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Camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

1,200 Reviews

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir in North Carolina features several well-maintained campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area includes established options like Bandits Roost Campground and Fort Hamby Park, both offering water and electric hookups for RVs along with tent camping areas. These campgrounds provide access to the reservoir's shoreline with many sites positioned directly on the waterfront. Additional camping options extend to nearby Stone Mountain State Park and New River State Park, which expand the range of accommodation types to include cabins and glamping facilities.

Camping season at most developed campgrounds near W. Kerr Scott Reservoir typically runs from April through October, with some locations like Fort Hamby Park operating from mid-April to late October. Campsites generally include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to dump stations, though most lack full sewer hookups. Bathhouses and facilities vary in quality across locations, with some being more updated than others. The terrain features wooded areas with a mix of level and sloped sites, particularly at Fort Hamby where many campsites are tucked into forest settings. A visitor noted, "The secluded spots are a friendly distance from your neighbors and the water was peaceful and serene."

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many reviewers highlighting the lake views and easy water access. Both Bandits Roost and Fort Hamby Park offer swimming areas with beaches that are particularly popular during summer months. The campgrounds provide opportunities for various outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking on the nearby trails. Several visitors mentioned the privacy of the campsites as a significant advantage, especially at Fort Hamby where one camper observed, "Not being able to see any of our neighbors made us feel so much more remote than we were!" Multiple reviews also note the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpful campground hosts who enhance the overall experience for campers.

Map showing campgrounds near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir (218)

    1. COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

    18 Reviews
    Wilkesboro, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-3190

    $20 - $85 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    3. Warrior Creek

    11 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-2177

    $22 - $85 / night

    "Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."

    "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often."

    4. Fort Hamby Park

    9 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 973-0104

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Lake was gorgeous! Absolutely the easiest and cleanest dump station we have ever used! Well designed! Close to Willesboro!"

    "There is a dumpsite near the front office. A short drive from campsite is a man-made beach with lake swimming area… very nice."

    5. Moravian Falls Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Moravian Falls, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 667-6150

    6. Thousand Trails Green Mountain

    18 Reviews
    Lenoir, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a deck at our site which was a but problematic due to our steps folding out, it took some finagling and leveling to get it to where we could close our door."

    "This is our first time ever camping and this place feels like home away from home and everyone here is very friendly."

    7. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    48 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    8. Stoney Fork Campground

    3 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 973-5299

    "It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water."

    9. Wagoner — New River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Jefferson, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 982-2587

    $27 - $72 / night

    "You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic."

    "We were too far away from the water to walk, so we missed out on that, which we were looking forward to, but overall a really nice experience."

    10. Growing Faith Farms & Retreat

    1 Review
    Moravian Falls, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-0081

    $25 - $190 / night

    "Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."

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Recent Camping Photos near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

519 Photos of 218 W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

1200 Reviews of 218 W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

    Quiet and beautiful

    This was a great stay at a large site, near a creek with fire pit. My Starlink worked great! Road coming in is winding and you have to cross a submerged bridge. A few cars went by, but it’s not a thru road, so they passed again shortly after. Quiet, safe place!

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Great Sites on the Creek

    Some of the sites are pretty close but they’re separated enough to get some real quiet in the woods. Great time! Would love to come back in the summer and take average of being on the creek

  • N
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cedar Rock Campground

    Great spot!

    Very clean and taken care of. Owners are friendly and check in daily. The creek is very nice and creates the perfect amount of ambient noise. I found ample amount of space between spots. We had all the space we needed and some. We have an 8person tent. We will definitely be coming back.

  • Ethan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great Primitive Campsite

    Most campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. Some campsites are a little confusing about site areas as it seems they overlap into each other some. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do.

  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • Cliff W.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    Camping in Quiet

    This is our second time here. It's pretty quiet here. There is a heated pool (closed), corn hole, playground, and multiple games. We noticed there's no kids during this time of the year. The KOA station has some cute gifts. 24 hrs. Restrooms, laundry area, and great outdoor. The cabins have there very own toilet, tv, full size bed, and bunk beds. Very nice KOA.

  • Daniel W.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Midway Campground Resort

    Cozy and fun

    I came in early and they didn't mind so I could get some rest before my long ride. Staff super friendly and sites are nice. All accommodations available. 5 star from this guy.

  • Yuriy-Sarah G.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Growing Faith Farms & Retreat

    Best camping weekend!

    Our kids say,"leave them 10k stars on the review!" The best camping trip we've had in a long while. Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking. The farm is beautiful, well-maintained, and the hosts super friendly and helpful. Love the water at the site(and electric is going to be even better soon!) and the convenience of the bathhouse. Plenty of great things to do locally, from hiking and waterfalls to apple picking. We had a wonderful weekend, and will certainly be back! Thanks!

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Roan Mountain State Park Campground

    New Favorite Campground

    This is my new favorite campground! There are trees everywhere and there really isn't a bad spot! Some sites were right on the creek (sites 40 and 41 were great). The tent camping area is beautiful and one of the best I've seen. We were at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the area. No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular. We will definitely be back!

Guide to W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities. One camper at COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground said, "We had water & electric and there is a dump station onsite. We sat in our chairs in the water & enjoyed the quiet beach."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. A visitor at Grandfather Mountain Campground mentioned, "The hiking, the views, the bridge, the animal habitat, the list goes on and on… Highly recommend this state park!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach area near the campground. A reviewer noted at COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground, "The swimming area at the lake is nice with white sand. It stays pretty shallow in the roped-in part, so great for kids."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained through the park service."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Blue Bear Mountain Camp mentioned, "This place was awesome. Private but well equipped with all the necessities you need."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A review from Honey Bear Campground noted, "The campground was extremely helpful and kind."

What you should know:

  • Noise from the interstate: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads. A visitor at Statesville RV Park I-77 mentioned, "You will hear the road 24/7 due to proximity of the interstate but it's convenient to run chores or pull during your travel."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Julian Price Park Campground pointed out, "There are no showers, but the sites are clean and well-maintained."
  • Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Honey Bear Campground is open from March 15 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose shaded sites: Look for campsites with trees for shade. A family at Lake Norman State Park Campground enjoyed, "The tent pad was super spacious and made of gravel. There was also a picnic bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A parent at Green Mountain Park shared, "The parks were well kept for the kids, and there’s even a scavenger hunt set up in the permanent residence lots for kiddos."
  • Keep an eye on pets: Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, but always check the rules. A visitor at COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground noted, "They have a pole there to hold your pets while setting up."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level your site: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Statesville RV Park I-77 mentioned, "The site was not even close to level. Recent blacktop not properly compressed."
  • Check for hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lake Norman State Park Campground said, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring on a compacted gravel base next to each site."
  • Be prepared for bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially in summer. A visitor at COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground noted, "We went in summer and it was SUPER buggy."

Camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir?

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir offers several camping options to suit different preferences. Warrior Creek provides drive-in and walk-in sites with water and toilet facilities. The campground is reservable and accommodates big rigs. Another option is Fort Hamby Park near Wilkesboro, which features drive-in sites with toilets and is also big-rig friendly. Both campgrounds require reservations and offer scenic views of the reservoir. The area provides a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and more rustic options for those seeking a quieter experience in North Carolina's beautiful Wilkes County.

What facilities are available at Warrior Creek Campground on Kerr Scott Reservoir?

Warrior Creek Campground offers well-maintained facilities including modern restrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. The campground features spacious drive-in sites with electric hookups (30/50 amp), picnic tables, and fire rings. Many sites offer beautiful views of the reservoir. Amenities include a dump station, playground, boat ramp, and access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Similar to Moravian Falls Family Campground in the region, Warrior Creek is family-friendly with clean facilities. The campground is reservable online, and sites can accommodate both tents and RVs, including big rigs. The surrounding area offers excellent recreation opportunities with easy access to the water.

Are boat rentals available at W. Kerr Scott Lake?

Yes, boat rentals are available at W. Kerr Scott Lake during the regular season. The marina offers various watercraft options including pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. This makes the lake accessible for visitors who don't bring their own boats. For those camping nearby, Stone Mountain State Park Campground is within driving distance and offers beautiful, quiet sites that make a good base for lake activities. Rental rates vary by season and watercraft type, with hourly and daily options available. It's recommended to call ahead during off-peak seasons to confirm availability and current rental hours.

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