The best camping near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir adventure.

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Discover the serene beauty of John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Buffalo Park Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Longwood Park Campground

66 sites · RVs, Tents In John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

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North Bend Park Campground

244 sites · RVs, Tents In John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

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Rudds Creek Campground

99 sites · RVs, Tents In John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Top-rated campgrounds near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

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Tar River Life

16 sites · Tents40 acres · Lake Royale, NC

Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River. Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites. The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped. Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions. There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure. We are pet friendly!

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Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

Our camp is the shared vision of Brian and Lee and son Michael. We fell in love with this beautiful property where we plan to build our eco-friendly, off-grid homestead and farm. Lee's favorite song and the inspiration behind our name is "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary. A land of whimsical imagination, beauty and maybe a dragon or three is our shared vision for the farm. The camping options are flexible, ranging from prepared campsites along both Little and Deep creeks with composting outhouses nearby, to "Camper's Choice" options where you may hike in or drive in and create your own camping experience. Please note that since the "Camper's Choice" options allow freedom to select hike-in or drive-in options, the exact distance to nearest outhouse may vary. There are 144 acres to explore so campers can set up a secluded getaway or cluster together in a group. We are flexible and can work with you to create a camping experience that suits your needs. Learn more about this land: Honah Lee Farms has over 140 acres of woods with open fields distributed throughout. We are bordered to the south by the Flat River, to the west by Deep Creek, and to the north by Little Creek. Most of our campsites are nestled in the trees along one of these bodies of water and all campers have access to the 10 foot waterfall area where Deep Creek runs into the Flat River.

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R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

R.O.S.A. Land stands for Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial Land-based retreat and campground offering individuals and small groups a place for rest, exploration, sanctuary, and grounding. Equal parts woodland, floodplain wetland and pastureland, R.O.S.A land is stewarding 23 acres of ecological magical oasis on a tributary of the Upper Tar River in an Aquatic Habitat deemed an important NC Natural Heritage area of the Piedmont of North Carolina. Rare mussel species and amphibians live here. Come see for yourself! This is a queer-stewarded, solidarity-focused rematriation project. This land is co-deeded to MK of Handewa Farms and owned at present by K Cox, Steward of the Respite and will be passed on to MK and her seven Afro-Indigenous children once the Roundhouse is paid down. In the meantime, an intentional community of farmhub tenants, visitors, campers and Handewa Farm members all co-habitate on the land together. We offer nature-based immersion for artists, healers, cultural and frontline organizers and their families taking time for restful resistance. It is a triptyech of woods, water and pastureland butting up against an untouched wild old hardwood forest - a combination unlikley found in the PIedmont- nestled among small tobacco, horse and hay farms in the Southeast corner of Granville County between Oxford and Roxboro in the beautiful PIedmont of North Carolina.

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Heaven's Gate Artistry

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Henderson, NC

Centered in the beautiful North Carolina countryside of lush green rolling hills with picturesque farms, oak and magnolia trees, this property has three acres of pasture and four acres of trees. I have dry camping with water, electricity and a Porta Potty available nearby fir /418 a night and for $45 a night full RV hook ups. I've been a full time Artist and Teacher for 30 years and have a my AgriTourism 40’x72’ Barndominium, (it's still a bit of a construction site on one acre) with a 1,250 sq ft. Art Studio for creatives of all types opening in May 2024. Studio time and lessons available. Pottery, kiln, (up to cone 10 electric and cone 10 gas reduction) wheel, hand building tables, slab roller, extruder, wedging tables, glazes, drawing, painting, (watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, oil, pastel, etc.) book binding, mixed media and more. In Raleigh, NC there is the NC Museum of Art, Marbles Children's Museum and Natural Sciences Museum, DPAC performing arts in Durham. You can visit Duke University Cathedral in Durham, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and NC State in Raleigh. Shop at Raleigh, Louisburg and Henderson Farmer's Markets or take a Raleigh Guided Historical Tour. Downtown Raleigh is beaming with excellent restaurants, breweries, music and night life. There are petting zoo's, Wild ponies on the Outer Banks, The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Local Alpaca Farms to visit and many live music and dancing venues. There is Falls Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Jordan and Lake Gaston for fishing, swimming and water skiing. In two hours and 15 minutes you can be in Mt. Airy the original Mayberry of the Andy Griffith Show. Or stop and pan for gold and gems on your way to Asheville, NC. Or stop by Cherokee, NC for famous Maggie Valley or their Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Located 30 minutes from the VA state line, highway US #1 and Interstate 85 are 15 minutes away. 45 Minutes north of Triangle Town Center Mall in Raleigh, NC, three hours from Wilmington/Atlantic Beach, NC for surfing, deep sea fishing boat charters and beautiful beaches. We're four hours East of Ashville/Smokey Mountains and the famous Biltmore House, NC. We're four hours from fun Myrtle Beach, SC and five hours North of Historic Charleston, NC and 3.5 hours from The Smithsonian National Museum of History and the White House in Washington DC. In NC we're three hours from Charlotte, NC, 90 minutes from Greensboro/Winston Salem, NC, one hour to Interstate 95 south in Wilson, NC, 45 minutes North to Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Soon to come laundry and shower room and bunk beds! Top 10 Things to Do in Raleigh: https://www.viator.com/Raleigh/d33621-ttd?mcid=33953&tsem=true&supci=-1&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=s&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&supti=kwd-77103383976617&suplp=82024&supli=56448&m=33953&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=nt:s&suplp=82024&supli=56448&supti=kwd-77103383976617&tsem=true&supci=kwd-77103383976617&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&msclkid=0f8e945c99d51e0f9e7bf2746e1e7c6f

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Farm Retreat in Red Oak

1 site · Tent35 acres · Red Oak, NC

Welcome to our 35-acre sustainable farm located in the heart of Red Oak a small town in Nash County North Carolina. We are conveniently located just about 5 miles from the I-64 and I-95 interchange in Rocky Mount. We are also just under one hour from Raleigh and about 30 minutes from Medoc Mountain State Park. We have horses, sheep, chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs here as well as a small orchard and some gardens. There are 20 wooded acres with a trail through them and a pond to fish in right beside the campsite. Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on leash unless we give permission to use one of our empty pastures for exercise. Bring your cowboy boots and sign up for an introductory horseback riding lesson! Our site has a gravel pad, picnic table, and fire ring down by the pond which is a short walk from the parking area. You are also welcome to set up by the parking area if you wish to be near your vehicle. Port-a-potty, non-potable hose water, and electrical receptacles are available on-site as well. Please understand that this is a working farm with free-range chickens, pets, and livestock that sometimes make noise. We are also located off a well-traveled country road so you may hear car/road noise.

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Kerwin K.’s Land

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA

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Privette Pointe

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Wake Forest, NC

Once a working cattle and tobacco farm, this land has been in our family for generations. Experience magnificent sunrises over rolling hills, just inside Wake County near the Franklin County border. Two sites beside the pond, stocked with fish, a bridge to feed them bread from, and a fountain to listen to as you unwind.Learn more about this land:Wake up beside the pond, listening to to fountain as you drink your morning coffee. Fish from the bank or toss bread to the fish from the bridge. Hike the property and take pictures of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

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Brightwood Homestead

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Durham, NC

Welcome to Brightwood Homestead! This 4-acre property was acquired as raw land in 2020. Since then, we've organically built a place where autonomy and action meet. This little piece of paradise in Durham county is the base of operations for our non-profit organization. My partner, my newborn son, and our host of pets and livestock call this fledgling farm home! This property serves as a "living classroom," where I empower, encourage, and equip underserved people of color with the skills necessary to live holistic, self-sustainable lives. Our priority is food/occupational security and environmental awareness. Come and share our space for camping, a weekend getaway, a homestead experience, or a safe place to park during your travels. I spend the majority of my time working the land, occasionally visiting the office or schools. I'm available to help you settle in or point you in the direction of whatever you're looking for in Durham! Our homestead's amenities include: Reliable solar and grid power, filtered running well water. Clean, fully enclosed, and ventilated outhouse with running water and a flushing toilet. Private, spacious, and HEATED bathhouse with a waterfall shower. 800 sq. ft. screened-in Army tent doubling as a lounge and workspace equipped with a library, desk, comfy seating, and even a full-sized pool table! Large common area with a fire pit, 10ft grill/smoker, and picnic area. We are 15 minutes from bustling downtown Durham, grocery stores, and shopping. 20 minutes from the state park, Falls Lake, and the Eno River. Just off two major highways. Breakfast, lesson/experience, and volunteer packages available! Pet and child-friendly!

Booked 1 time

Reckless Raven Farm

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Victoria, VA

Welcome to RRF! We are a small ranchette that specializes in sheep, horses, and chickens. Located in Victoria Virginia, the farm is less than an hour to Richmond, 45 minutes to Farmville, and 45 minutes from John Kerr reservoir (on the boarder of NC). We are pet friendly, and the property is completely fenced. Enjoy free unlicensed fishing on property in our pond, stocked with catfish and bluegills, or let the pups swim away the summer heat. Enjoy a walk on the nearby Tobacco Trail, fish at one of the many nearby rivers and lakes or swim in our above ground pool. Roast marshmallows over a fire and stargaze or catch fireflies all night. All site have access to a portable compost toilet, and we can provide water for the sun showers. We have tent sites, and a pop up camper, 420friendly but we do not partake Amenities/ Activities: Above ground pool friendly sheep, goats and horses to pet and feed metal detectors to borrow free fishing and bait- poles provided free fire wood laundry for fee in house pots and pans to cook grill for site upon request free fresh eggs

reckless raven farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Victoria, VA

popup camper sleeps 4 has access to shower and toilet, as well as access to stove and fridge free range eggs for breakfast if you want go gather from the chicken coop we also provide laundry facilities for a small fee and free fishing in pond no license required as it is private property and a grill or a stone to cook on there is also a shower and outhouse at the private primitive camp sites water is provided

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McPhetridge Family Farms

2 sites · Lodging11 acres · Franklinton, NC

For years, the McPhetridge family dreamed of owning land. Their goal has always been to be as self sufficient as possible while also helping the community. Their dream became a reality in 2018 when they moved to their 11 acre farm. They began farming hemp in 2019 as a way to raise funds for the farm. They have many animals on the farm that tend to vary a bit year to year. They love working the land and sharing their passion with others.

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Blevins Family Vineyards

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Scottsburg, VA

Come spend a night (or many) at our secluded, not yet open to the public vineyard. With over 100 acres, and no neighbors, you will enjoy the quiet country life. At night, make sure look up and star gaze the breath taking views. All sites include a picnic table, trashcan and a fire-pit. Drive up to your site, setup and relax.

The best camping near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir guide

Overview

About

Pollution-free is the way to be, baby. Since the 1950s, this dam has provided hydroelectric power to the Roanoke River Valley. This park works hard so you can play hard. Boasting nearly 1,000 miles of tree-lined shores, 50,000 acres of water, and 26 Wildlife Management Areas, this place begs to be explored. Take a hike through thick Hickory forests, or load up the boat and reel in some bass. If you’re a fan of feathers instead of fins, be sure to check out Bugg’s Island! Bald Eagles are often found perching and looking noble on its tall trees. You’d be Kerr-azy not to check this place out.

When to go

The ideal time to visit John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are quieter but chillier, which might affect some outdoor adventures.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable visit.
Be aware of any seasonal closures or restricted areas within the park.
Accessibility varies across different parts of the reservoir, so plan for any necessary accommodations.
Remember to bring essential supplies as not all amenities may be available on-site.
Stay informed about safety guidelines, especially when participating in water-related activities.