Forest Service announces updates for 2023 Bolar Mountain recreation season at Lake Moomaw

Release Date: May 22, 2023

Contact(s): Jennifer Hummel

Hot Springs, Va., May 22, 2023 –The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is providing a renewed summer recreation season at Lake Moomaw starting this week.

Bolar Mountain campgrounds 1, 2 and 3 in Bath County, Virginia, will be open to the public on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Reservations for these campgrounds are required and are available on https://www.recreation.gov/. The Bolar Mountain day use area, including the swim beach, will also open on Wednesday, May 24.

Much needed repairs were made earlier this year to the wastewater treatment plant that caused the 2022 closure; however, the plant still needs to complete commissioning to confirm it can fully process waste from the recreation area.

Portable restrooms will be available in campgrounds and day use areas. Standard restrooms will remain closed. Showers and dump stations in the area of the campgrounds will be open to public use between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Users are requested to practice water conservation techniques and to please limit showers to 5 minutes or less to reduce wastewater system strain while the wastewater treatment plant completes its commissioning process.

“We know how much the public loves Lake Moomaw. We appreciate their willingness to endure some minor water saving changes to our recreation offerings as we work to improve the 40 year old wastewater treatment plant,” says District Ranger Kevin Kyle.