Kerr Lake extends across the Virginia-North Carolina border spanning 50,000 acres with over 800 miles of shoreline and depths up to 100 feet. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite selection and water access at several campgrounds. Most waterfront camping areas maintain operational periods from March through October, though some locations like Nutbush Bridge Campground remain open year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kerr Lake offers abundant fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie from shore or boat. At North Bend Park, "Kerr Reservoir 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 place for Cat Fish in the state as well," according to camper Cliff M.
Lakeside relaxation: Many campsites provide direct water access with sandy beach areas. "This is a nice campground with plenty of easy access to the lake. We chose site 77 because it was in full shade with nice lake views. There's a cove with a sandy beach and clear water just steps away," notes a camper at Hibernia Campground.
Hiking trails: Several parks offer maintained hiking paths with lake views and wildlife spotting opportunities. At Satterwhite Point, "There's a small playground and a few nice trails," as noted by one reviewer who appreciated the combination of water activities and land-based recreation options.
What campers like
Waterfront site selection: Many campgrounds offer varied lakefront options from sandy beaches to wooded areas. At Hibernia Campground, "You can choose between more lake shore/beach like camping or wooded lake camping. The large bathhouses are nice with large showers and the small toilet houses are less new but not bad," reports Andrea B.
Accessibility for varied equipment: The area accommodates everything from tents to large RVs. "Our waterfront site had its own little beach where we could swim and launch our kayak. When we camped in the woods, the other campers were well spaced," shares Pamela H. about her Hibernia experience.
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing at several campgrounds. "It does get dark enough there that you could see the Milky Way. I would have loved to share a picture but I was too relaxed just looking up at the stars," notes a camper about the celestial views at Hibernia.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: While most campgrounds operate March through October, availability varies by location. "Hibernia park on Kerr Lake operates seasonally from March to October with water and electric sites, while Nutbush Bridge Campground remains open year-round," a camper explained.
Site variations: Campsite terrain varies significantly, with some requiring leveling equipment. At J.C. Cooper Campground, one camper noted, "NOTE - to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper."
Limited services: Most campgrounds lack on-site stores or restaurants, requiring advance planning. "The nearest grocery store (Food Lion) was about 15 minutes drive from our campground. We didn't notice it at first and it took us quite a bit of driving around to find firewood since Food Lion didn't sell it," advises a J.C. Cooper camper.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds and specific loops. "The bathrooms here are impeccable, best of any campground we've been to. The sites are dirt and some need some creative leveling but typically do-able," reports EMRY H. about their Hibernia experience.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Most waterfront sites offer swimming directly from campsites. At Lake Gaston RV Resort, "This is probably our favorite thus far. We like the lake and it's easily accessible. It contains putt putt, pool, store, 2 beaches, dock, fishing areas, playground, and tons of shade," shares Samantha G.
Kid-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds offer additional recreational facilities. "Our kids enjoyed hours of time swimming and floating on rafts. Super clean restrooms and showers are just 2 minutes from our site," notes a camper at Hibernia.
Safety considerations: Supervision requirements vary by location. One camper at Nutbush observed, "Seemed very safe for children. Take water and all supplies in with you as there is no site store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many rv sites near Henderson, North Carolina accommodate larger vehicles but require advance planning. At RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads, "Large sites. Clean and quiet. Affordable," notes Mike H., though another camper cautioned, "We struggled turning down aisle D in our 42 ft 5th wheel. Despite it saying it was 60 ft, spot was still tight."
Utility connections: Water and electric hookups require preparation at some locations. "Good hook ups, clean facilities, nice dog park and clean pool/hot tub. Only negatives are not much in the area to do, no cable or wifi and absolutely no antenna service," shares deb K. about Carolina Crossroads.
Level pads: Site conditions vary across campgrounds even within the same park. "Sites are a little more crowded that some of the other parks. There is a boat ramp in the loop of the park that is usable but doesn't offer much room for parking," notes Glenn F. about Nutbush Campground.
