CampgroundDay Use

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

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. 

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. 

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Standard Electric
  • Walk To
  • Group Standard Area Nonelectric
  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Overnight
  • Day

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Water Sports
  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Camping
  • Boating

Amenities

  • Boat Ramp
  • Drinking Water
  • Electricity Hookup
  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
  • Pets Allowed
  • Parking Area
  • Picnic Tables
  • Shade
  • Tent Pad
  • Water Hookup
  • Sewer Hookup
  • Full Hookup

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. 

Getting Here

Latitude
37° 59' 1.0000" N
Longitude
79° 58' 0.9998" W

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.** 

Need to Know

  • Additional first-come, first-served sites may be available

  • Full RV hookups are not available
  • Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  • Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
  • Contact Information

    756 Twin Ridge Drive
    Warm Springs, VA 24484

    For campground inquiries, please call: 540-279-4144

    Additional Information