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.

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.

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.

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.

This was my 3rd time staying here. There are some positives, and some negatives. Positives first. It is a great location. No worries of anyone being near you. It is so quiet, and peaceful. There are lots of wild animals around you (hummingbirds, rabbits, coyotes, skunks, deer, & bear). Sunrises, and sunsets are breathtaking. Cabin has been pretty well kept up. Thanks to the elevation it stays a pretty cool temp. I do recommend opening up the windows, and inserting screens to get fresh air. Now the negatives. This isn't 5-star accommodations. It is rustic. Bring water, and/or an outdoor shower. Cabin does have a bit of old smell, but that's why you need to open the windows (no a/c). Be prepared to kill bugs. Also be prepared to deal with mice. Do not take the forest road due east towards US 21 unless you have a 4wd. Even if you do, it will take you likely every bit of 35-45 minutes to travel 5-6 miles. You are better off coming up or down the road from the south towards Comer's Rock Road. Still, it is pretty narrow at places. The views from the cabin looking north towards Rural Retreat are not what they used to be. Trees & shrubs on the slopes of the mountain have grown up. They badly need to be cut. All said, this place is a hidden gem.

This was my 3rd time staying here. There are some positives, and some negatives. Positives first. It is a great location. No worries of anyone being near you. It is so quiet, and peaceful. There are lots of wild animals around you (hummingbirds, rabbits, coyotes, skunks, deer, & bear). Sunrises, and sunsets are breathtaking. Cabin has been pretty well kept up. Thanks to the elevation it stays a pretty cool temp. I do recommend opening up the windows, and inserting screens to get fresh air. Now the negatives. This isn't 5-star accommodations. It is rustic. Bring water, and/or an outdoor shower. Cabin does have a bit of old smell, but that's why you need to open the windows (no a/c). Be prepared to kill bugs. Also be prepared to deal with mice. Do not take the forest road due east towards US 21 unless you have a 4wd. Even if you do, it will take you likely every bit of 35-45 minutes to travel 5-6 miles. You are better off coming up or down the road from the south towards Comer's Rock Road. Still, it is pretty narrow at places. The views from the cabin looking north towards Rural Retreat are not what they used to be. Trees & shrubs on the slopes of the mountain have grown up. They badly need to be cut. All said, this place is a hidden gem.

The location was beautiful and the cabin was cozy. It was a little chilly at night, but the portable heaters they left for us helped a lot. It is a beautiful area but be prepared to travel a while to get food or groceries. We drove ~25 minutes down the mountain to get gas and eat dinner at the restaurant next door. However, the restaurant had very odd hours and was not open. We ended up driving another 35 minutes to a Cracker Barrel.

The location was beautiful and the cabin was cozy. It was a little chilly at night, but the portable heaters they left for us helped a lot. It is a beautiful area but be prepared to travel a while to get food or groceries. We drove ~25 minutes down the mountain to get gas and eat dinner at the restaurant next door. However, the restaurant had very odd hours and was not open. We ended up driving another 35 minutes to a Cracker Barrel.