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Established Camping

COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

W. Kerr Scott will be delaying the opening of the reservation window for the 2026 camping season until March 1st, 2026

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground, near Wilkesboro, North Carolina, is a fantastic place for those looking to enjoy lakeside camping with a variety of outdoor activities. The campground offers spacious sites, many with stunning views of the water, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to relax and unwind.

Visitors rave about the swimming area with its sandy beach, perfect for kids and adults alike. You can also dive into activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing right from your campsite. One camper noted, “We floated on noodles and relaxed,” highlighting the laid-back vibe you can expect here.

The campground is well-kept, with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits at each site, allowing for cozy evenings around the fire. While some campers mentioned the bathhouse could use a little TLC, the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the area are appreciated. Plus, the absence of alcohol on-site helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

With nearby biking trails and the chance to spot wildlife like ospreys and shorebirds, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground offers a welcoming environment for all types of campers.

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Location

COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road. From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is located at the end of the road. Travel times from: Winston Salem: 1 hour. Charlotte: 1.5 hours.

Address

667 Jess Walsh Road
Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182

Coordinates

36.12195 N
81.250719 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Fort Hamby Park

Fort Hamby Park

13 min away

Stoney Fork Campground

Stoney Fork Campground

29 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

18 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2023

Beautiful Lakeside camping

We were in site 23B which is down on the point. Nice lake/waterfront view. There are only 2 sites with some shade on the point 23B and 24. We never had to put the awning out we had shade all day in our site. The sites slope some so you will need to use levelers. All the sites on the point are pull throughs. The swim beach is in front of the sites on the point. We had water & electric and there is a dump station onsite. There is no privacy on the point yet other sites offer some privacy. If you have the Senior lifetime National Park pass it's only $16.00 a night. The park was clean.

Only campers are in this part of the park the day use area is down the road. You can drive across the dam too at the day use area. There's a nice view of the campground from the Dam. That's nice you don't have people driving through or hanging out.

We had many shorebirds to watch and Ospreys catching fish. We sat in our chairs in the water & enjoyed the quiet beach. We floated on noodles and relaxed. You can boat, Kayak, Canoe and Paddleboard on the lake. 

We went to town to Bushy Mountain Smokehouse for some barbecue. Our food was dry and not very good. We enjoy a beer with barbecue they don't serve any liquor there. The place was packed there is a creamery there too the line for ice cream was long.

Site23B
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by B M., October 4, 2023
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by B M., October 4, 2023
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by B M., October 4, 2023
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2021

Quiet and Peaceful

This campground has large sites that are well spaced so you're not right on top of fellow campers. Very quiet and peaceful; we were there in the fall so not many campers.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Great Value

We had a lovely campsite by the lake. We went in summer and it was SUPER buggy.

The swimming area at the lake is nice with white sand. It stays pretty shallow in the roped in part, so great for kids.

The bathhouse was not great and could use maintenance and an upgrade.

There’s a super nice big playground for the kids.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Great place on a lake

The campground is beautiful. My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site. The upper level was where we parked the trailer and the picnic table and fire ring were down the stairs under a great big oak tree. There was a short path the a little semi-private beach area. Overall it was a great place. Very reasonable price.

Site35
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Gorgeous campground!

This place has it all! Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table (it’s really heavy!) and a grill. I loved how each site is fairly unique. Many have steps to go down to the fire pit area. Lots of sites on the water. Site 32 was on a little cul-de-sac next to the beach and had a perfect spot for my hammock overlooking the water.

I stayed on an rv site in a tent. There are tent specific sites. The tent sites are heavily wooded.

The bathhouse was unremarkable but clean.

They had movie night on Saturday night (RV) but I didn’t realize it until Sunday morning haha.

The campground was very quiet all weekend. Appeared to be mostly families. There is no alcohol allowed and I did not notice anyone breaking this rule.

There is firewood ($5 bundle - must have exact change!) available and ice but no camp store. Walmart is close by though.

Site32
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Janet , August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Janet , August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Janet , August 1, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Dec. 24, 2020

Close to Lake, Great Bike Riding in Park

We camped here near end of July. This is a COE park and it was well kept, clean and easy to get to.

We had a back in site with W/E, 94B. This is a good interior site. There are great sites down on the peninsula that have water views but we were not able to get one on this trip.

Bike riding in the park is fun and there are plenty of areas to bike.

  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Martha S., December 24, 2020
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Martha S., December 24, 2020
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Martha S., December 24, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2020

Beautiful and Versatile

Love this campground! Well maintained and clean bath houses. Choose a site hidden in the trees with lots of shade and privacy or in the sun with a view of the reservoir. Hiking trails and water activities. Warning: prone to flooding and cancellations.

  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Roberta K., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Roberta K., November 26, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2020

Excellent location

The location next to the reservoir is awesome. Rode the bike trails and loved it. Did some kayaking too. The actual campsites can be a bit tricky to park but overall great time

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2020

Good views

Stayed here for a night. Had a spacious site near the entrance of campground. They provide wood, $6 a bundle. Bathrooms were eh. Dump station on site. Potable water. Good campground. Nice trails on campground also! Would be lots of fun in the summer!

  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Caleb C., October 8, 2020
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Caleb C., October 8, 2020
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Caleb C., October 8, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2020

One of NC's Best Car Camping Spots

We love this campground.  The bathrooms are a bit rough, but we have never caught anything from them so they must not be too bad.  

I can do all my favorite outdoor activities here without driving anywhere.  There is fishing, canoeing, hiking, and some awesome mountain biking.  The sites are nicely spaced with trees between them.  You need to plan on buying firewood at the campground.  Temps are usually a bit cooler than in the big piedmont cities which is another plus.

SiteA7
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Hidden Gem

Bandit’s Roost seems very popular with the RVers, but tent campers should check it out as well. Spacious sites, with fire pit and picnic table. Some primo sites are near and/or overlooking Kerr Lake. The sites are also relatively private and well-spaced. Be sure to chat with Marvin at the gate as well!

  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Chad K., August 22, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

Great!

This was our first time camping. Overall it was a great experience. Only reason I gave it 4 stars was Bc the bath house and dump station nearest our campsite was out of order. The dogs and kids loved it!

  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Ashley G., August 19, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

On the water

Awesome sites very quit and relaxing. I love it Army Core of Engineers. Very well kept up and the host are the best.

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

VERY NICE

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS. THE ONLY THING WRONG IS NO SEWER HOOK UPS! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

My favorite home away from home,

Been coming here for 20 years. This park has been my go to place when we need to get away. We have stayed here with a tent n now a camper. Clean sites n most sites r pretty level. Would give 5 stars but this park isn’t full hookup. It’s still a beautiful place.

SiteStayed on site 37
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Connie M., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Connie M., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Connie M., July 31, 2018
Reviewed May. 28, 2018

Lake Front

Excellent campground, clean bathrooms and showers okay. WATER FRONT site hard to beat. Only thing not there is sewer hook up.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Brent W., May 28, 2018
  • Review photo of COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground by Brent W., May 28, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2016

Bandits Roost, NC

I really enjoyed my weekend here and will go back soon. Campground and shower house were clean. I tent camped on a camper site as they were the only spots available for the weekend. The site had a fire pit, grill, picnic table and a food prep table next to the grill. The site was 98b and was on the side of a hill. Rather that having one large area, it was divided with an upper and lower section connected by steps. The upper was wide enough for a camper and the lower part had the grill, etc. It worked well with a tent, but a camper would take up the upper part and leave no room for hanging out under the awning. This site, as did most in the B loop, had great tree cover/shade. There was a pretty constant and comfortable breeze. There were also some good tree for hanging a couple of hammocks on the end of the lower area. The only negatives for me...I was hoping for direct access from the site to the reservoir and the shower house only had one toilet (mens).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map of Bandits Roost Campground showing all campsites?

Yes, maps of Bandits Roost Campground are available showing all campsites. The campground features a variety of site types, including waterfront sites along the reservoir and more secluded wooded sites throughout the property. Each site has unique characteristics - some are on two levels with parking above and fire rings below, while others have different configurations. For the most current and detailed map, check the Army Corps of Engineers website or contact the campground directly before your visit.

Is Bandits Roost part of the Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds in North Carolina?

Yes, Bandits Roost is an Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground located at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in North Carolina. It's well-maintained by the COE with clean facilities and spacious campsites. The campground offers water and electric hookups but no sewer connections (there is a dump station on-site). Like other COE properties, it features excellent recreational opportunities including access to the reservoir for water activities, nearby hiking trails, and mountain biking paths. The property exemplifies the high standards typical of Corps of Engineers campgrounds with its well-designed sites and focus on outdoor recreation.

Where is Bandits Roost Campground located and how do I get there?

Bandits Roost Campground is located on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in North Carolina. The campground is easily accessible by car and features waterfront sites with beautiful views of the reservoir. It's nestled in a scenic area that offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The campground is well-marked and visitors will be greeted by campground hosts at the entrance gate. For specific driving directions, it's recommended to check with the Army Corps of Engineers website or call the campground directly before your trip.

How do I make reservations at Bandits Roost Campground?

Reservations for Bandits Roost Campground can be made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their reservation line. The campground is popular, especially for waterfront sites, so booking well in advance is recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays. The campground offers water and electric hookup sites, but no sewer hookups. Note that the campground is occasionally subject to flooding, which can lead to cancellations, so having a backup plan is advisable during rainy seasons.