About Fish Dam Creek Park
Overview Fish Dam Creek Shelter is located directly adjacent to W Kerr Scott's Dam. This shelter features horseshoe pits, and has a panoramic view of the reservoir. Recreation The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Dark Mountain Trail which can be accessed from the shelter. The Warrior Creek and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail feature an additional 25 miles of trails.Facilities The Fish Dam Creek shelter offers eight, 8-foot picnic tables and one, 10-foot ADA-accessible picnic table. A water spigot and charcoal grill are close by. The electrial outlets currently do not work due to an underground problem. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include horseshoe pits, grill, vault toilets, hiking trails and five mini-shelters (first come-first serve). (The power to this shelter is currently off) Natural Features The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks. Nearby Attractions W. Kerr Scott Lake has 3 main trail systems. Dark Mountain, OVT, and Warrior Creek trail systems. The Visitor Assistance Center is located at 499 Reservoir Road. W. Kerr Scott Lake is 10 minutes from Wilkesboro, NC. Charges & Cancellations All reservations, changes, and cancellations must be made by the guest using Recreation.gov, by calling 877-444-6777, o
How to Get There
From Charlotte, North Carolina , take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right. From Winston-Salem, North Carolina , take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto right onto Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right. From Wilkesboro, North Carolina , head west on Main Street/Hwy 268/Hwy 18 (approximately 4 miles) and turn right on Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Fish Dam Creek Park
Heading to Fish Dam Creek Park? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fish Dam Creek Park?
No central reservation system listed for Fish Dam Creek Park. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250018) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fish Dam Creek Park?
From Charlotte, North Carolina , take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Reservoir Road. Continue on Reservoir Road across the dam and the shelter will be on the right. From Winston-Salem, North Carolin…
How do I contact Fish Dam Creek Park?
You can reach the park at phone: 336-921-3390.
References & Official Resources
