Top Free Dispersed Camping near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Camping near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful lakeside views and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Fishing: The area is great for fishing. At Rudds Creek Campground, one camper mentioned, "Sites are huge, great camp site and fishing right off the camp site in many sites." This makes it a perfect spot for anglers.
• Hiking: Explore the trails around Staunton River State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "They have nice walking trails & if you like to paddle, the river is nice & flat." It’s a great way to enjoy nature.
• Boating: If you enjoy being on the water, North Bend Park offers excellent access to boating. One reviewer noted, "The sites at North bend are far superior than other campgrounds in the area."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. At Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Kimball Point, a visitor said, "The restrooms were immaculate and the staff was courteous."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A camper at J.C. Cooper — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Spacious sites with plenty of separation between sites, well kept, and quiet even though it was packed."
• Beautiful views: Campers love the scenic beauty. One reviewer at Hibernia — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area said, "For some reason, site 100 requires 100ft of hose to get to the water hookup. Never seen one so far, and all other sites appeared to be 25ft or less."

What you should know:

• No sewer hookups: Many campgrounds, like Rudds Creek Campground, do not offer sewer hookups. A camper noted, "First off, no sewer. Just power and water."
• Cell service can be spotty: If you rely on your phone, be aware that service may not be great. A visitor at Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "There is little to no AT&T cellular, T-Mobile works great."
• First-come, first-served sites: Some campgrounds, like Nutbush Bridge, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper shared, "Sites are not bookable so its first come first served and you can just choose the site that suits you best."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. At Occoneechee State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "We spent an afternoon at the splash pad, which is a great way to cool off in the summer."
• Participate in park programs: Many parks offer family-friendly programs. A visitor at Staunton River State Park Campground mentioned, "They had smores around the fire on a Friday night."
• Plan for quiet time: Choose campgrounds that are known for being peaceful. A camper at Medoc Mountain State Park Campground noted, "It was a quiet campground."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at North Bend Park said, "Most of the sites looked pretty level."
• Be prepared for tight turns: If you're bringing a larger rig, be aware of the layout. A camper at Medoc Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the pull through sites don't accommodate large trailers due to tight turns."
• Bring extra hoses: If you need water, some sites may require longer hoses. A camper at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Kimball Point noted, "My only gripe is that not every site has its own water."

Camping near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, Virginia, has something for everyone, from fishing and hiking to family-friendly activities and RV tips. Enjoy your outdoor adventure!