Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
The wastewater treatment plant is being replaced, affecting 2026 amenities. Sugar Ridge Campground and Campground 1 are operating first-come-first-served with limited amenities and portable toilets only. Morris Hill Campground is open for reservations via Recreation.gov. The beach area is open. The picnic pavilion remains closed.
From Recreation.gov
We are currently replacing the Bolar Mountain wastewater treatment plant and are uncertain how this project will affect our 2026 recreation season offerings. Sugar Ridge Campground and Campground 1 at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area will initially** **open for first come first served camping to begin the 2026 recreation season. The Beach Area will initially open as well. There will be limited amenities and port-o-potties will be utilized. Morris Hill Campground will be open and reservations can be made through [recreation.gov][1]. The Picnic Pavilion will remain closed. The facilities are tentatively scheduled to open on May 15th. We will communicate any changes that may occur due to ongoing construction and improvement of these recreation sites. Please contact the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District office at 540-839-2521 if you have questions. [1]: http://recreation.gov
About
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a scenic 2,530-acre reservoir created by Gathright Dam on the Jackson River. Part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the lake has 43 miles of wooded shoreline and an average depth of 80 feet, making it the second-largest impoundment in western Virginia. The recreation area offers over 120 campsites spread across multiple loops including Sugar Ridge Campground and Campgrounds 1, 2, and 3. Sites include picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings with grills. Boating, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming at the beach are popular activities. Anglers target brown and rainbow trout, bass, and crappie. Bolar Flat Marina has a modern dock with boat slips and a ramp for vessels under 25 feet. The area boasts 11 miles of hiking trails leading to two scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. For a more primitive experience, hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camping. Cell service is limited to nonexistent throughout the area. GPS navigation sometimes routes vehicles via Richardson Gorge Road, which is not recommended, especially when towing. The suggested route is via Highway 220 North to Highway 39, then left on Highway 600 (Bolars Draft Road) to Twin Ridge Drive.
Directions
From Covington, take 220 North to Highway 39 and turn left. Take Highway 39 to Highway 600 (Bolars Draft Road) and turn left toward the campgrounds. After about 7.5 miles, turn right on Twin Ridge Drive for all campgrounds. Do not use Richardson Gorge Road via Jackson River Turnpike, especially when towing.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $16 - $85 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (540) 839-2521 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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