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Access Site VA

Petticoat Junction

Jackson River Jackson River - Lake Moomaw

Source: virginia_department_of_wildlife_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Covington, VA
County: Alleghany County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 37.84194015, -79.98960231
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Run
I-II Jackson - 4. Gathright Dam to Covington
9 ft/mi
View Run
Current Conditions
About This Access Site
Petticoat Junction is a public boat ramp access site along the Jackson River in Covington, Virginia. This access point is particularly useful for paddlers and canoeists, as it provides a convenient put-in or take-out location for floating the Jackson River.

The Jackson River is a scenic, medium-sized river with a moderate flow, making it well-suited for both casual and experienced paddlers. The river flows through the Alleghany Mountains, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting. Petticoat Junction is located just downstream from the Gathright Dam, so boaters should be aware of potential fluctuations in water levels.

The access site itself features a paved boat ramp, allowing for easy loading and unloading of kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats. Nearby, the Bolar Mountain Recreation Area managed by the U.S. Forest Service offers campgrounds, hiking trails, and other recreational amenities for visitors looking to spend more time exploring the area. Paddlers should be prepared for limited cell service in this remote location.
Federal Facility Information
540-279-4144 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Recreation
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for...

Overview
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Recreation
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Looking for a more primitive experience? Hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camp sites. 
Facilities
We have four campgrounds here at Bolar Mountain Recreation area; Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2 & Campground 3 respectively. Each campground has "Prime" sites which have a view and/or direct access to the lake, those seeking electric sites will find most of their options at Campground 1 followed by 2 & 3. Potable water taps can be found throughout each camp along with flush toilets and showers. Individual camp sites have a picnic table, lantern post, a fire ring and a Camp Host to answer any questions/concerns you may encounter.  
Campers can empty their waste tanks at one of the two dump stations at Campground 1 or Campground 2. 
Natural Features
The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake is held by Gathright Dam, constructed in the 1980's by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline making it the second largest impoudment in western virginia.Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest which span 1.8 million acres across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The forest protects 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds. 

Nearby Attractions
Hidden Valley is a short drive from the lake and has ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiast: Hike or ride your horse along the Jackson River, all the way to Poor Farm, cast a line for trout, and stay at the Hidden Valley Campground or even better the historic bed and breakfast. Warm Springs has restaurants, shopping and a Historical Society for Bath County in addition to other typical amenities. 

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Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
MORRIS HILL CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Moomaw Lake Located within