COVINGTON WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Paddle-In Under the Stars: Primitive Camping on Lake Moomaw
An all-day paddle-in camping adventure that explains launches, rentals, and how to reach Greenwood Point’s lakeside primitive campsites.
Paddle-In Under the Stars: Primitive Camping on Lake Moomaw.
Adventure brief
Paddle-In Under the Stars: Primitive Camping on Lake Moomaw
Lake Moomaw unfolds like a private wilderness—crystal-clear water lapping against 42 miles of undeveloped shoreline framed by the Alleghany Highlands. Operated by Alleghany Outdoors, this paddle-in camping experience lets you trade road noise for loons and campfires: launch from Coles Point, paddle secluded coves, fish a variety of species, and bed down at primitive lakeside sites accessible only by water.
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.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops from outfitter to campsite and back—plan pickup, launch, paddling, and return.
Alleghany Outdoors — Pickup (1903 Dressler Drive)
Pick up boats, life jackets, dry bags and a map at Alleghany Outdoors before heading to the lake; boats can also be delivered to Coles Point on the lake.
Coles Point — Launch
Launch at Coles Point and start your paddle; if boats are left on site, all required gear will be included with the boats.
Greenwood Point — Paddle‑In Campsites
Paddle to Greenwood Point to find primitive paddle‑in campsites along the shoreline—these are first‑come, first‑served unless reserved through the Forest Service.
Return — Gear Drop‑Off
After your trip, return rented gear to the same location where you picked it up—either Alleghany Outdoors or the lakeside pickup point.
Sites are primitive and limited; reserve campsites in advance through the Forest Service recreation site or be prepared to take a first‑come, first‑served option. Weather and operator schedules can affect launch and pickup logistics—plan accordingly.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
Start at a pickup point with a handful of essentials issued—life jackets, dry bags and a map—or pick up boats yourself and drive them to the lake. From Coles Point, your paddle takes you past quiet coves and steep wooded shorelines toward Greenwood Point. Days are spent fishing, swimming, and scouting campsites; nights are low‑light affairs around a camp stove and fire under clear mountain skies. Alleghany Outdoors provides multi-day canoe and kayak rentals and camping gear so you can travel light and focus on the water.
THE CAMPSITE
Primitive Paddle‑In Camping at Greenwood Point
Greenwood Point hosts paddle‑in primitive campsites that offer a backcountry lakeside night—first-come, first-served and reachable only by water, creating a true overnight paddling getaway.
THE WATER
Crystal‑Clear Mountain Lake and 42 Miles of Shoreline
Lake Moomaw’s clear water and 42 undeveloped miles of shoreline make for endless exploring—hidden coves, swim stops, and vantage points for sunrise and mountain views.
THE SPORT
Paddling and Multi‑Species Fishing
Whether you’re in a canoe, kayak, or on an inflatable paddleboard, the lake offers productive multi‑species fishing and day‑long paddling routes between scenic points.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip works for—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring personal layers, sleeping system, food and water; Alleghany Outdoors rents 4‑ and 6‑person tents, camp stoves and fuel, bear canisters, dry bags and other camping accessories.
Multi‑day canoe and kayak rentals are available; inflatable paddleboards are issued with a 12V pump to inflate on site. Life jackets, dry bags and maps are provided with boat pickup.
Operators provide bear canisters for safe food storage; plan for primitive camp conditions with no developed facilities at paddle‑in sites.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is organized as an all‑day paddle‑in camping experience.
Where do I meet or pick up gear?
Boat pickup is available at Alleghany Outdoors (1903 Dressler Drive) or at Coles Point on the lake; if you pick up at the shop you’ll receive life jackets, dry bags and a map.
Can I transport my boat and gear myself?
Yes — you can pick up boats and transport them to and from the lake yourself; inflatable paddleboards come with a 12V pump for onsite inflation.
How do campsite reservations work?
Paddle‑in primitive campsites are first‑come, first‑served unless reserved in advance through the Forest Service recreation website at recreation.gov for the listed campground.
What equipment does Alleghany Outdoors provide?
Alleghany Outdoors offers multi‑day canoe and kayak rentals and essential camping equipment including 4‑ and 6‑person tents, camp stoves and fuel, bear canisters, dry bags and other paddling accessories.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:35.968Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.