Lake Moomaw sits at the center of everything at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, a Forest Service campground in Warm Springs, Virginia, spread across three separate loops within George Washington National Forest. The campground runs from April through early December, with sites ranging from waterfront primitive spots to full-hookup pads accommodating rigs up to 50 feet. Cell service is essentially absent throughout most of the property, though one reviewer located a specific dead zone workaround near loop 2, behind site 10, on the walk toward the lake.
The three loops offer meaningfully different experiences. Loop 1 sites 2, 3, 9, and 10 have hookup boxes on the correct side for most rigs. Loop 2 sites 44 and 45 have water and electric, while sites 47, 50, 51, 53, 54, and 55 are waterfront without hookups. In Loop 3, sites 69 and 70 provide water and electric, and sites 64, 88, and 89 sit directly on the water. Nicole R. notes that site 53 in Loop 2 has "a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim," though she adds to bring water shoes since the rocks can be sharp.
Fishing draws consistent attention in reviews. Anglers report brown trout, catfish, and other species. The swim beach has a roped-off area and works as a kayak and canoe launch point. The marina has historically offered boat rentals, though the marina store has been closed at times, so bringing supplies from home is advisable. There is a small general store nearby but it does not function as a full grocery.
Noise is worth factoring in. Motor boats run throughout the day, and generators are permitted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend crowds fill the loops, and Brad H. describes the campground as having "tons of noise pollution and loud neighbors" during busy periods. Weekday visits in summer tend to be quieter. Bathrooms across the loops include flush toilets and showers, and multiple reviewers comment on cleanliness, though the pit toilets near premium sites in Loop 1 have drawn complaints about flies. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are worth booking ahead for waterfront sites.
Campers wanting a quieter or more primitive setting nearby can look at Greenwood Point Campground to the south along the lake, or Pine Run Camping Area across the state line to the northwest.
Description
Overview
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Recreation
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Looking for a more primitive experience? Hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camp sites.
Facilities
We have four campgrounds here at Bolar Mountain Recreation area; Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2 & Campground 3 respectively. Each campground has "Prime" sites which have a view and/or direct access to the lake, those seeking electric sites will find most of their options at Campground 1 followed by 2 & 3. Potable water taps can be found throughout each camp along with flush toilets and showers. Individual camp sites have a picnic table, lantern post, a fire ring and a Camp Host to answer any questions/concerns you may encounter. Campers can empty their waste tanks at one of the two dump stations at Campground 1 or Campground 2.
Natural Features
The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake is held by Gathright Dam, constructed in the 1980's by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline making it the second largest impoudment in western virginia.Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest which span 1.8 million acres across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The forest protects 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Nearby Attractions
Hidden Valley is a short drive from the lake and has ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiast: Hike or ride your horse along the Jackson River, all the way to Poor Farm, cast a line for trout, and stay at the Hidden Valley Campground or even better the historic bed and breakfast. Warm Springs has restaurants, shopping and a Historical Society for Bath County in addition to other typical amenities.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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 1at 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. 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBolar Mountain Recreation Area is located in Virginia near Hot Springs
Directions
Know your route ahead of time, cell service will be intermitten if available at all. From Covington, take 220 North to Hwy 39 and turn left on Hwy 39. Take Hwy 39 to Hwy 600 (Bolars Draft Road) and turn left on Hwy 600 towards the campgrounds. After about 7.5 miles turn right on Twin Ridge Drive for all campgrounds. Stay straight to head towards the store & marina, an overlook of the lake and McClintic Point. \*\*GPS often routes vehicles to take Richardson Gorge rd. via the Jackson River tpk. This route is NOT SUGGESTED for travel, especially when towing. It's a narrow dirt road with steep soft edges. Multiple accidents occur on this road each year.\*\*
Address
756 Twin Ridge Drive
Warm springs, VA 24484
Coordinates
37.9836111 N
79.9669444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
