Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

I reserved two adjacent sites back in December 2022, because Bolar Mountain is our favorite campground and we have been going there since the 1980's. We were under the impression that all water and waste disposal issues had been resolved and we were greatly disappointed when we arrived on June 14, 2023, and found port-a-potties set up and no shower facilities open. Furthermore, the port-a-potties were not being serviced and maintained properly and the stink was almost unbearable. One day, a USFS employee was observed poking the contents of the portable potty with a stick and then throwing the stick into the brush. On top of those issues, the camp host was AWOL and there was nowhere to purchase firewood. My wife and I were in our camper one site, so the rest of our family, who were in tents the next in site, were able to use our bathroom to a limited degree, because the gray water and black water tank filled up quickly and the dump station was also closed. An email was sent out (after we had already arrived and set up camp) that advised campers of the above issues, but there is no wifi or cellphone reception there, so we did not get the email until after we returned home on June 20, 2023.

When we got there the only facilities were Porta potties and no showers. Also we could not dump our tanks at the campground. The campground was well manicured but the facilities could have been better and cleaned daily.

No potable water, no bathrooms (porta-johns🤢), people parking all over roads (not adhering to 2 vehicle rule. The park ranger came by to talk to us, informed him of some issues which he quickly corrected but water & bathrooms were still not working when we left (there 7 days). Not really his fault, he literally has a barebones staff and no volunteer camp host to keep a rein on disrespectful campers. Shame. Used to be a wonderful campground and with this park ranger it may be again given a little time.

The lake itself is beautiful, the host were very friendly and did an excellent job with keeping up with the campsites. The only things I would complain was the lack of upkeep from the Forestry Department. I remember when the lake was manicured nice, the sand was raked daily at the beach, the signs had fresh paint on them. It's like everything has just been left alone and is becoming so overgrown. While we were there, we also had to use porta johns (which is no big deal) The campground host tried to keep it as clean as possible, but it did get rough after the weekend and could have used an extra dumping in between normal cleaning.

Prior to arrival I received several confirmation reminders of our reservation. There was no mention of any issues. Upon arrival there were portable outhouses, (bathrooms were closed), limited shower times, and notice in water connections that water was not potable pending testing! After several days water was ok to use and campground host removed signs when test results were in. After water tested ok, then showers were closed due to issues? Iv been camping here for years and to have 5 children with us, portable toilets are not acceptable, no water connection is not ok, and to close the showers? Really????? I am extremely upset and don’t understand why they would open a campground without basics that are being paid for by its patrons!

In August of 2021 I was informed by the Forestry Specialist from the Warm Springs Ranger Distric that construction was slated to being in September of that year on a new wastewater treatment plant at Bolar Mountain Campgrounds. As I understood, the old facility was very outdated, inefficient, and irreparable. Yet, almost 2 years later, there is no new facility and the campgrounds remained closed last season because of this. Since February of 2022, it has been shared in the local newspaper and with those of us who have taken the time to ask that repairs were slated on the old treatment plant. The campgrounds have opened for the season, yet with water designated as "not potable" and unusable toilets. Portable toilets have been brought in but good grief, several days into our trip they were nasty. Those of us with reservations are still charged the same as if all amenities are available. Further, a storm damaged the docks at the marina and boat landing last summer - repairs have yet to be completed. The marina store appears to have been gutted but remains closed. Shame on those responsible for maintaining these public recreation facilities. I am happy to recruit volunteers to assist in clean-up and repairs, yet no one seems interested in this offer. Please, can someone offer explanation or assistance? This is such a treasured happy retreat for many people.

Hope for water and sewerage soon. Very nice camp host but little overall Fed maintenance.

It was beautiful, water was so clear!!! No service or stores for awhile around here so come prepared if you are camping. Worth the trip!!

No potable water at campground,that happens.But not being notified I brought none.E-mail was sent 2 days before check in,no notice about water.Will not be back.

Generators can't run all day and all night. This needs to be cracked down on. Other then that, the experience was excellent. The camp host had great control of the campground and stayed on top of the noise control.