Warning
GeneralWe 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 1 at 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.
About Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Number of accommodations: 85
Campground Amenities
-
Potable Water
Sites & Availability
85 Sites Available
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Site Details
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85 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (191)
What Guests Are Saying
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers a beautiful and serene environment with clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing, attracting many returning visitors. Camp sites are spacious and well-maintained, and the bathrooms are generally clean. However, some reviewers noted issues with overgrown vegetation, maintenance of facilities, and limited access to firewood and supplies, suggesting areas for improvement. Overall, visitors appreciate the area's natural beauty and the peaceful camping experience it provides.
What Guests Are Saying
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers a beautiful and serene environment with clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing, attracting many returning visitors. Camp sites are spacious and well-maintained, and the bathrooms are generally clean. However, some reviewers noted issues with overgrown vegetation, maintenance of facilities, and limited access to firewood and supplies, suggesting areas for improvement. Overall, visitors appreciate the area's natural beauty and the peaceful camping experience it provides.
Review Summary
Debbie R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 71, Loop: 3
Lake was beautiful and our campsite was clean. Our water was turned off one day for repairs but nothing to crazy. The store is still closed so there is nowhere close to pick up supplies such as ice or gas. All campgrounds are still missing boat docks which each campground use to have. So, no easy access for handicap or elderly guest to access their boats. No cell service which is a safety concern.
Richard P
VerifiedJuly 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 48, Loop: 2
There were some people in a campsite nearby who played loud music in the afternoon, which we do not care for. But, the loud music was no longer noticeable in the evening or after 10 PM. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms were clean and functional.
Laura C
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: 1
Bolar Recreation Area is location in beautiful spot on a lovely mountain lake, but the campground and facilities were in very poor condition. We stayed on Site 20, and that part of the campground did not have ANY potable water, not even at the bathhouse! We should have received an email about this in advance advising us to fill up our water tank before arriving. There wasn't anyone at the check in booth and we didn't see any signs of campground hosts we could contact if we had questions. The campsites were not well-maintained, and everything from the roads to the bathhouses felt very neglected. Also, there were no maps of any kind available anywhere in the campground. We saw signs to show that there were some hiking trails in the area, but without some sort of map, we didn't want to take the chance of hiking on those trails. Because the area had NO cell service, we couldn't go online to look for maps and information there. It's really a shame that a recreation area in such a beautiful area with so much potential has been neglected and allowed to fall into disrepair.
Ron C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: 1
Lake Moomaw is a beautiful lake and the campgrounds have wonderful tall trees that supply ample shade while camping. I do wish however, that the state would take better care by picking up and prepping the camp sites before the campers arrive. I had to move large cut trees and branches to park my camper and vehicle. I would also like to see the camp store & gas pumps open again; they have been closed since COVID.The boat dock is in need of repair and re-opened. The state of Virginia needs to put more effort into the beautification of this gem.
Marjorie H
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 55, Loop: 2
Everything would have been perfect, but there was no water at our campground the first day and half we were there. We're used to that though, the same thing has happened the last several years we've camped there, so we were prepared. Other than that, everything was great.
Kathleen G
VerifiedJune 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 79, Loop: 3
This was a beautiful campground. It is well maintained, away from it all, and has easy access to the lake.
A large storm came in our final night, downing trees across the road and the campground lost power. The only forest tec. on the forest was out on the road, clearing up the mess with a local volunteer. They drove through all the campsites to make sure everyone was good. This was lucky for us because, at the same time, my car battery died, and they were able to give us a jump (FYI, keeping the drunk door of a Subaru open runners the battery).
If you want a campground with no cell phone reception, a beautiful atmosphere, and well-maintained... this is your spot!
Lynn A
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: 1
Campground was clean and ready for the campers
Jessica H
VerifiedMay 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: 1
Went opening weekend and the experience was great! Lots of rain, but plenty of chances to fish and go hiking.
Suzanne W
VerifiedMay 24, 2024 • Stayed at: 30, Loop: 1
Beautiful location!!
Juanita P
VerifiedMay 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: 1
Lake Moomaw is a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains that is off the grid. We stayed in May when the campground was beginning to show signs of life after the winter season. No issues with amenities, except that water is not potable so campers need to be prepared with drinking water. It is not an RV resort, but campsites are spaced relatively well and there is plenty of tree coverage. There is a lot of access to the Lake itself. We were hoping to rent a boat, but the marina is not operational. There is still not an operational campstore and camp hosts are sparse. There is no firewood for sale and the nearest store for gas/ bait/small amentities is about 20 minutes away. That said, it is a beautiful area and a great place to truly get away from it all if you are self-sufficient. Ps. There is plenty of firewood to be found on the ground!
Location Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Address:
756 Twin Ridge Drive
Warm Springs, VA, 24484
United States
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.**
Latitude & Longitude: 37.9836 / -79.9669
Elevation: 491 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Additional first-come, first-served sites may be available |
| General |
Full RV hookups are not available |
| General |
Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests |
| General |
Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest |
| General |
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. |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralWe 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 1 at 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.