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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No available sites
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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
Rachel H
VerifiedAugust 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 43, Loop: 2
The camp hosts were not there, so we had no way to buy firewood (hence no way to cook; the camp store was also closed by the time we arrived on Saturday at 4:30pm).
SARAH B
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 49-Double, Loop: 2
Bathrooms were not clean. The beach area is very rocky, sand would be nice.
Betty H
VerifiedAugust 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: 1
Bolar Mountain is such a wonder area and campground. I hope improvements will be made in the future including adding electric and water to more sites so more campers can enjoy this beautiful area. Also I would like to see the campground stay open later in the fall when the weather is so nice. I'm sure it would stay full.
Ronald W
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 57, Loop: 2
A+++++++++++++
William L
VerifiedAugust 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: 1
As, always, excellent!
Wayne W
VerifiedJuly 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 26, Loop: 1
Lake Moomaw is beautiful. We have been camping here for 30 years and always enjoy it. The camp store was closed this season, and we hope it will return for ice and other essentials.
Haley L
VerifiedJuly 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 55, Loop: 2
I love this place so much. 0 complaints. Plan ahead with your driving instructions.
Rosie M
VerifiedJuly 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 49-Double, Loop: 2
Bathrooms/showers were closed and replaced with very disgusting portalets that were full and practically overflowing. Ruined the experience.
Christine C
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 45, Loop: 2
The bath houses were closed which made it ruff with three kids, and we were under camera surveillance in our site the whole time which is strange. Not sure why camp sites have cameras on them.
Patricia C
VerifiedJune 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 51, Loop: 2
Before this negative experience, we have been camping at Bolar Rec for about 22 years. Every trip has always been amazing. We waited patiently while the grounds were closed to rebuild the sewer system. You cannot imagine how happy we were to see it was reopened! We arrived to find the bathrooms were closed. This was a big problem for our tent camping friends who required flush toilets and hot showers. There was no firewood available to purchase anywhere in the campground. We were in loop B and the host was never there. We checked several times a day every day for 4 days and no one was at the host B site. We went to loop C and talked to that host looking for help - she was rude... ran us off and told us we were not allowed to come into loop C. Then as we left the campgrounds, we discovered that the dump stations were closed and we were expected to haul our sewage back over the steep mountain and back home with us. When we go to other camps without hosts, bathrooms, or dump stations it is usually a $5 per night fee. Bolar was very expensive for the complete lack of amenities and support. The notice about the bathrooms should have been sent out in an email earlier so we could adjust our plans accordingly. Also, signs should have been posted that teh dump stations were closed so campers using an RV tank could know how to plan.
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.
