Coles Point

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Coles Point

Quick Facts

Price

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens George Washington and Jefferson National Forests site

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Coles Point
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Most mentioned

viewsscenerycleanlake

"Reviewers generally rate Coles Point very highly, praising its beautiful scenic lake, mountain views, and pleasant beach and day-use area. Most describe it as a great spot to spend a full day with family, enjoy kayaking, walking trails, and taking in fall colors. A few lower-rated reviews mention maintenance issues and dissatisfaction with the artificial beach quality and parking fees."

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About Coles Point

Tucked away on a secluded wooded peninsula at Lake Moomaw's southern shores, Coles Point Picnic Shelters offer the perfect basecamp for your Appalachian adventure. Step from shaded hardwood groves directly onto sandy swimming beaches, launch your boat from nearby ramps, or cast a line from fishing docks—all while surrounded by the pristine wilderness of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Picnic shelters situated on a wooded peninsula on the south end of Lake Moomaw; facilities are picnic/recreation-focused rather than traditional overnight campsites.
Natural Features and SceneryYour picnic shelter sits perched on a forested peninsula embraced by the sparkling waters of 2,530-acre Lake Moomaw, where 43 miles of undeveloped, tree-lined shoreline create an endless playground for exploration. This Jackson River impoundment mirrors the sky through dense canopies of Appalachian hardwoods and fragrant pine forests that have stood for generations. The surrounding national forest serves as a living sanctuary, protecting an impressive diversity of wildlife—approximately 40 threatened or endangered species find refuge here, alongside 60 mammal species and over 200 bird species that fill the forest with song from dawn to dusk.
Geological RegionNestled in Alleghany County's mountainous terrain, this wooded peninsula extends into Lake Moomaw, a manmade reservoir that has become one with the landscape since its creation on the Jackson River. The area showcases the classic beauty of Appalachian geography, where rolling mountains are blanketed in mature hardwood forests interspersed with aromatic stands of pine—all protected within the vast expanse of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, one of the region's most treasured public lands.
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Campsite details

Sites SizeEach shelter can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles; eight picnic tables on a concrete pad plus additional tables around the shelter.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesEach picnic shelter accommodates up to 50 people and 20 vehicles. Shelters include eight picnic tables on a concrete pad (with additional scattered tables), two large barbecue grills, one electrical outlet, drinking water and flush toilets—bring typical beach and boating gear for lake access and fishing equipment for species such as bass, trout, bluegill and catfish.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 people per shelter
Groups
Each picnic shelter can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles and contains eight picnic tables on a concrete pad plus additional tables, and two large barbecue grills.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutShelters on concrete pads with eight picnic tables each (plus additional nearby tables). Each shelter has two large barbecue grills, one electrical outlet, drinking water and nearby flush toilets. Parking allowance up to 20 vehicles per shelter.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Opportunities include hiking, biking, photography, nature study, birding and wildlife viewing in hardwood forest, plus water recreation on Lake Moomaw such as boating, fishing and swimming at an on-site beach.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the 1-mile Morris Hill Bike Trail (popular with hikers and bikers) and the 3-mile Fortney Loop Trail (open to hiking along a path with several switchbacks).
Fishing
Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, brown trout, bluegill, crappie, shad, catfish, sunfish and chain pickerel; two fishing docks on-site and Back Creek nearby for trout fishing.
Swimming
An inviting swimming beach on Lake Moomaw with a bathhouse is located within the recreation area.
Biking
The 1-mile Morris Hill Bike Trail is popular with both hikers and bikers; other nearby trails include the 3-mile Fortney Loop Trail (noted for hiking).
Boating
Lake access includes two boat ramps and opportunities for boating on Lake Moomaw (2,530-acre reservoir with extensive shoreline).
Wildlife viewing
The site is within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests; area supports about 200 species of birds, roughly 60 species of mammals and diverse Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood habitats.
Beach activities
Swimming beach and adjacent open field provide space for beach activities and games such as Frisbee and soccer.
Water Sports
Canoeing, rafting and kayaking are available downstream on the Jackson River.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Coles Point

32
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 5.3 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresPerched along Lake Moomaw with on-site swimming beach and bathhouse, two fishing docks and two boat ramps; Back Creek (nearby) offers additional trout fishing opportunities.

Campground Map

Coles Point
Driving directionsFrom I-64 at Exit 16A or 16B in Covington, follow signs to U.S. Highway 220 and travel north about 5.5 miles. Turn left on State Road 687/Jackson River Road and travel about 3.2 miles. Turn left on State Road 641/Indian Draft Road, which soon becomes State Road 666. Travel about 4.2 miles on 641/666 to a 3-way intersection. Turn right on State Road 605 and travel 4.5 miles past the Morris Hill Campground entrance, and across the Gathright Dam. Picnic shelter #1 will be on the left.
Accessible from I-64 (Exits 16A or 16B at Covington) via U.S. Highway 220 north, then State Roads 687, 641/666 and 605 as described in driving directions.
Nearby places
Covington, VA — nearest groceries and gas, about 30 minutes
Hot Springs, VA — about a half-hour east.
Nearby supplies
Nearest groceries and gas in Covington, Virginia (about 30 minutes). A pay phone is located at the nearby Morris Hill Campground.

Reviews from booking and map sources

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0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Coles Point has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers generally rate Coles Point very highly, praising its beautiful scenic lake, mountain views, and pleasant beach and day-use area. Most describe it as a great spot to spend a full day with family, enjoy kayaking, walking trails, and taking in fall colors. A few lower-rated reviews mention maintenance issues and dissatisfaction with the artificial beach quality and parking fees.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently highlight the stunning scenery, including a “really nice scenic lake” and “awesome” views of the mountains. People enjoy spending the whole day here with family, using the...
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Common Concerns

A few reviewers complain about the quality and appearance of the artificial beach, especially in wet weather, saying it “does not look presentable.” One reviewer reports significant maintenance and...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan to spend a full day to make the most of the lake, beach, kayaking, and trails. Be aware there is a parking fee and dogs are not allowed in the swimming area, and enforcement of that rule can be...
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Seasonal Insights

Some reviews specifically praise the area for its fall colors, suggesting autumn can be an especially scenic time to visit, and one visitor mentioned enjoying Memorial Day without crowds. Otherwise,...
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Camper Quotes

“Perfect place for a whole day with family. Kayaking here is awesome.” “We enjoyed our day on the public beach they have. It was very well maintained and the view of the mountains is awesome!” “This...
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Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer notes that dogs are not allowed in the designated swimming area and that there are signs clearly indicating this rule. That same reviewer felt a staff member was overly aggressive in...
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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