Springwood is located in the Northern half of Botetourt County, about halfway between Buchanan and Fincastle.

The community is defined by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and the presence of the James River that flows near the historic center of town.

Given the community's location on the banks of the James River, it is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with a canoeing/kayaking route connecting Springwood with neighboring Arcadia and Buchanan.

The Springwood area is also a popular deer and turkey hunting spot in the Roanoke Valley given its abundance of fields, farm lands, and woods.

Most notably, it is the location of James River High School, which has a Buchanan mailing address due to Springwood's lack of a post office.