John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

1930 Mays Chapel Road
Boydton, VA 23917

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake extending 39 miles up the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline in Virginia and North Carolina. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir: campsites, swim beaches, picnic areas, hiking, nature trails, marinas all available for public use. There are 26 wildlife management areas on Kerr, totaling over 10,000 acres. In addition to flood control and hydroelectric power, other benefits include fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, forest management, and water supply.

Directions

From Raleigh, north on US 1 to I-85; west on NC 1224, exit 223; north on NC 1200, which turns into VA 4 at State line. From Richmond, south on I-95; south on I-85 toward South Hill; West on US 58, exit 12; South on VA 4.

Reviews

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir campgrounds are widely appreciated for their spacious, clean sites often with beautiful lake views and easy water access. The well-maintained facilities and bathhouses, along with friendly and helpful staff, contribute to a positive and peaceful family-friendly environment suitable for various outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Some recurring issues include occasional noise disturbances from other campers and generators, limited enforcement of quiet hours and pet rules, challenges with reservation availability and site layouts especially for larger RVs, spotty cell service, and some maintenance concerns such as bathhouse cleanliness and hot water. Despite minor drawbacks, it remains a favored scenic camping destination offering a relaxing natural setting.

Spacious, clean, and well-maintained campsites

Beautiful lake views with good water access

Friendly and helpful staff and campground hosts

Peaceful, family-friendly, and quiet environment

Good facilities including bathhouses, playgrounds, and beach access

Noise disturbances and inconsistent quiet hour enforcement

Reservation system challenges and limited site availability

Some sites difficult for large RVs or have uneven terrain

Spotty cell service and limited internet coverage

Occasional maintenance issues with bathhouses and amenities

2,813 reviews

5 stars

2,095

4 stars

526

3 stars

120

2 stars

1 stars

Garry S

Campground:North Bend Park

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 7 days ago

We had a beautiful couple days enjoying the campground, (smaller) lake and wonderful evening. North Bend never disappoints!

Janet H

Campground:North Bend Park

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 7 days ago

Wonderful relaxing time at North Bend park campground.

Jimmy T

Campground:North Bend Park

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Well manicured trails. Great for biking or hiking. Clean bathhouses. Many campsites with great views.

Kevin C

Campground:North Bend Park

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

Everything was wonderful from start to finish. The check-in process was easy and friendly. The campground and facilities were well maintained; in well above average condition. The most pleasant experience overall.

Anthony P

Campground:Longwood Park

Loop:Righ

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Beautiful park , and spacious spots . We will definitely go back again.

Robert L

Campground:North Bend Park

Loop:C

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Excellent campground with a stunning view across the lake. I stayed at 160C with my rooftop tent and had an incredible view. Staff really kind and helpful, facilities were great, hot showers and toilet in individual sections of the building. Would highly recommend!

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.