Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Normally a 5 star. This year the experience was not so pleasant. No water or toilets for 3 days as the water pump facility broke down. Took them that long to fix it. No big deal... I brought water with me and had a portable toilet. What ruined it for me was the camper who ran his 2 cycle jet ski ALL DAY LONG every day for 6 days right next to the shore by all the other campers who were equally annoyed. This usually is a quiet and peaceful place. Otherwise, the lake and mountains are awesome as usual.

My favorite place to go camping. I’ve been going there for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the management firm is allowing the park to degrade year over year and no action to repair. Last year the boat dock at campground #1 was failing grossly. I was anxious and excited expecting a to see a new dock this year when I returned. Much to my disappointment, the dock was simply removed. This is a major disappoint as my 85 year old mother as well as my grandkids go with us on trips and this is where we load them safely onto the boat. It was a struggle this year getting her into the boat.

The bathhouses at Sugar Ridge are difficult to use. There are no lights in the bathrooms at night. Often there is no soap. The shower doors are misaligned and EXTREMELY difficult to open and close. Some of the shower heads are missing or not working properly. The secondary restroom was despicable as the toilets would not flush, imagine the stench and sights we had to endure.

The site fees have increased, yet the care and maintenance of the park has decreased. Very disappointing to say the least. I am sad.

Profit over creating an enjoyable experience for thousands of people.

Nice lake out in the mountains! No cell coverage on the lake, but a hike to the outlook from the picnic grounds provides a great view and strong Verizon signal!

Beautiful property, but the amenities are outdated in sugar loop and campground 1. Many sites don’t have water and electric although it is said they are wired to have electric.

This was our first camping trip in many years for my family. Let me put it to you this week it was 20 years ago the last time I went camping and I can tell you that the spot was the best place to go camping. It was quiet people are friendly the bathroom and shower adequate and the views are spectacular!

After having earlier reservations cancelled due to Covid we were really looking forward to this vacation. Upon arriving the campground was in good shape considering we had made several trips there earlier and there seemed to be no clean up going on . The camp host were friendly , restrooms and showers were very clean and kept that way . The lots were cleaned as campers left out . However Quiet hours were definitely not observed. We were on a lot at the top of the campground in a camper so we're not affected so much but we had Family with small children on lot 67 which is a walk on lot that they had rented from the 17th through the 28 th of July. The people on two of the lots across from there were very loud and obnoxious most of the night for several nights . Several campers had complained about them on the 23rd so the hosts notified management . The Deputy Sheriff , Conservation Officer and a manager of Royal Oak all came in and talked to them but they were allowed to stay . The same thing happened that night . Members of my family and some other campers left out on the morning of Friday the 24 th . They went to the marina and requested a refund for the rest of the time left but were told they didn't give refunds . The lady that works there said what do you expect me to do I called the Police . But yet they rented the lot out for those nights .

Needs new management.

Very nice place, nice to be on a lake without developed shorlines.

We have been camping here for years with family and friends. The camp hosts were phenomenal this year!

We love Bolar Mountain. Great access to the lake, hiking trails, and very clean camp bathrooms. We come here every year. Unfortunately, there was a lot of trash left at the site this year and we picked up rusty beer bottle caps, plastic bags full of trash left under brush, and a lot of cigarette butts. People who fail to practice leave no trace principals should not be allowed to book again in the future. Also, there are more and more trailers and RVs in the tent (no hook ups) section of the campground and some people run contractor generators through the night, which is very unfortunate. It would be preferable to those who wish to use electricity when camping to reserve spaces with hook ups instead of dry docking and running a generator. Lastly, the picnic table in space 50 had been set on fire sometime in the past 12 months, so there wasn't a table there - maybe 2/3 of a table but nothing usable for family meals. Overall, good experience but there are some issues that could be addressed to make this a great experience.