Kerr Lake, which spans the Virginia-North Carolina border near Clarksville, encompasses over 50,000 acres with 800 miles of shoreline and water depths reaching 100 feet. The camping season generally runs March through October with water temperatures averaging 75-85°F during summer months. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Mayo Lake Park, which operates year-round despite fewer amenities than neighboring facilities.
What to do
**Water activities at sunset: Take advantage of lakefront camping at Thousand Trails Lake Gaston for prime water access. "We rented a cabin & although it was small, the kids had a blast. The little marina is awesome. Everyone is super helpful," notes Chris E. The lake offers excellent conditions for fishing, tubing and wakeboarding.
**Stargazing opportunities: Staunton River State Park Campground has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," according to Bridget H. The visitor center loans telescopes at no charge for overnight guests.
**Trail exploration: Hibernia Campground maintains multiple hiking paths with varying difficulty levels connecting camping areas. "The campground has a nice hiking trail within the park and great access to the lake," explains Glenn F. Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging wooded routes with elevation changes.
What campers like
**Personal beaches: North Bend Park offers sites with private beach access. "Site 206 in Loop D has easy shore access from pad... Short pathway down to the waters edge of a beautiful large lake with swimming, fishing, and boating," reports Mike C. These sites feature sandy shorelines where campers can launch kayaks directly.
**Quiet weekday camping: Visitors frequently mention reduced crowds and noise during weekdays. "We camped overnight making our way south. There are a number of sites right on the lakefront, so snag one of those if you can! Nice, shady and quiet," says Terry S. about J.C. Cooper Campground. Mid-week availability increases significantly during spring and fall months.
**Campground layout: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Mayo Lake Park. "Rv sites are really nice and not on top of each other. Some are close to the water. Lots of clearly marked hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, Frisbee golf and horseshoe pits," mentions Adam B. The campground's terrain provides natural separation between camping areas.
What you should know
**Water hookup distances: Several campgrounds require longer-than-standard hoses. "Note: Site 77 required 75 feet of hose to reach water nozzle. Website said 35' so glad we were prepared," warns a visitor at Hibernia Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Pack extra water hose length for most sites.
**Limited services: Mayo Lake Park offers year-round camping but with minimal amenities. "If you have to have cell phone service it is very spotty," cautions Barb T. Most campgrounds lack on-site stores, so stock provisions before arrival.
**Road conditions: Several campground access roads present navigation challenges. "The road leading to the camping area is single lane so if you meet another camper going the other way it could get a little dicey," explains Brandon C. about Mayo Lake Park. Interior roads at multiple facilities show seasonal erosion and drainage issues.
Tips for camping with families
**Swimming options: Satterwhite Point - Kerr Lake SRA provides designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "We camped lakeside at Kerr Lake Satterwhite Point for a group fishing trip. Nice and quiet and we were able to park right next to the tents," shares Andy K. Multiple campgrounds offer both official swimming beaches and informal water access.
**Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain children's play equipment. "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," reports Samantha G. about Thousand Trails Lake Gaston.
**Educational opportunities: Many facilities offer structured learning activities. "The park has a nature learning lab, some cool animals, and a fantastic gift shop. The gkids brought their bikes and loved riding around the park," writes Bridget H. about Staunton River State Park. Rangers conduct regular educational programs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
**Site leveling: Uneven terrain creates challenges at multiple RV parks Clarksville, Virginia visitors recommend checking carefully. "Site 65, as well as others in the immediate area, are listed as 'level' but that is far from reality," mentions Glenn F. regarding Hibernia campground. Many experienced campers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks.
**Specific site recommendations: Occoneechee State Park Campground visitors suggest carefully selecting campsite locations. "Driving around the campground, there are some fantastic waterfront sites in the same loop as the yurts that we'd love to come back and stay at! They have great views of Buggs Island Lake," advises Katie M. Sites in C loop tend to offer more privacy and shade than other areas.
**Check-in timing restrictions: Some facilities maintain strict arrival windows. "New manager will not allow check in until 4:00 PM even if campsite has been vacant for days before. Makes for traffic jams every day @ 4 as everyone tries to get into site at the same time," notes Wayne B. about Satterwhite Point Park. Arriving early often means waiting regardless of site status.
