Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw offers visitors a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides opportunities for plenty of activities, including camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as volleyball and a playground. The recreation area 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 boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Bolar Mountain Campgrounds 1, 2, 3, and Sugar Ridge are closed for the season. Campground Loops 1-3, Sugar Ridge and McClintic Point campgrounds will not open until mid-summer, due to substantial maintenance needs at the wastewater treatment plant that require a complex contract for repairs. Reservations for sites at these campgrounds will not become available on www.recreation.gov until operational dates can be confirmed. The Bolar Mountain day use area, including the swim beach, will open for Memorial Day weekend, however, the bathhouse will be closed; portable toilets will be provided. |
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Operational Hours: | When open for the season, day use area hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
Reservations: | Reservations are through Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least two days ahead of arrival. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites, or 12 months in advance for group sites. |
Fees: | Campground fees range from $16 - 37 for standard sites. Group sites are $165 per night. Day use fee is $5. See Recreation.gov for reservations and fee details. Annual Day Use passes are available for sale at the James River and Warms Springs District Office. |
Restrictions: | Boats must be less than 25 feet in length. Camping in designated sites only; no camping on shorelines, islands, or boats. |
Closest Towns: | Hot Springs, VA |
Water: | Drinking water available |
Restroom: | Flush toilets with warm water showers available during the operating season |
Operated By: | James River and Warm Springs Ranger Districts: 540-839-2521 |
Information Center: | For more information contact: James River and Warm Springs Ranger District 422 Forestry Road Hot Springs, VA 24445 540-839-2521 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 12:00 and 12:30 - 4:30 |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
37.98361, -79.96694
37°59'1"N, 79°58'1"W
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 to the campground. Turn right on Twin Ridge Drive. To store & marina, stay on Hwy 600 for 1 mile. Store and marina are on the right.
Accessibility:
An accessible fishing dock is available.
Activities
Sand Play
Recreation areas with activity Sand Play:Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping: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.
No. of Sites | 140 |
RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:Dump Stations | Yes |
Hookups - Electric | 33 |
Group Camping
Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Anglers here fish for Steelhead, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Bass, Catfish, and Panfish.
Types of fishing available include: shore, motorized boat, fly, spin, and bait.
This site can be accessed by passenger car and ADA accessible fishing access is available from the fishing pier and boat launch.
Fishing Regulations and Permits.
General Info:
Overview/BackgroundNearby Attractions: Head to Warm Springs for restaurants, shopping and a visit to the Bath County Historical Society.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- BOLAR LOOP TRAIL (FT# 722) - WSRD
- BOLAR PICNIC SPUR TRAIL (FT# 725) - WSRD
- ISLAND OVERLOOK SPUR TRAIL (FT# 726) - WSRD
- ROADSIDE TRAIL (FT# 724) - WSRD
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:No. of Sites | Picnicking sites available |
Reservation Info | No Reservations Required |
Group Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:A group picnic shelter is available at the Bolar Mountain Day use area.
No. of Sites | Group picnicking sites available |
Reservation Info | Picnic Shelter Reservation Information |
Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:A boat ramp located at the Bolar Flat Marina is open year-round and has a modern dock with boat slips.