John H. Kerr Reservoir, NC

This 50,000-acre reservoir is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An additional 55,000 acres of land surrounds it. Kerr Reservoir (also known as Buggs Island lake) was built in the 1950’s primarily for hydropower generation and flood control. Three counties in Virginia and three North Carolina have 900 miles of wooded shoreline. You can fish, boat, camp, swim and picnic along this shoreline. The Corps of Engineers manages four campgrounds. Seven are managed by the North Carolina State Parks, and two are managed by the Virginia State Parks. These campgrounds offer tent and trailer camping on primitive and water/electric sites, as well as bath facilities, beaches and playgrounds. The Corps of Engineers operates many other day-use facilities, including campgrounds. Twenty-six of the more than 10,000 acres of land are managed intensively with wildlife management techniques. These areas offer opportunities for hunting, hiking and wildlife watching. Hunting is permitted on all project lands with the appropriate state licenses. Many game fish species can be found in the reservoir. Kerr Reservoir is well-known for its large-mouth bass fishing and striped bass fishing. All reservoir waters are open to both residents and non-residents fishing licenses issued by North Carolina or Virginia.

The Visitor Assistance Center at John H. Kerr Reservoir can be found adjacent to the Dam and North Bend Park. The center is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on holidays. Just down the road is the Joseph S. J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center. It is located at the intersection with Mays Chapel Road (which runs across the Dam). The Tanner Center is open from the first weekend of April at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends only. It will remain open until the last weekend of October. The Powerhouse is located in Tailrace Park and is currently closed to the public. 

Minutes From Interstate 85 John H. Kerr Reservoir starts in North Carolina and spreads into Virginia. Across the state line, it is also known as Buggs Island Lake. It is conveniently next to Interstate 85 to quickly take you to South Hill, Henderson, or Durham-Raleigh.The Durham-Raleigh Area includes restaurants, attractions, and nightlife and an international airport, and several hospitals.A Great ExpanseJohn H. Kerr Reservoir was completed in 1952 by the impoundment of the Roanoke and Dan River. It was named after a state congressman and is often called Kerr Lake.The lake covers a whopping 50,000 acres with 850 miles of shoreline. Its waters are 100 feet deep at the dam and 30 feet deep on average.Steele Creek Marina and Satterwhite Point Marina are on the North Carolina Shore.Recreational Opportunities AboundJohn H. Kerr Reservoir waters stretch far and wide for those on pontoons, powerboats, jet skis, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and more.Many enjoy the excitement of tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and kneeboarding.There are many sandy points around the lake where you can lay out a towel and relax or cool off in the water.With an abundance of fish like largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, channel catfish, and flatheads, the lake is extremely popular with anglers.Time in the OutdoorsThe Kerr Lake State Recreation Area features seven campgrounds that offer wooded and waterfront lots.The boat ramps, hiking trails, can picnic grounds leave campers and visitors many activities to choose from, and it is known as an amazing bird-watching location.Around the AreaThe Boyd Tavern is a historic tavern and inn located in nearby Boydton. It was constructed in 1790 and is on the Virginia Landmark Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Rosemont Vineyards is a short drive away from the area in LaCrosse. The facility features a tasting room, tours, and event spaces.A Great Choice of Lake PropertyJohn H. Kerr Reservoir offers lakefront living at its finest. Enjoy a variety of lake activities with the beauty of North Carolina and Virginia all around you.