THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Lake Moomaw’s crystal-clear waters and 42 miles of undeveloped shoreline on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Combine your paddle adventure with primitive lakeside camping for an unforgettable Virginia mountain escape.
Discover Lake Moomaw’s crystal-clear waters and 42 miles of undeveloped shoreline on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Combine your paddle adventure with primitive lakeside camping for an unforgettable Virginia mountain escape.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alleghany Outdoors · Covington, Virginia
Tucked within the rugged terrain of western Virginia, Lake Moomaw offers an exceptional escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to blend paddling and primitive camping into a single adventure. Located near Covington, this sprawling 2,500-acre reservoir features 42 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline, making it one of Virginia’s clearest and most tranquil mountain lakes. With its pristine water, dense pine forests, and remote camping spots, Lake Moomaw Camping presents a unique gateway for paddlers and campers who seek a quiet connection with nature without the distractions of crowded parks.
This outfitter provides everything you need to experience the lake by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard—rental options include inflatable paddleboards with handy 12V pumps for easy setup. You have the choice of picking up boats at the outfitter’s base on Dressler Drive in Covington or opting to have your craft shuttled to the scenic Coles Point on the lake itself. Once you’re set afloat, the expanse of Lake Moomaw invites exploration—gliding past untouched shorelines and towering mountain vistas. The lake’s clarity and gentle waters make it ideal for paddlers at all skill levels.
Primitive camping is the heart of this trip’s appeal. The forest service manages several campsites accessible only by boat, offering rugged, peaceful spots where you can fall asleep under a canopy of stars. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the multi-species options in the lake’s healthy ecosystem. It’s important to book campsites well in advance through recreation.gov to ensure availability.
This outfitter’s emphasis on simplicity and self-reliance is part of what makes it a gem in Virginia’s outdoor scene. Life jackets, paddles, dry bags, and maps are provided to ensure a safe and convenient trip, while splash jackets, pants, and larger tents are available for rent on site. Nearby convenience stores offer last-minute supplies, but packing quick-drying layers and rain gear is essential to stay comfortable in changing mountain weather.
Lake Moomaw is more than just a lake—it’s a refuge where Virginia’s natural beauty is preserved and accessible, connecting visitors to the landscape’s quiet power. Whether you want to paddle contemplatively, fish for bass and trout, or camp primitive on a secluded shore, this trip delivers an authentic mountain adventure suited for families and solo travelers alike.
moderate.
4–8 hours or full day.
Participants should be in good physical condition to paddle several miles and carry gear to campsites.
Yes, the outfitter provides all necessary gear and beginner-friendly options; basic paddling skills are helpful but not required.
Most boat-access campsites are primitive and may have pit toilets; prepare for backcountry conditions.
Yes, the lake supports various fish species, and fishing is a popular activity; a valid Virginia fishing license is required.
Parking is available at Coles Point and the outfitter’s location in Covington; please confirm with the operator for options.
Policies vary; please check with the outfitter before bringing pets as some campsites may have restrictions.
It’s important to bring rain gear and be prepared for changing conditions; the outfitter can advise on weather forecasts.
Lake Moomaw was created in the 1980s as a flood control reservoir and has become a treasured recreation spot in Alleghany County.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the lake's pristine shoreline and sensitive aquatic habitats.
Alleghany Outdoors is a full-service outdoor outfitter based on the Jackson River corridor that specializes in guided paddling trips, bike excursions, equipment rentals, and group camping. The outfitter runs family-friendly paddle trips on the upper Jackson River — including a signature 7.5-mile route with class I–II rapids that takes about three to four hours — plus shorter 1.5–2-hour family paddles. Rentals include kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with delivery and shuttle options for Lake Moomaw outings across 42 miles of shoreline. Bike services range from electric-bike tours and self-guided rentals to shuttle-supported rides along the Jackson River Scenic Bike Trail, including a 26-mile round trip and Cedar Creek shuttle runs. Alleghany Outdoors organizes multi-activity combos (bike+kayak, bike+tube), multi-day youth programs with camping, and special events such as river cleanups, volunteer trail maintenance, intro-to-paddling clinics, and Riverbank Music Chronicles. Facilities include a 28-person riverfront deck with grill and a manicured field for games, riverside restrooms, and primitive camping access for overnight stays. Safety and accessibility are emphasized through experienced guides, straightforward rapids for beginners, clear shuttle logistics, and equipment quality. Alleghany Outdoors supports responsible recreation and local stewardship by hosting regular cleanups and educational events. The outfitter’s diverse program mix makes it easy for families, groups, and outdoor clubs to plan tailored trips — from a relaxing float and sound bath to an action-packed day of biking, paddling, and tubing. Booking is available online, by phone, and through local visitor centers for flexible scheduling and group rates and seasonal guided departures daily.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors