$4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the acceptable licenses/waivers. More information below.

Located in the Appalachian Highlands, this area has grown to 7,190 acres. Havens occupies a part of Fort Lewis Mountain, about five miles west of the Roanoke-Salem area. This is steep and generally inaccessible terrain except to the hardiest hunter or nature enthusiast. Elevations range from 1,500 to 3,200 feet. There is very little water present, occurring only in small intermittent streams that flow through the area during wet periods and several water holes constructed for wildlife. Soils on the area are generally shallow and poor. Ninety-nine percent forested, the area grows a mix of oaks, hickories and pines. Prior to the Department’s purchase, the area’s primary use was for timber production and has been slow to recover from past practices.

Directions

Havens has two primary public access points, the Carroll’s Access Road from Route 619 (Wildwood Road) on the south side of the property and Route 622 (Bradshaw Road) where it joins the area’s northwest boundary. Access from I-81 at Salem is via Route 619 or 311 North towards Catawba. Consult the map for greater detail.

New Rules for Virginia WMAs
As of Jan 1, 2012, all Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries areas — pretty much any state WMA area — now requires either a valid VA (or non-resident VA) hunting license, fishing license, VA boat registration, or a paid Access Permit (daily, yearly, or group) to set foot on DGIF WMA lands. Waivers are only for those on official federal, state, or local government business, visiting graves, those 16 and younger, and those assisting disabled hunters who possess valid disabled hunter licenses. If you’re simply passing through via road, river, or the Appalachian Trail, you don’t need a pass, either.

Basically, all campsites in Virginia under the Fish and Wildlife category now cost a minimum of $4 per day for a day pass, $23 for a yearly pass, or one of the above licenses/waivers. Saltwater fishing licenses aren’t valid. (EDIT: freshwater licenses are $23/yr for residents). Learn more about the Access Permit »