Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr)

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·John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Overview

Welcome to John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir! Kerr Lake is a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (All campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

Old Picnic Area Shelter - Credits: USACE
John H Kerr Dam and Reservoir - Credits: USACE
Old Picnic Area Vault Toilet - Credits: USACE
Old Picnic Area - Credits: USACE

The Old Picnic Area (OPA) is located right next to a very sandy beach area perfect for fishing. There are trees to create shade and a clear grassy area for games for the family. Bald Eagles can be seen year round at the OPA. 

Recreation

Old Picnic Area - Credits: USACE

Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon. Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese.

  

There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. Buggs Island, located immediately below the dam, attracts migrating bald eagles in the winter and osprey in the summer, as well as gulls, great blue herons, waterfowl and the occasional river otter. 

  

Several trails are available for hiking and biking. The 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail both offer hikes within a short drive. 

The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries regulate hunting and fishing on the Virginia side of Kerr Lake.

Nearby Attractions

Located right across the road, visitors will find the Joseph S.J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center. The center has interpretive programs and exhibits for the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Gas, groceries, firewood and restaurants are located within 2 miles and also within 20 minutes in Boydton and South Hill, Virginia.

Additional Information