Kerr Lake provides 50,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, and swimming near Randolph, Virginia. Many campgrounds in the area offer direct lake access, with shorelines that vary from sandy beaches to rocky embankments. Winter temperatures can drop to the mid-30s, while summer highs regularly reach 90°F, making seasonal planning essential.
What to Do
Stargazing opportunities: Staunton River State Park Campground has been recognized as an International Dark Sky park with exceptional night viewing. "The park offers rentals of telescopes that can be checked out for free at the visitor's center," notes a camper who adds "beautiful chilly clear night and the sky and stars were amazing!"
Swimming access: Hibernia Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers multiple swimming areas with varying shorelines. "Being right on the lake was awesome. Walk out of your tent and 'bam,' see the beautiful sights! Daughter had a blast swimming in the lake and catching her very first fish," shares one visitor.
Hiking trails: Mayo Lake Park features clearly marked paths for different skill levels. "We decided to check out this park and really loved it. We like quiet site and the person helping my husband on the phone did a great job suggesting such a site. We had easy access to the lake from our camper where we did some kayaking," according to a recent review.
What Campers Like
Private waterfront access: Many sites at North Bend Park offer direct shoreline access from individual campsites. "Nice park, lots of room for fishing, swimming and relaxing with the family. Clean facilities and awesome staff. Not recommended for anyone looking for solitude," notes one camper.
Historic exploration: Occoneechee State Park includes preserved historical structures. "We hiked the Plantation Trail, a large historical site that was once a homestead. Mellow, family-friendly walk with a cemetery, historical markers, and an old chimney. Lots of old growth - from the gigantic boxwoods (hundreds of years old) to the wild daffodils growing in the woods," writes a camper.
Well-maintained facilities: Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir receives praise for its upkeep. "Despite the 'primitive' accommodations, the toilets, pit and running water, were very clean and the showers had plenty of hot water, were clean and drained well. I'd only planned to stay here one night, but I liked both the campground and the surrounding area so much that I stayed another night."
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds have limited operation schedules. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, a camper notes, "Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key. 80-90% of sites are 30 Amp. Limited 50 amp."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "If you have to have cell phone service it is very spotty," warns a Mayo Lake Park visitor.
Road conditions: Some parks have challenging access roads. At Lynchburg RV Resort, a camper observed, "Stayed here about a month ago and the A loop was in terrible shape as far as the roads go. That said, the C Loop (C62 is our site) is very nice and in good condition, in comparison."
Site selection considerations: Leveling can be difficult at some locations. A visitor to Hibernia Campground reports, "Site 65, as well as others in the immediate area, are listed as 'level' but that is far from reality."
Tips for Camping with Families
Educational opportunities: Staunton River State Park Campground offers nature programs for children. "My gkids and I stayed here one night because they wanted to earn a winter camping badge and it was so worth it! They also have a nature learning lab, some cool animals, and a fantastic gift shop."
Swimming beaches: Look for sites with gradual water entry points. A visitor to Hibernia notes, "We had a great site, right on the lake. Could launch our kayaks, fish and swim right from our site! Was a great way to cool off and just enjoy the beautiful water."
Playground availability: Several parks offer play structures. At Hibernia, one family reported, "There was also a small playground that we took my daughter to."
Space between sites: The area varies significantly in campsite privacy. At Hibernia, a camper observed, "Not a campground where it's one on top of each other which is nice... especially with dogs!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Pickett RV Park in Blackstone offers full-service sites with 50-amp electrical. "I am a retired major. My wife and I bought an older motorhome, and this location was great to test it out. Bath house is a few blocks way, but for 25 dollars a night. The price was right."
Pad surfaces: Most sites have gravel rather than concrete pads. At North Bend Park, one RVer notes, "The sites are dirt and some need some creative leveling but typically do-able."
Water hose requirements: Plan for longer connections at some parks. A visitor to Hibernia Campground advises, "Site 77 required 75 feet of hose to reach water nozzle. Website said 35' so glad we were prepared."
Limited large rig spaces: While many campgrounds accommodate RVs, not all sites work for bigger units. At Longwood, a camper noted, "Big campground on a lake. Campsites are mostly level, are various sizes and offer various amounts of screening between sites. Look at the photos."
