Camping sites near Henrico, Virginia center around Kerr Lake, known by locals as Buggs Island Lake, which covers over 50,000 acres with 800 miles of shoreline. The lake sits at 300 feet elevation and remains a popular bass fishing destination with tournaments held regularly throughout the year. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April to October, though some offer year-round access with reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Paddling and boating: At North Bend Park, the calm waters create ideal conditions for water activities. "There are 3 boat launches throughout the campground. Kerr Reservoir (or Buggs Island Lake as is mostly referred as) has the best Bass fishing this side of the Mississippi, and they hold Bass tournaments here on a regular basis," notes one visitor.
Stargazing: Staunton River State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. The park offers rentals of telescopes too. They also have a nature learning lab, some cool animals, and a fantastic gift shop," shares a camper who visited with grandchildren.
Hiking and biking: Longwood Campground provides multiple trails for exploring. "The hiking trails are also for horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though," reports one visitor who gave the campground 4 stars.
Wildlife viewing: At Occoneechee State Park, visitors can observe various species. "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from a little beach area near the cabins," notes one cabin camper.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access at Henderson Point Campground. "Lots of excellent water front sites. Great lake for kayaking. Beautiful lake! Very quiet and peaceful, great place to get away!" writes one reviewer who gave the campground 5 stars.
Spacious sites: Campgrounds generally offer well-spaced sites with room to set up. "Campsites are large, with plenty of space between campers. Not a campground where it's one on top of each other which is nice... especially with dogs!" notes a visitor at Hibernia Campground.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain their bathrooms and shower facilities well. "The bathrooms here are impeccable, best of any campground we've been to. The grounds and maintenance professionals are also very nice and do excellent work," states a reviewer who spent 10 days at Hibernia.
Sandy beaches: Kimball Point Campground offers several beach areas. "Kimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed, moor your boat in the water at your camp site," explains a repeat visitor who noted reservations can be difficult to secure.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds book quickly, especially waterfront sites. "Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning," advises a Kimball Point camper who rated the campground 5 stars.
Water hookup distances: At several campgrounds, water connections may require extra equipment. "Note: Site 77 required 75 feet of hose to reach water nozzle. Website said 35' so glad we were prepared," reports a camper at Hibernia Campground.
Gravel tent pads: Tent campers should prepare for gravel surfaces at some campgrounds. "The camp sites are in great condition. Bring a tarp or footprint for your tent the pads are all gravel. The sun is strong in the summer with partially shaded sites," warns a visitor to North Bend Park.
Limited groceries and supplies: The area has few nearby stores. "Not much grocery stores close so definitely bring all you can. Firewood sold at front but closed on weekdays. Found a gas station that sold it about 3 miles away," notes a camper at Hibernia.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Rudds Creek Campground offers multiple swim areas. "Swimming and fishing is the best! They also have bathrooms for use!" states a 5-star review from a family visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is also a small playground that we took my daughter to," mentions a mother who camped with her toddler at Hibernia.
First fish experiences: Many campers report successful fishing with children. "Daughter had a blast swimming in the lake and catching her very first fish!!! Our site was in a loop with a few other sites. It was a nice setup," shares a mother who took a weekend mom/daughter getaway at Hibernia.
Wildlife education: Some parks offer educational programs. "Park rangers had great kids programs including animal feeding frenzy where we learned about snakes and turtles and we were involved in feeding. Also lots of animal pelts to learn about," reports a visitor at Staunton River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection research: Due to varying terrain, RVers should research specific sites. "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," cautions a visitor to Kimball Point Campground.
Electric hookup locations: Some campsites require extra cords. "Site 206; Loop D has a 30 amp hookup, drinking water hookup was easily accessible (no need for a super long hose), no sewer hookups," notes a camper who stayed at Henderson Point.
Dump station locations: RVers should note the distance to dump stations. "The only complaints would be that the bathrooms are kind of far from this site and the dump station is about a mile away. Neither of these would keep us from returning," explains a camper at Henderson Point Campground.
Level site challenges: Finding level spots can be tricky at some locations. "Sites are dirt and some need some creative leveling but typically do-able," reports an RVer who spent 10 days at Hibernia Campground and praised the park despite this challenge.
