Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Nice time, too many loud jet skis and power boats during the day to enjoy the Lakehurst come evening it was very nice. Strong cell at overlook at the top of Bolar loop trail.

This is a gorgeous park for camping. The view is stunning, there are many lake front sites if you reserve long enough in advance as we did.

We discovered it last year by chance taking up a canceled spot with friends on Labor day, and returned this year the week before Memorial day. There is a significant difference between the place when in full capacity - obviously noise, crowd, and jet ski traffic on the lake.

Also seems to be in transition from privately operated to state owned - when we visited this year none of the Marina services were operating which forces you to drive back to the nearest WV store for necessities such as ice etc.

The facilities (shower, restrooms) were relatively clean (if you don't mind the crawlers, occasional mouse running across) but this was mainly for a lightly occupied camp, as mentioned above and indeed during the labor day weekend they were in much worst condition.

So if you are geared for self sufficiency and pick an off time this is one of the most beautiful sites in VA, with an unbeatable cost/benefit ratio for a tranquil and relaxing vacation.

site 19 needs to be leveled and repaired.

Always enjoy this campground, but since the turnover to private vendors, many trails and so forth are in disrepair or are ignored. USFS needs to take management back and run the park properly. The season was even shortened this year. Why? The weather? No, it was shortened because of no reason other than a contracts dispute. Unacceptable. These parks are owned by the U.S. public and that should be kept foremost in mind.

Bolar Mountain is a beautiful camp site. The bathrooms were nice and clean. Host's were extremely friendly. Only thing that could have made it better was no rain!

Beautiful location! Definitely take state road 600 in.

Spent a relaxing Saturday-Tuesday in late August at 1/36. Convenient access to the lake, and water was great for swimming. Campsite was clean, and bathrooms/showers were clean with hot water. Firewood available at Camp host site, honor-system cash only money box. The general store near the boat launch had almost bare shelves, but plenty of ice. The nearest store is at Mountain Grove, about 15 minutes drive and has a limited selection. Be sure to bring everything you need! Will return!

I would have really enjoyed this place more if we had had water those whole time. There was no water for 2 days. Luckily there was a public tap further down that hadn't been affected so we were able to fill up jugs of water for our camper. We normally travel dry to get better mileage going over the mountain. We ended up cutting our stay short and going to another campground. The area here is beautiful. Be sure to pack all your necessities because the nearest town for good groceries and cell service is about 40-45 min away in Marlinton or Hot Springs. Just come prepared to make your trek to nearby towns over several windy mountainous roads. We will return because we liked that it was remote. There were many places to travel out to to visit within 90 min. Greenbrier River Trail was excellent for biking starting in Marlinton and going north for 10 miles to a bridge and Sharps Tunnel. Other places to get some pics is Devils Backbone on the way to Marlinton. There is a side road to pull off onto to get pics. Hiking along Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek, Droop Mountain Battlefield, and Beartown Rocks is a must. A nice little side trip is turning right out of the campground and traveling on the narrow road along with river (Richard Gorge Rd). If your GPS tries to bring you into the campground on Richard Gorge Rd - please pick another Route - you will not safely make it there with you RV or tow vehicle. It is not wide enough and many a trailer have landed in the river or overroad. If you are really brave, Take Richard Gorge to Jackson River Tnpike into Hot Springs, VA THEN find your way over to Switzerland Trail - it is a windy, narrow gravel road and you will need a 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle. Beautiful views and gives you a sense of adventure. All in all, this is a beautiful place.

Wonderful area! It's a shame the campground is not well maintained. Bathrooms were clean but very dated. There was also a 2 day water outage. This place could be a gem if electric and water was run to more sites. Also they are closing early this year, labor day weekend. Many people love coming here in fall when leaves are changing. Now it will be closed. Very poor management.