Camping in the Alleghany Highlands near Covington, Virginia offers access to both the George Washington National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet. Temperatures can vary significantly with season and elevation, with summer days reaching 85°F while dropping to the 50s at night. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though seasonal closures vary by location.
What to do
Lake activities at Bolar Mountain: Located on Lake Moomaw, this recreation area provides swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes," notes a visitor to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
Hiking trails near cabins: Several forested trails around Douthat State Park connect to the campgrounds. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!" shares a Douthat State Park Campground camper.
Paddle sports on remote waterways: Canoeing and kayaking options exist beyond the main lakes. "We rented kayaks at the marina/camp store down the road and explored a little cove that was really cool. We blocked out 4 hours, but only lasted 2 hours before we got tired and returned the kayaks," according to a Bolar Mountain visitor.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access from their campsite. "Greenwood Point is only accessible via water, so we packed our gear up on paddle boards to get there. It's a private little cove, sites are first come first serve, we had it to ourselves the whole night and next day," reports a camper at Greenwood Point Campground.
Clean facilities at state parks: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive reviews. "The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated. Showers were terrific as well. Staff were kind and knowledgeable," notes a Douthat State Park visitor who stayed in November.
Diverse camping landscapes: From lake views to forest settings, the region offers varied camping environments. "Lake Sherwood is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia. Even though I didn't get to go fishing it looked like a very nice lake to fish in," explains a camper at Lake Sherwood.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. "This is a great camp located near lake Moomaw! Right off the road with easy access to the sites. Cool foggy mornings and nice dark nights out here, Usually always someone camping in this spot so you mostly won't be out there alone," reports a visitor to Morris Hill Campground.
Remote location considerations: Many campgrounds require driving on winding mountain roads with limited services nearby. "This is off the grid and does not really have provisions especially after Labor Day. It is a stretch to call it a store but it did have ice, drinks, bait, peanut butter and few other essentials. Again closed after Labor Day. Had no cell service (Verizon) as well. Also not near town - closest was about 45 minutes," advises a Lake Sherwood camper.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation means temperature fluctuations and sudden storms. "We stayed 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," shares a Douthat State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming spots: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with amenities. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," mentions a camper at Douthat State Park, while another adds, "The sites are large but there really aren't trees between sites although we were on a corner and so had some sense of privacy."
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs and natural features with learning potential. "A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," shares a family that frequents Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers chances to observe forest animals safely. "We saw tons of wildlife in the area. The hike around the lake was awesome and all our kiddos loved the island and beach. We can't wait to go back," reports a Lake Sherwood visitor, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big RVs. "Each campground has a host and they have firewood for sale, so bring cash," notes a Bolar Mountain camper, while another adds, "We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access both times. Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim."
Hookup limitations: Be prepared for varying levels of services. "Most sites do kind of pair up so if you need more privacy then reserve the pair of sites. Otherwise most are pretty sizable. We reserved 35&36. 35 was pretty sloped but the gravel driveway wasn't too terribly unlevel," explains a Morris Hill visitor who stayed in a camper.
Seasonal access: Some roads become difficult during winter months. "The sites are large but there really aren't trees between sites although we were on a corner and so had some sense of privacy. The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated," shares a Douthat State Park camper who visited in November.
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