Virginia / Bath County / George Washington National Forest

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late May through Labor Day weekend, with reservations opening six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a 2,530-acre reservoir along the Jackson River in George Washington National Forest. The recreation area features four campground loops—Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2, and Campground 3—with more than 140 individual sites and group camping options. Many sites, especially in Campground 1, offer electric hookups, and prime sites provide direct lake views or access. The campground includes modern amenities such as flush toilets, hot showers, potable water taps throughout each loop, and two dump stations. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring with grill. Camp hosts are available to assist campers. Recreation opportunities abound on Lake Moomaw, which features 43 miles of wooded shoreline and an average depth of 80 feet. The Bolar Flat Marina offers a boat ramp, modern dock, and boat slips for motorized boating, water skiing, and fishing for brown and rainbow trout, bass, and crappie. A swim beach provides lakeside relaxation. Hikers can explore 11 miles of trails, including routes to Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Cell service is minimal to nonexistent throughout the area.

Directions

From Covington, take US 220 North to VA 39 and turn left. Follow VA 39 to VA 600 (Bolars Draft Road) and turn left toward the campgrounds. After about 7.5 miles, turn right on Twin Ridge Drive for campground access. GPS often routes vehicles via Richardson Gorge Road and Jackson River Turnpike—this route is not recommended, especially when towing, due to narrow conditions and steep soft edges.

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