Kerr Lake State Recreation Area encompasses multiple camping areas near Hollister, with sites on Kerr Lake (also called Buggs Island Lake) offering water access for recreation. Many campgrounds provide electric and water hookups with limited full-hookup sites. Summer temperatures reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kerr Lake offers exceptional fishing conditions with bass tournaments held regularly. At North Bend Park, "Kerr Reservoir (or Buggs Island Lake as it is mostly referred as) has the best Bass fishing this side of the Mississippi, and they hold Bass tournaments here on a regular basis. The lake is also one of the best places for Cat Fish in the state as well," notes Cliff M.
Water recreation: Clear water makes swimming and paddling popular. At J.C. Cooper Campground, Sergey G. mentions, "The site was near the water with very nice lake views right from the tent. Great for swimming, kayaking, SUP, and other water activities."
Evening viewing spots: Sunset watching is a highlight activity. Terry S. from J.C. Cooper shares, "Be sure to go out near sunset to see the beautiful reflections in the lake waters!"
Mini golf: Family-friendly recreation options exist beyond hiking. At RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads, @HomegrownRV notes, "There's a large pool and a hot tub, as well as a small mini golf course. The mini golf did look a little rundown, but our daughter still really enjoyed it."
What campers like
Site privacy: Campsites at many campgrounds offer good separation. At Thousand Trails Lake Gaston, Katie M. describes, "Large, level sites that are very secluded and far apart from each other."
Shoreline access: Direct lake access is highly valued. Pam R. says of Kimball Point, "The sites are beautiful. Many have direct views of Kerr Lake. Water and electric were good, maintenance was good."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned. Melinda J. from Medoc Mountain State Park Campground notes, "I came here with a large group and really liked it! We were all crammed into the 4 large group sites so I admittedly can't comment on the size of a regular site. However the bath houses were adequate. The staff was helpful. And the trails were nice."
Friendly staff: Campground personnel receive positive reviews. Of Lake Gaston Americamps, Glenn F. reports, "The staff is awesome. Everyone was helpful, polite, friendly and made you feel welcomed. Need firewood, no problem. The fee is only $5/bundle, which is below average for this area, and they will deliver it to your site."
What you should know
Water hose length: Some hookups require extra-long connections. Mark H. from J.C. Cooper advises, "NOTE - to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across campgrounds. RENEE D. notes about Medoc Mountain, "No cell service! 😀 Clean restrooms, hot showers! Camp host and rangers are great!"
Bug activity: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. Stephanie H. warns about North Bend Park, "Nice and quiet campground. Plenty of bugs including pesky horse flies."
Limited nearby services: Some campgrounds are remote with few amenities close by. Kim L. mentions regarding Kimball Point, "This park is smaller than the other and more sand versus red clay. Sites seemed spacious and clean."
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Multiple beaches serve different camping areas. Christie B. says of North Bend Park, "Nice park, lots of room for fishing, swimming and relaxing with the family. Clean facilities and awesome staff. Not recommended for anyone looking for solitude."
Playground access: Kid-friendly amenities vary by location. Becqui M. shares about Medoc Mountain, "My girl rode her bike around the campground and it was perfectly safe. I've been waiting to get back for quite a while."
Site selection for kids: Consider beach proximity when booking. Joseph H. from Lake Gaston Americamps notes, "I tent camped and it's really nice being right on the water. Nice to fish right from your campsite. Bath houses were nice and clean but are definitely a decent uphill walk away."
Family activities: Look for campgrounds with recreation options. Lisa P. describes Enfield - Rocky Mount KOA: "We just stayed 2 nights but wished we had planned for more. The kids loved the pool and playground. The staff were so kind and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. Mike C. reports about North Bend Park, "Sites are in close proximity by pairs, but large enough not to feel cramped."
Hookup locations: Position of utilities may affect setup. Lisa D. notes of Kimball Point, "Nice campground. Nice people/hosts. Bathroom not so much. Long backup to get to the site. Hookups on wrong side. But lots of beautiful sites. Mostly all waterfront. E/W."
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have tricky entrances. Gregory L. advises about Enfield - Rocky Mount KOA, "Just watch when you are arriving as the driveway is a bit hard to see and turning around can be tricky if you go too far. It would be good if they marked the entrance a little better."
Site selection for larger rigs: Check site specifications before booking. Michael P. warns about Kimball Point, "Be warned that the sites vary pretty widely in size and grade. We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades."
