Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Star3.98
384 reviews
756 Twin Ridge Drive
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,670 ft

Price

$16 - $85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
$16.00 - $85.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $16 for tent-only non-electric sites to $85 for group sites during peak season. Additional reservation fees may apply depending on...
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Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$37.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00
Group Site Fee$85.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
540-279-4144
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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 384 reviews

200 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"Mixed reviews highlight the scenic beauty and recreation opportunities but also emphasize maintenance issues and inconsistent customer service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

756 Twin Ridge Drive

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

756 Twin Ridge Drive

Driving directionsFrom 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 towards the campgrounds. After about 7.5 miles turn right on Twin Ridge Drive for all campgrounds. Stay straight to head towards the store & marina, an overlook of the lake and McClintic Point. GPS often routes vehicles to take Richardson Gorge Rd. via the Jackson River Tpk. This route is NOT SUGGESTED for travel, especially when towing. It's a narrow dirt road with steep soft edges. Multiple accidents occur on this road each year.
The campground is accessible by paved roads except for Richardson Gorge Rd., which is a narrow dirt road with steep soft edges and is not recommended for travel, particularly for towing vehicles.
Nearby places
Covington (approx. 20 miles), Hot Springs (approx. 45 miles), Marlinton (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in Warm Springs, with limited essentials available at Mountain Grove Store near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thundershowers that cool the mountain air. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while early autumn paints the hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons. These shoulder seasons offer ideal camping conditions with crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and lively lake activity; can be crowded at times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Favored for foliage and scenic hikes, though early seasonal closures limit late-fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and mild weather are appealing; season opens in May with reservations later.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed after Labor Day; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 7 to September 3.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from May to September with reservations starting in late June; the campground closes after Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: Occasional closures of facilities such as bathhouses and marina; intermittent potable water issues due to maintenance.

About Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Escape to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Moomaw meet the forested slopes of the Appalachians. This hidden gem offers an authentic wilderness experience with excellent fishing, peaceful paddling, scenic hiking trails, and refreshing swimming spots. Choose from cozy individual campsites nestled among the trees or gather your crew for memorable group camping adventures. With no cell service to interrupt your connection with nature, Bolar Mountain provides the perfect setting for unplugging from the digital world and reconnecting with what matters most.
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent, RV, group, and walk-in sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum within a month.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation area offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, swimming, and water sports. Hiking trails lead to scenic overlooks, such as Grouse Point and Islands Overlook. Fishing opportunities include brown trout, rainbow trout, bass, and crappie in Lake Moomaw. Popular boating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. A beach is available for swimming, although rocky shores are noted.
Hiking11 miles of hiking trails are available, leading to scenic overlooks like Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point. Trails vary in difficulty, with some described as easy and accessible: 'Hiking along Cranberry Glades was excellent.'
FishingFishing is permitted, with common catches including brown trout, rainbow trout, bass, and crappie. One user remarked, 'The lake is beautiful for fishing.'
SwimmingSwimming areas are available, particularly near the beach. Depths are reportedly kid-friendly, staying around 6 feet. 'Beach area is surreal, surrounded by mountains,' one user noted.
BikingBolar Mountain Recreation Area provides biking trails, such as the Greenbrier River Trail, which runs 10 miles to a bridge and Sharps Tunnel. Terrain is suitable for moderate skill levels.
BoatingBoating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. A boat ramp is located at Bolar Flat Marina, equipped with modern docks and boat slips. However, damages to docks have been reported, affecting accessibility.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with 60 mammal species and 200 bird species protected within the national forest. 'The lake and mountains are awesome as usual,' wrote one user.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRisk of wildlife encounters, including bears; steep roads like Richardson Gorge Rd. are hazardous for towing vehicles.
Active AlertsOccasional closures of facilities such as bathhouses and marina; intermittent potable water issues due to maintenance.

Weather at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Reviews

4.0
384 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the scenic beauty and recreation opportunities but also emphasize maintenance issues and inconsistent customer service.
Review Summaries
Based on 384 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, beautiful lake views, spacious campsites, and friendly camp hosts: 'Camp hosts were phenomenal this year!'
Based on 384 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on maintenance problems, seasonal closures, and lack of management: 'Bathrooms/showers were closed and replaced with disgusting portalets.'
Based on 384 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing all necessities due to limited local stores, avoiding GPS routes through Richardson Gorge, and reserving premium lakefront sites early.
Based on 384 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season, with summer being described as lively but occasionally overcrowded. Fall is favored for its foliage but marred by early closures.
Based on 384 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This place has some of the largest campsites I've ever seen.' 'Bring your boat; water is amazing and clean!' 'Portable toilets were disgusting.'
Based on 384 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #51 in Loop 2 is highlighted as a premium lakefront site with direct water access. Site #32 in Loop 1 offers consistent Verizon cell service.
Based on 384 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews mention challenges for elderly and handicapped visitors due to dock closures: 'It was a struggle getting elderly mother into the boat.'
Based on 384 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but leash rules are inconsistently enforced: 'Dogs allowed running loose on the beach.'
Based on 384 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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