Bark Camp Recreation Area is situated on a 45 acre lake that is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. A three mile shoreline trail circles the lake, offering outstanding views. Highlights include an open air amphitheater overlooking the lake, a short hike to an interesting geological formation called “Kitchen Rock,” and outstanding universally accessible fishing piers and picnicking facilities. This recreation area bosts 34 campsites, 9 of which have electric hookups.
Coles Point Picnic Shelters are tucked in a small opening surrounded by a hardwood forest. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, birding and viewing wildlife. Best of all, Coles Point is perched along Moomaw Lake, providing convenient access to boating, fishing, swimming and relaxing on the beach.
Natural Features: The shelters are situated on a wooded peninsula on the south end of Lake Moomaw in Alleghany County. The manmade lake, at 2,530 acres, sits on the Jackson River and has 43 miles of wooded shoreline. Coles Point is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which span across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Recreation: An inviting swimming beach within the recreation area lures crowds, and the picnic area has an open field for games like Frisbee and soccer. The park offers boating and fishing for large and smallmouth bass, brown trout, bluegill, crappie, shad, catfish, sunfish and chain pickerel. Two fishing docks, two boat ramps and a swimming beach with a bathhouse are located on-site. Back Creek is nearby, also a nice stream for trout fishing. The 1-mile Morris Hill Bike Trail is popular among hikers and bikers. The 3-mile Fortney Loop Trail is open to hiking along a path with several switchbacks.
Facilities: Each shelter can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles. Eight picnic tables sit on a concrete pad, and several additional tables are scattered around the shelter. Each shelter is also equipped with two large barbecue grills, one electrical outlet, drinking water and flush toilets.
Nearby Attractions: Head downstream on the Jackson River for fly-fishing, canoeing, rafting and kayaking. A half-hour east of the lake is Hot Springs, Virginia, a quaint and small rural resort town. The nearest groceries and gas are located in Covington, Virginia about 30 minutes from the lake. A pay phone is located at the nearby Morris Hill Campground.
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of activities, including boating, fishing and hiking, as well as volleyball and a playground.
Natural Features: The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline. Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which span across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Recreation: Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook.
Facilities: Campsites are divided into three loops, the first of which has many sites with electric hookups. Picnic tables, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills are provided. Drinking water, flush toilets and showers are among the amenities at the campground.
Nearby Attractions: Head to Warm Springs for restaurants, shopping and a visit to the Bath County Historical Society.
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Steelhead, Trout, Bass, Catfish, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier and boat launch
