About John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
Heading to John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir? 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 John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir?
No central reservation system listed for John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/458) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir?
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.
How do I contact John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir?
You can reach the park at phone: (434) 738-6143.
References & Official Resources
