Woohoo! Spring VAR!

May 19-21, 2023

Thorn Springs Campground,

Franklin, WV

Overview:

Spring VAR 2023 is scheduled for May 19-21, 2023 at Thorn Springs Campground near Franklin, WV, hosted by the Battlefield Area Troglodyte Society (BATS). All details are subject to change as more information become available. Check back often for updates!

When:

May 19-21, 2023

Where:

Thorn Springs Campground near Franklin, WV

Cost:

• Pre-registration Deadline April 30
  • Saturday dinner included
    • Adults (aged 17+) $30
    • Kids aged 6–16: $22
    • Under 6 Free
• At the Door:
  • Saturday dinner not guaranteed, but we will try to order extra meals
    • Adults $35
    • Kids 6–16: $22
    • Under 6 Free

Camping:

• RV with Full Hookups: $30/night. Pay Thorn Springs directly.
• Cabin Rental: $5/person/night extra. Stove, fridge, showers. Bring your
  sleeping bag and towels. Each cabin sleeps 8–12.
• Tent camping included—set up behind buildings

Coming Soon:

Pre-registration form and payment info

Hotels:

• Mountain Springs Motel and Apartments (formerly Thompson's)
  
  • 937 N. Main St, Franklin, WV, 26807 (intersection of US 33 and 220)
  • (304) 358-2331

Caver Beverages:

Be discreet! It's BYOB. Be discreet!

Pets:

Well-behaved dogs ON LEASH at all times will be allowed. You must be at the other end of the leash. You MUST clean up after your pet--bring poop bags and take them with you when you go home.

Caving:

Of course! Led trips or on your own. Trout Cave will be open!

Commercial Caves

• Grand Caverns, Grottoes, VA
• Caverns at Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge, VA
• Dixie Caverns, Salem, VA
• Endless Caverns, New Market, VA
• Luray Caverns, Luray, VA
• Smoke Hole Caverns, Seneca, WV
• Skyline Caverns, Front Royal, VA

Wild Caves:

• Hamilton Cave
• New Trout Cave
• Trout Cave
• Kee Cave
• McCoys Mill Cave (walking distance from camp!)

Other Activities:

Don’t want to get down and dirty? Don’t blame you; there is so much to do above-ground!

• NRocks, Circleville, WV, (Nelson Rocks) via ferrata, climbing, and more
• Seneca Rocks, Seneca Rocks, WV
• Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Harrisonburgn, VA
• Route 151 Tour Caver Beverages!
• Hiking - Mountain View Park, Furnace Mountain Summit
• Crozet Tunnel
• River Access/Fishing/Paddling on the South Fork Shenandoah River.
• Natural Chimneys in Mount Solon, VA

Vendors:

• Maybe, Maybe not - TBD

Saturday Night:

Dinner, program, and party in the large pavilion. Come ready to dance! Pre-register to guarantee dinner.

Sunday Morning:

VAR business meeting: 9 a.m. Grottos be sure to assign representatives to attend!