, 2022 at Campsite #1
Great place, bring your water, peaceful, water available at Comers Rock Campground.
@CharlesP147608 · Camped on Sep 9, 2022 at Campsite #1
I like it. Does what it needs to do and is great for that purpose
Major Issues
@PeterF7272337 · Camped on Jul 15, 2022 at Campsite #1
As always a great time. This cabin is an incredible value and in a beautiful location. Visit it if you can.
Some Coverage
@TomE1777758 · Camped on Jun 30, 2022 at Campsite #1
Cabin is well maintained. The Ice Trays in the Freezer were a Special Treat. We have gone 2021 & 2022 with our three grandchildren. Went to Hale Lake once or twice a day for kayak fishing, hiking and tadpole, crawdad & minnow observation.
it seems like guests leave behind "gifts" that make the stay more enjoyable. Books and Jigsaw Puzzles were new this year.
it seems like guests leave behind "gifts" that make the stay more enjoyable. Books and Jigsaw Puzzles were new this year.
Some Coverage
@EdgarB3896650 · Camped on Apr 21, 2022 at Campsite #1
The night after Easter it snowed about 2 inches, which was a surprise. The next 2 days were very cold and windy. Daytime temps, with the wind chill factor hovered at 17 degrees. So, we were mostly confined to the cabin. The mice were back in full force, leaving droppings everywhere, including on the counter tops, kitchen table and on top of the fridge. In spite of these issues, the cabin was still cozy and welcoming.
Excellent
@Katherine80258 · Camped on Apr 14, 2022 at Campsite #1
This is my first visit to the cabin during the early spring. The mice were very active. I think if the NFS would fix the back door and the gap in the from door the repairs would help control the mice population.
I hope some government funding comes their way to make repairs to the doors and leaking roof. I like the bear bones offering of the cabin as it gets me off the grid.
I hope some government funding comes their way to make repairs to the doors and leaking roof. I like the bear bones offering of the cabin as it gets me off the grid.
Some Coverage
@EdgarB3896650 · Camped on Oct 31, 2021 at Campsite #1
I've been here so many times, it feels like a time share. I greatly love this place. However, for a cabin with a mouse problem, you'd think the garbage can in the kitchen would at least have a lid. Next time I'm up there, I'm going to donate a couple of wall clocks for the kitchen and great room. Rewire the whole place and we're good to go. Also, please put a fire extinguisher by the front door in the great room. That chimney hasn't been professionally cleaned probably since it was built and the fireplace is inefficient. Beyond that, a general go-over to make a punch list for minor repairs and we'll be coming up for years to come. It's a favorite place of my friends and family. Thank you!
Excellent
@SarahM221 · Camped on Aug 26, 2021 at Campsite #1
Cabin was occupied. We were unable to stay there.
Some Coverage
@EileenY730 · Camped on Aug 18, 2021 at Campsite #1
We were not able to get there this time but enjoyed our last visit tremendously
@TomE575 · Camped on Aug 15, 2021 at Campsite #1
Very peaceful cabin experience.
We continuously found little benefits that made the cabin better than advertised on the website.
Three Grandchildren asked us to reserve the cabin again next summer, but for a longer stay.
We continuously found little benefits that made the cabin better than advertised on the website.
Three Grandchildren asked us to reserve the cabin again next summer, but for a longer stay.
Some Coverage
@DavidD665 · Camped on Aug 8, 2021 at Campsite #1
This was our 20th vacation at Blue Springs Gap cabin since 2001, and a very relaxing, peaceful visit as usual. If a mountaintop cabin with total privacy and lots of interesting things to explore in the adjacent woods and fields appeals to you, this is the place. We highly recommend bringing water in large vented jugs with spigots--we use 6 7-gallon Reliance jugs plus a couple army surplus 5-gal. jugs--plenty for 2 people for a week without ever having to leave to refill.
From the entries in the cabin journal, most people who stay here return again and again, as we have, for good reason. It is a very special place that will keep calling you back.
From the entries in the cabin journal, most people who stay here return again and again, as we have, for good reason. It is a very special place that will keep calling you back.
Good
@DavidD5028320 · Camped on Aug 8, 2021 at Campsite #1
This was our 20th vacation at Blue Springs Gap cabin since 2001, and a very relaxing, peaceful visit as usual. If a mountaintop cabin with total privacy and lots of interesting things to explore in the adjacent woods and fields appeals to you, this is the place. We highly recommend bringing water in large vented jugs with spigots--we use 6 7-gallon Reliance jugs plus a couple army surplus 5-gal. jugs--plenty for 2 people for a week without ever having to leave to refill. From the entries in the cabin journal, most people who stay here return again and again, as we have, for good reason. It is a very special place that will keep calling you back.
Good
@KatherineO773 · Camped on Jul 3, 2021 at Campsite #1
Watch for rattle snakes on trails during the summer. Someone left sparklers in the cabin--please respect the no fireworks policy. Before booking a cabin on public land read the policies. If you are unable to respect the policies for using these public resources reconsider if this is the right experience for you.
I love how bare bones this cabin is. To help mitigate the mouse problem I threw away food people left behind.
The NFS keeps the grass well cut. I suggest the window screens be repaired; open windows help circulate the air in the summer.
There is plenty of adventure to be found in the area. If you can afford it please shop at local businesses.
The Food City in Independence is closed for the time being, plan accordingly.
The cabin is a lovely no frills respite.
I love how bare bones this cabin is. To help mitigate the mouse problem I threw away food people left behind.
The NFS keeps the grass well cut. I suggest the window screens be repaired; open windows help circulate the air in the summer.
There is plenty of adventure to be found in the area. If you can afford it please shop at local businesses.
The Food City in Independence is closed for the time being, plan accordingly.
The cabin is a lovely no frills respite.
@CharlieK567 · Camped on Jun 28, 2021 at Campsite #1
This is a breathtaking place with a gorgeous cabin. It's well kept, clean and the beds are hard but adequate. The only reason we wouldn't rate it 5 stars is the lack of a shower...even without one, it's still a wonderful family vacation spot.
Some Coverage
@SamanthaB176 · Camped on Apr 1, 2021 at Campsite #1
The cabin has a mouse problem. We removed one and saw others. There were mouse droppings everywhere. Nothing I haven't experienced before like sleeping in the Appalachian Trail shelters, but just a heads up to others. We were the first ones there this season and were greeted by a blizzard and temps in the teens. We were very thankful for the 3 space heaters. The campground had not opened yet so we filled out water buckets at a natural spring coming out of the side of the hill walking up to Hale Lake. We visited Grayson Highlands one day, mountain biked the rarely driven FS roads and trails another day, we soaked up the sun in the large yard of the cabin, etc. Bottom line: we would definitely go there again!
Good
@EdgarB565 · Camped on Nov 25, 2020 at Campsite #1
Stayed 10 days. Second time there. Loved it, as usual.
Excellent
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