Potomac Speleological Club
Lutz Fieldstation
Dunmore, W.Va.

In May of 2003 the Potomac Speleological Club (PSC) purchased two acres of land in West Virginia, near the town of Frost (the postal address is Dunmore). The property, about a half hour from Marlinton, W.Va., Cass, W.Va., and Monterrey, Va., is ideally located as a base camp for caving trips to My Cave, Friars Hole, Sharps Cave, Simmons-Mingo, and many other caves.

The site is named the Lutz Fieldstation in honor of Bob Lutz, an early member of PSC and a prominent caver who willed funds to the club that were used to purchase the property.

Directions from Washington, D.C.:

Drive west on Interstate 66 to the end and head south on Interstate 81, towards Harrisonburg, Va.

In Harrisonburg, take exit 247B and head west on Route 33 to Franklin, W.Va.

After about one hour of driving, you'll reach Franklin, W.Va. In Franklin, turn left onto Route 220 south, heading towards Monterrey, Va.

Drive through Monterrey on 220, then turn right on Route 84 and follow it for about 20 miles heading west.

When you reach the town of Frost, turn north on Route 92 and go one half mile.

Take your first left on County Road 13. Stay on this road for about 2.8 miles, turning right at the one fork along the way, until you reach the fieldstation. The site is on the north (right) side of the road, just after you leave the Seneca State Forest. You will see the pavilion from the road. Please park along the driveway.

Mapquest and Google both suggest taking Route 250 but, unless you like endless switchbacks, Route 33 to 220 is the preferable route.

Printer-friendly directions to the fieldstation

The fieldstation on Google maps

The fieldstation is a large grassy field with plenty of camping space. You should bring water, as there is no potable water on the site, but there is a small creek with water for washing. The site also has a pavilion that provides plenty of shelter from the rain. The "bathroom" is inside a large tool shed. It's a pit toilet similar to those in national forests, but nicer. Behind the shed is a sink with a water system for washing hands and dishes which is normally working only during the Jamboree.

There is a fee of $2 per night for PSC members, and $4 per night for nonmembers (who are welcome but must be guests of a PSC member). Please sign into the logbook in the shed as soon as you arrive. Mail a check to cover your fees to Joanne Smith, the current PSC treasurer, or send her your fees by Paypal.

If you are arriving solo, you'll need the combination to the locks on the shed and the electrical box. The combination is the same for all three locks. For the combination, contact John Harman, the current field station chairman, or any committee member including Pete Penczer or Dave West. To use the electricity, you'll need to turn it on at the box on the pole.

Fieldstation Management Plan and rules.

Mike F. at the Crayfish Pool in My Cave. Photo by P. Penczer.