How much does camping cost at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Camping fees at Blue Springs Gap Cabin range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Blue Springs Gap Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Blue Springs Gap Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Blue Springs Gap Cabin before I book?

Yes! Blue Springs Gap Cabin has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Blue Springs Gap Cabin is open May 15 to November 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Blue Springs Gap Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Fire policies at Blue Springs Gap Cabin: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Blue Springs Gap Cabin have?

Blue Springs Gap Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Blue Springs Gap Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Blue Springs Gap Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Popular activities at Blue Springs Gap Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Blue Springs Gap Cabin

4.01

37 reviews

3158 Blue Spring Road, Rural Retreat, VA, 24368, USA

Top 12% in VAFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Electricity is avail...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Electricity is avail...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Blue Springs Gap Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

800-628-7202sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Blue Springs Gap Cabin

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Campground Map

3158 Blue Spring Road, Rural Retreat, VA, 24368, USA

Blue Springs Gap Cabin

3158 Blue Spring Road, Rural Retreat, VA, 24368, USA

Nearby places

Speedwell, VA (12 miles)

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Blue Springs Gap Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Access to Blue Springs Gap Cabin along VA 798 is not suitable for low clearance vehicles
Be prepared for emergencies. Note where the closest hospital is located and bring basic first aid supplies
Bring a flashlight, food, bedding, and water
Cell phone service is unreliable

Best Time to Camp at Blue Springs Gap Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most rewarding combination of stable, crisp weather and spectacular high-elevation foliage — peak colors typically occur in mid to late October. Expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and chilly nights near 30–40°F, ideal for long ridge hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing (look for wild ponies and deer in the Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands corridor). Weekends in peak color can be busier, but overall crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation parks; utilities (electricity Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 12% in VA

Fall is main draw; peak mid-late Oct for vivid foliage and sweeping valley colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Electricity is available from April 1 to November 29. Flush toilets are available from April 1 to October 31; portable toilets are in use from November 1 to November 29. The cabin is closed after November 29.

About Blue Springs Gap Cabin

Blue Springs Gap Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, near Rural Retreat. Operated by the Forest Service, this single-cabin rental offers ridge-top views over Elk Creek Valley and direct access to hiking, biking, and wildlife corridors. Guests appreciate the remote setting and fall foliage but should prepare for rustic conditions, including no potable water and variable cleanliness between renters.

Blue Springs Gap Cabin offers a single cabin lodging option in a secluded mountain setting, suitable for families or small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most rewarding combination of stable, crisp weather and spectacular high-elevation foliage — peak colors typically occur in mid to late October. Expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and chilly nights near 30–40°F, ideal for long ridge hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing (look for wild ponies and deer in the Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands corridor). Weekends in peak color can be busier, but overall crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation parks; utilities (electricity Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a grassy meadow surrounded by hardwood forests and scattered pines. Views stretch across the Appalachian peaks and valleys in every direction. Fall transforms the slopes into waves of red, gold, and amber. Wildlife passes through regularly. Visitors report seeing deer and wild ponies from the porch. The elevation puts you above much of the valley haze, though it also means weather moves in fast.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin includes three bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and a living room. Sleeping arrangements consist of a queen bed, a full-sized bunk bed, and a twin bunk bed. Visitors must bring their own linens, pillows, and blankets.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is 8 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe facility does not meet accessibility standards. Visitors with disabilities may encounter challenges due to the remote location and lack of paved paths.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 8 people and 8 vehicles.

PrivacyBlue Springs Gap Cabin offers total privacy, situated in a remote and isolated location atop a mountain peak.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water in large vented containers, cleaning products, and warm clothing during colder months. Avoid nearby hunting season (as noted in reviews).

Need help booking Blue Springs Gap Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water available at the cabin. Visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, washing and cooking. The large stone fireplace is inoperable and there is no other heat source, and no air conditioning either.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Blue Springs Gap Cabin include nearby hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Hale Lake, located two miles away, offers excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities. Other attractions include the Virginia Creeper Trail and wilderness areas within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Blue Springs Gap Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's beautiful location, privacy, and rustic charm. However, issues such as a mouse problem, lack of potable water, and basic amenities are commonly mentioned. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and wildlife but caution about difficulties reaching the site due to its remote location.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the cabin's serene atmosphere, stunning views, and proximity to nature trails and wildlife. "Top of the world location overlooking Elk Creek Valley & views all around" and "This...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water, unreliable cell service, and a mouse infestation. "The mice were back in full force, leaving droppings everywhere," and "NOT a cozy getaway in...

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 1 is frequently reviewed, with mentions of its spacious cabin and secluded location. "It is a great location. No worries of anyone being near you."

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of water, cleaning supplies, and warm clothing during colder months. "We use 6 7-gallon Reliance jugs plus a couple army surplus 5-gal. jugs—plenty for two people for...

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the cabin is most pleasant during spring and summer months when wildlife is abundant and temperatures are moderate. Winter visits can be challenging, with cold temperatures and...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The large stone fireplace is inoperable, but the porch swing and mountain views more than make up for it." "Bring water, bedding, and cleaning supplies for a comfortable stay." "Watch for...

Based on 37 reviews