The Army Corps of Engineers operates this reservoir campground along the shores of W. Kerr Scott Lake, about four miles east of Wilkesboro in the North Carolina foothills. Sites spread across forested terrain, with some positioned directly on the water and others tucked into wooded areas away from the shoreline.
Campers choose between two distinct camping experiences here. The peninsula sites offer direct water access and open views across the reservoir, though they provide little privacy between neighbors. Janet notes that "lots of sites on the water" create prime spots for hammocks and lakefront relaxation. The interior B-loop sites feature heavy tree cover and more separation, with some arranged on terraced levels connected by steps. Several reviewers mention the unique multi-level layout, where RV parking sits on the upper tier while fire rings and picnic areas occupy lower sections under large oaks.
The reservoir supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with a designated beach area near the peninsula sites. A boat launch provides access for larger watercraft, while hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the surrounding forest. Campers report consistent breezes off the water and cooler temperatures than the surrounding Piedmont region. The campground maintains clean bathhouses and provides firewood bundles for $5-6, though visitors need exact change.
Access roads can become rough during wet conditions, and the campground operates seasonally from April through October. Sites accommodate RVs up to 148 feet with electric and water hookups, plus a dump station. The Army Corps enforces a no-alcohol policy that reviewers say creates a family-friendly atmosphere. For those wanting different amenities, COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Fort Hamby Park sits just over a mile northwest with additional facilities.
Description
Overview
Bandits Roost Campground is located on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina. Constructed in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, the lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.
Recreation
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has a trailhead at the campground. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.
Facilities
The campground offers 102 campsites, including 17 tents sites and 85 standard sites with water and electric hookups. The popular group tent area offers a covered shelter with water and electricity, a grill, six tables and seven tent pads. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, swim beach, playground, basketball court and amphitheater offer additional recreation opportunities.
Natural Features
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (336) 921-3390 for general information.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
As of now the booking window for reservations will begin on March 1st, 2026, for Bandits Roost and Warrior Creek campground for the time frame of April 15th through April 29th, 2026, only. As of now the booking window for reservations will begin on April 27th, 2026, for Bandits Roost and Warrior Creek campgrounds for the remaining 2026 season.As of now the booking window for reservations will begin on May 11th, 2026, for Fort Hamby Park shelters and campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCOE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground is located in North Carolina near Wilkesboro
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. Physical address is 667 Jess Walsh Road Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Address
667 Jess Walsh Road
Wilkesboro, NC 28697-0182
Coordinates
36.12195 N
81.250719 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark 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
Drive Time
- 54 min from Winston-Salem, NC
- 1 hr 21 min from Charlotte, NC
- 1 hr 55 min from Johnson City, TN
- 2 hrs 11 min from Kingsport, TN




























