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.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water."
$25 - $190 / night
"Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."
$40 - $200 / night
"What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies! Elizabeth and Mark were exceptional hosts. There is so much to do on property, and they are working on more!"
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
TravelerBeautiful decor and extremely clean interior. The bed is very comfortable and linens are crisp and inviting. You can tell they don't harsh products because your skin is not itchy. The kitchen accommodations are perfect for a family with refrigerator, microwave and gas grill included with every cabin. The jacuzzi tub is a nice touch. Plenty of towels and even robes to use!
The rocking chairs on the back porch allow you to sip coffee, while watching trout swim in Chestnut Creek. The exteriors are clean as well. The grounds are natural and well maintained. There is also a nice common area with chairs and a firepit with wood to use.
The staff was pleasant and helpful.
We went to the local movie theater and a splash pad and park for the kids in town. The downtown 4th of July parade was wonderful! We rode the Blue Ridge Parkway which is very close by and enjoyed live music at the Blue Ridge Music Center. The cabins are about 30 minutes to Mt. Airy (Mayberry). Local antiques, coffee shops, specialty stores are abundant. Car Shiws on Thursday monthly downtown and BINGO at the Moose Lodge here in Galax is the best which is on Tuesdays. If you are an antique lover or picker don't miss my favorites, many in downtown Galax and a couple coffee shops and make sure you go to "Nest and Hive" in Fancy Gap and "The River House And Home Company" in Hillsville. You won't regret it!
I've been coming here for 20 years and will 20 more. The mountains are calling!
ScoutThe owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
ScoutThis campground is not 420 friendly! It’s Tn where MJ is illegal. We have RX but we were harassed non stop. One day the owner said to smoke by River, next day somewhere else! Owner also would snoop around my camper to upset my Belgian Mal. We spent a miserable summer here May-Nov. Never again! All was ok until we set up!
ScoutThis is the perfect camp ground whether you’re wanting a quiet spot, or family fun. The grounds are spacious and the sites offer a great variety.
ScoutThis is a beautiful park but be aware there is only ONE toilet for a loop of at least 23 tent sites!!! If it's a busy weekend, you'll be miserable.
ScoutBeautiful property right on the river. The host was amazing. Clean port o John- water- river, wonderful owner. Close to town yet quiet. This is my favorite
TravelerJust arrived, looks great. Opted for a pull thru near the pool.
TravelerThere wasn’t very good pictures of the sites. We chose our site because we thought it was on the river (based on the map) and it was on a very tiny, buggy, creek. Would have chosen different site if there was better pictures.
Camping at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir offers access to 4,000 acres of water and 55 miles of shoreline in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The reservoir sits at an elevation of 1,030 feet, creating a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and spring/fall in the 60s-70s. W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir campsites feature varied terrain with some waterfront locations requiring reservations months in advance during peak season.
Mountain biking trails: Near Warrior Creek Campground, the trail system attracts enthusiasts from across the region. "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often... 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to Wilkesboro with plants of food and amenities," notes one Warrior Creek visitor.
Disc golf course: Fort Hamby Park offers an on-site course suitable for various skill levels. "The campground has... disk golf. Quiet," mentions an Fort Hamby Park reviewer. The course is free to use and accessible year-round.
Hiking options: Stone Mountain State Park provides extensive trail networks with varying difficulty. "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see... There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," shares a camper who stayed at site 40.
Spacious campsites: Fort Hamby Park stands out for generous site dimensions. "The large campsites! In fact, not being able to see any of our neighbors made us feel so much more remote than we were!" remarks one reviewer who appreciated the privacy.
Quiet weekday camping: Warrior Creek offers peaceful mid-week stays. "It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday. Weekends tend to get filled up fast and often with large groups stretching the limits of a campsite," explains a Warrior Creek regular.
Creek-side camping: Stoney Fork Campground provides sites along a flowing creek. "It's right on a creek and it was lovely to drink morning coffee next to the water," writes a camper at Stoney Fork Campground. Their eight total sites offer full hookups with creek access.
Seasonal operation: Most W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir campsites operate seasonally. "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," notes a winter visitor at Stone Mountain State Park, one of the few year-round options.
Limited cell coverage: Prepare for spotty connectivity at most sites. "Terrible cell service so be prepared to dish out $8 a day for internet," warns a camper at Green Mountain Park.
Campground closures: Check status before planning trips. "Unfortunately we were unable to camp here. According to park ranger said this campground is closed for one year or longer. No explanation was given as to why," reported a Warrior Creek visitor in 2021.
Swimming areas: Elk Shoals access at New River State Park provides child-friendly water spots. "I highly recommend spending an afternoon at the beach at the Elk Shoals access. Beautiful spot with awesome swimming hole!" recommends a visitor to New River State Park.
Transportation carts: Some walk-in sites offer equipment to transport gear. "The park provides little carts and wheelbarrows... The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained," explains a New River State Park camper at the Wagoner access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Stone Mountain State Park offers deer watching from select sites. "There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," shares an enthusiastic family who enjoyed site 40.
Dump station access: New River State Park allows non-campers to use facilities for a fee. "Didn't stay but did use the dump station for $17, so wanted to update info," notes a passing RVer.
Site selection guidance: Bandits Roost Campground requires careful site research. "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... 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," advises a Bandits Roost Campground visitor.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at many sites. "The sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings," reports a camper at New River State Park's 221 access, one of the more RV-friendly areas.
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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