Lake Moomaw Travel Guide: 8 Tips for a Better Trip - Film Daily

Lake Moomaw is positioned as a quieter alternative for travelers visiting western Virginia, with the reservoir in the Allegheny Highlands and surrounded by the George Washington National Forest. Spanning roughly 12 miles across Bath County, the lake draws fewer crowds than other Virginia destinations, which the guide says is largely due to land being controlled by the national forest. The article advises visitors to book lodging early, especially from late June through August, when cabin and rental availability is limited; it recommends starting two or three months ahead for July weekends. It also describes two primary access points, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area and Gathright Dam, with Bolar offering more developed facilities and easier trailer access. For fishing, it notes smallmouth bass, walleye, and tiger muskie, with best surface activity before 8 a.m. Finally, the guide warns that afternoon thunderstorms can bring lightning quickly, citing July conditions.