Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Located in the stunning George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for an adventure in nature. With its extensive setup along Lake Moomaw, visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Available Campsites

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area features four main campgrounds—Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2, and Campground 3. Each offers a range of campsite options to cater to different preferences:

• Electric Sites: Most options available at Campground 1, followed by Campgrounds 2 & 3.
• Primitive Campsites: Located throughout the Sugar Ridge loop, perfect for a more rustic experience.
• Group Sites: Available for those wishing to camp with a larger party.
• Prime Sites: Offer stunning views and/or direct access to the lake.

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Campers can enjoy modern amenities while immersed in the natural surroundings. Each camping site comes equipped with:

• Picnic table
• Lantern post
• Fire ring

Additionally, restroom facilities with flush toilets and showers are conveniently located, ensuring comfort during your stay. Potable water taps can also be found throughout the area, making it easy to stay hydrated.

Natural Features

Sitting on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake encompassing 2,530 acres, Bolar Mountain offers picturesque settings with 43 miles of wooded shoreline. The lake averages a depth of 80 feet and is the second-largest impoundment in western Virginia. Its creation in the 1980s by the Army Corps of Engineers not only provided flood control but also a beautiful recreational area.

Campers will be enveloped by Appalachian hardwood forests rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe 60 species of mammals and 200 types of birds.

Recreation Opportunities

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is perfect for various outdoor activities:

• Boating: Enjoy water skiing, canoeing, and fishing for brown and rainbow trout, bass, and crappie.
• Hiking: Explore 11 miles of trails leading to breathtaking scenic overlooks including Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook.
• Picnicking: Relax at designated areas while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Fishing enthusiasts can also take advantage of a boat ramp located at Bolar Flat Marina, which includes a modern dock with boat slips.

Nearby Attractions

While Bolar Mountain offers ample activities, those looking to venture beyond can explore nearby Hidden Valley, which offers additional trails and fishing spots along the Jackson River. The charming town of Warm Springs provides shops, restaurants, and local history through its Historical Society.

Need to Know

Visitors should be aware that cell service may be sparse in the area, making it an excellent opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Additionally, campers are encouraged to use local firewood to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in the forest ecosystem.

Rental Options

For those looking to rent gear or equipment for their outdoor adventures, various rental options are available, ensuring that all visitors are equipped for a fun-filled experience.

Join Us

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it out for the first time, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area promises a memorable experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and limitless outdoor activities.