John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir spans 50,000 acres across the Virginia-North Carolina border with water levels typically maintained between 293-300 feet above sea level. The reservoir, locally known as Buggs Island Lake, experiences seasonal water level fluctuations that can impact shoreline camping conditions. Red clay shorelines characterize many camping areas, with lake bottoms transitioning between rocky and sandy depending on location.
What to do
Kayaking from shoreline campsites: At Kimball Point Campground, many waterfront sites offer direct lake access for paddling. "We really, really enjoyed our stay here. It is a small campground on a really nice point/peninsula. The water is very clear! You can see probably about 5-6 feet down," notes Jess from Kimball Point Campground.
Fishing for bass and catfish: The dam area offers productive fishing spots for larger catfish. "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 Cliff M. from North Bend Park.
Stargazing from lakefront sites: The minimal light pollution at Hibernia campground creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "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," says Andrea B. from Hibernia Campground.
Biking on paved trails: North Bend Park offers dedicated bike paths connecting camping areas. "There's a really nice paved bike/walking trail that connects the front gate area all the way back to the D area," reports MickandKarla W. Several campgrounds feature dedicated trails suitable for children's bikes.
What campers like
Sandy coves for swimming: Henderson Point provides sheltered swimming areas with gentler slopes for wading. "Loved this CG... So many waterfront sites. Lake is fantastic from here. Lots of boats and kayaks," notes Kim L. from Henderson Point Campground.
Private shoreline access: Many campsites at J.C. Cooper offer secluded beach areas. "We stayed at J.C Cooper Campground at Satterwhite Point Area 2. The site was near the water with very nice lake views right from the tent. Great for swimming, kayaking, SUP, and other water activities," reports Sergey G. from J.C. Cooper Campground.
Well-spaced campsites: Occoneechee State Park offers greater privacy between sites compared to other area campgrounds. "This is a great campground all around. The sites have ample room and they're spaced far enough apart that you actually have privacy (unless you camp on the waterfront where they're smaller and close together)," says Lisa M.
Spacious bathhouses: Several campgrounds feature recently renovated shower facilities. "One the best things about the bath house, it has the usual mens & ladies room, but also has six private uni-sex bath rooms with toilet, sink & shower in each," notes Cliff M. describing North Bend Park facilities.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites require creative setup. "Some sites are located pretty close to each other, so if you have loud 'neighbors' it might be annoying. But this is not unique to this campground," says Sergey G. about Nutbush Bridge Campground.
Water access varies by site: Rocky vs. sandy shorelines impact swimming comfort. "Our spot #36 was almost completely shaded, but you could only see the water through the trees a little. We took web chairs down the 100 ft. path to the water to enjoy the views," reports Kelli H. from Rudds Creek Recreation Area.
Utility hookup limitations: Many sites require extended hoses or cables. "NOTE - to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper," advises Mark H. about J.C. Cooper campground.
Seasonal availability differences: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. "Hibernia is the lesser know campground on Kerr Lake since it is located more off the popular travel route. There are only a few sites with hookups. Most sites are tent and dry camping," explains Pamela H.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: North Bend Park offers family-specific amenities. "Camped at site 91. Close to restrooms and walkable distance to showers. Beach area is clean and they provide a few life vest. Playground by showers is handy with kids. Shaded and clean sites," advises Sarah L.
Select sites near bath facilities: Bathroom proximity matters with younger children. "Bathrooms are some of the best I've ever seen! Super spacious showers, everything seemed newer and was very well cleaned/maintained. Lake is amazingly calm and perfect for kayaking or canoeing," notes Tyler E. from Henderson Point.
Consider seasonal insect patterns: Summer brings more bugs to shoreline sites. "The sites have ample room and they're spaced far enough apart that you actually have privacy. The lake is gorgeous and offers fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and SUPing. There's a large playground and easy walking trails," shares Lisa M. from Occoneechee State Park Campground.
Prepare for red clay staining: Lake bottom composition affects clothing and gear. "We camped with a few other families at the group camp site. It was lovely. Great shade and perfect water for kids, the red mud is so much easier to wash off than sand! Bugs weren't too bad," notes amanda L. about Henderson Point.
Tips from RVers
Extended hookup preparation: Bring extra-length utility connections. "We stayed in site #59. There was plenty of room for our 31ft airstream and had a neat large second level part to our site with a picnic table and fire pit," says Christina K. from North Bend Park.
Site selection for larger rigs: Pre-survey campgrounds when possible. "We visited Kerr Lake State Rec Area, JC Cooper Campground, Loop 1, at Satterwhite Point in April and it was fully booked for the weekend. Very happy I drove around first before reserving a site. Not all sites are flat and some are very hard to drive into," advises Jeff K. from Bullocksville Park.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits during peak checkout periods. "Expect to wait at the dump station if the campground is packed because mostly RVers stay here," warns Mea H. about Nutbush Bridge Campground.
Waterfront site selection: Balance shade with lake access for comfort. "Our site (#41) was huge. Had plenty of room. Very private on one side, it does neighbor to another site openly but we were lucky that no one ever reserved it while we were there," reports Jeanna Marie C. about Hibernia Campground.
