Let me tell you, finding a good, accessible dump station when you’re deep in the mountains can feel like searching for a unicorn. Especially in a place as rugged and beautiful as Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands. You’re out there, surrounded by these incredible rolling hills and thick forests, enjoying the peace, and then you remember… the tanks are getting full. That’s where a place like Bolar Mountain Recreation Area becomes more than just a spot on a map; it becomes a scenic solution to a very real RVer problem. This isn’t your typical interstate exit stop. This is a destination dump, a place where you can handle the dirty work while soaking in some truly postcard-worthy views of Lake Moomaw. There’s something about the cool mountain air and the sight of a calm lake that makes the whole process feel a little less like a chore and a lot more like part of the adventure.
The journey to get there is part of the experience itself. You’re likely cruising along VA-39, a road that winds you through the heart of Bath County. If you have a moment, the Dan Ingalls Overlook is an absolute must-do. It gives you this breathtaking, wide-screen panorama of the Blue Ridge that really puts the scale of the landscape into perspective. The recreation area itself is nestled within the massive George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, so you’re surrounded by nature from the moment you turn off the main road. This area is a magnet for outdoor lovers. The main draw is the 2,530-acre Lake Moomaw, an engineering marvel created by the Gathright Dam. It’s a hotspot for trout fishing and paddling, so you’ll see plenty of folks with kayaks strapped to their roofs and fishing gear at the ready. For us RVers, this means you can plan a whole day around your stop. Get in early, find a spot to launch the kayak, spend a few hours on the water, and then take care of the tanks before you settle in for the night or move on. If hiking is more your speed, the trail network of the national forest is right at your doorstep. And for the history buffs in the crew, a 35-mile detour over to Clifton Forge to see the C&O Railway Heritage Center is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Now, let’s talk about the on-the-ground reality of using a dump station in a national forest campground. It’s a different world from a bustling truck stop. The pace is slower, the vibe is quieter, and the setup is usually no-frills. You’ll typically find the dump station just inside the campground entrance, sometimes marked by a simple wooden sign. It might even have a little swing gate across the lane, which is your cue to check if it’s open for the season or if you need to find the camp host. The station itself is generally a straightforward affair: a concrete pad, often with a slight slope to help with drainage, a four-inch sewer connection, and a grate for any runoff. The most critical piece of information for this specific location is the lack of water. Let me repeat that, because it’s a deal-breaker if you’re not prepared: there is no rinse water available. This means you absolutely must come with your own solution. I always carry a dedicated five-gallon jug of water and a small garden sprayer just for this purpose. It’s essential for rinsing your sewer hose and cleaning up the area after you’re done. Don’t be the person who leaves a mess because they assumed there would be a hose.
The amenities here are geared toward the camper, not the transient RVer, but they offer real value. The fact that pets are welcome is a huge plus. After being cooped up in the rig, your dog will love the chance to stretch its legs on the shoreline trails. Just be sure to keep them on a leash; this is wild country, and you want to protect both your pet and the local wildlife. The on-site showers and restrooms are another big win. They are usually sturdy, cinder-block buildings, nothing fancy, but having access to a hot shower after a long hike or a day on the lake is pure gold. It allows you to do a full sanitation routine for yourself and the rig in one go.
One of the standout features here is the availability of electric hookups. They are limited, so you’ll want to book ahead if you know you need one, but having access to a 30-amp plug is incredibly useful. You can top off your house batteries, which is especially handy if you’ve been boondocking for a few days or are about to head out for a stint of dispersed camping. The central trash bins are another important feature. They are usually located near the camp host’s site and are designed to be animal-proof. You’ll want to be vigilant about securing your trash quickly, as black bears are definitely present in these mountains. Just remember to pack out any recyclables, as services are limited.
When it comes to cost, the information isn’t readily available online. This is pretty common for forest service sites. You should treat the “Price not available” flag as a signal to do a little homework. My advice is to always call the Warm Springs Ranger District office before you head out. Ask about the current dump station fee, which is typically a very reasonable five or ten dollars for non-campers. Also, ask what forms of payment they accept. It might be a cash-only situation with an honor system box, or you might need to pay at a specific location. Calling ahead also lets you confirm that the station is actually open. Gates can close unexpectedly due to high water levels or staffing issues, and you don’t want to drive all the way out there just to be turned away.
For a smooth visit, timing is everything. Try to arrive mid-morning on a weekday. The early morning anglers have usually launched their boats by then, and the lunch crowd hasn’t arrived, giving you more room to maneuver your rig. Before you even pull onto the pad, have your gear ready: sewer hose, gloves, your rinse water setup, and your tank treatment. The pads can sometimes be on a bit of a grade, so it’s always a good idea to chock your wheels to prevent any rolling, which could lead to a very unpleasant hose disconnection.
So, what’s the final verdict? Bolar Mountain is a fantastic option for the RVer who is already in the area to enjoy the natural beauty. It beautifully combines essential RV maintenance with top-tier recreation. The peaceful setting and the option for an electric top-up are major advantages. You just have to go in with your eyes open, fully prepared for the no-water situation and willing to make a quick phone call to verify the fee and hours. If you do that, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most scenic dump station experiences you’re likely to have.
756 Twin Ridge Dr, Warm Springs, VA 24484
(540) 839-2521
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
No Water
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234557