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.
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.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.