Best Camping in and Near Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

93% (8 reviews)

The Kerr Lake area was home to the Occoneechee Indians until Nathanial Bacon dispersed them in 1676.

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Stay at a public campground in Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

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Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

603 sites · RVs, Tents In Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

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Tar River Life

17 sites · Lodging, 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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Farmers Village

10 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Hillsborough, NC

This property is mainly grass and trees as we begin to transform it into an educational farm. There are several tent camping and RV sites to choose from. A Showerhouse with flush toilet is available for use. Quiet Hours are from 10pm to 6am so everyone can enjoy the quiet and get some sleep. Conveniently located with easy access to I-40 on Exit 261. 10 minutes from Downtown Chapel Hill and Carborro. Durham is approximately 20 minutes and Raleigh is approximately 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday from 10-3pm are volunteer days at the garden, you are welcome to join in or just enjoy your day. Please note that some space toward the front of the property have occasional road noise but the nights are mainly quiet. The property is 38 acres so you can also camp father into the wood trails but car access may be limited in those areas during rain.

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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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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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Nurture Nature Village

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Raleigh, NC

Near downtown Raleigh, you can play and rest amidst our 3 acres surrounded by many more acres of natures finest suburban forest paradise. Sit or stroll around a natural pond and bubbling creek, walking trails, and free range chickens beneath 100' oak, maple, and gum trees offering a lush resting place all year around.

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Heaven's Gate Artistry

20 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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The Old Place

7 sites · RVs20 acres · Centerville, NC

Located in Warren County on a hundred acre family farm is a quiet, secluded country property we refer to as The Old Place. This property is available for RV and tent camping. The RV site provides a 30 amp service, sewer hookup, water, picnic table, rocking chairs on porch, gravel packing space, and a fire ring. There are 3 tent sites down by the pond with pier and fire ring. Flush toilet and sink are within a short walking distance. Catch and release fishing allowed. Hunting is also available thru Outdoor Access on the backside of the property. There is also lots of public land all around and Medco Mountain State Park is within a short drive.

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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.

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50 Acre Woods

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Emporia, VA

Great location only 15 min off I-95. Far enough away from the city and roads to see the stars at night, close enough for easy access to all modern conveniences. Accessible by a paved road. A path is cut right through the property for ease to find your ideal camping location. You can park your vehicle off the paved road or on the property itself. There is a creek a few hundred yards into the property that's not crossable by vehicle. A vehicle can pull onto the property via the cutout road but I wouldn’t pull an RV/vehicle with a trailer onto it.

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WishFlower Gardens in the Woods

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Keysville, VA

WishFlower Gardens is an off grid mostly wooded homestead in progress. You'll have access to a tent site (accessed by an in progress trail), Campervan, or mostly level parking spots for self-contained vehicle camping. We are visual artists and herbalists and are happy to add on an intuitive painting class or plant medicine workshop to be enjoyed during your stay.

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Kerwin K.’s Land

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

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Reckless Raven Farm

4 sites · RVs, 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. (Pool is closed beginning 8/25/24 until May of 2025) Roast marshmallows over a fire and stargaze or catch fireflies all night. All sites have access to a portable compost toilet, and we can provide water for the sun showers. We have tent sites, and an RV site, 420friendly but we do not partake. PLEASE NOTE: No Check In After 8 PM! The camp sites are only available with direction of host and through a series of gates in livestock pastures. Exceptions can be made in an emergency stay. . Amenities/ Activities: Above ground pool ( closed 8/25-5/30/2025) 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 Horse rides available for donation which helps offset feed or veterinary needs. This experience may not be available due to weather or other factors, be sure to talk to us prior to your visit to determine availability and requirements.

The best camping near Kerr Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Water sports enthusiasts are in heaven at this 50,000-acre man-made reservoir lake. The SRA is actually seven access areas found on more than 800 miles of wooded shoreline. Kerr Lake straddles the North Carolina and Virginia border. It offers some of the best fishing in the eastern U.S., with bass, white perch, and catfish.

Each recreation area on the reservoir has one or more concrete boat-launching ramps. Boaters enjoy access to two private marinas. Sailors find conditions here ideal, thanks to prevailing winds and expansive bodies of water. Cool off at several swimming spots and picnic areas along the lake's shoreline. The walking trails here are easy and short family-friendly paths with lake views.

Five of the access areas offer hundreds of wooded tent and trailer campsites. Many of them are right on the water's edge. Both electric hookup and non-electrical sites are available. And groups looking for a great time have several private camping areas to choose from.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters are quieter but can be chilly, so pack accordingly.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and pack suitable clothing for the season to ensure a comfortable visit.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
Remember to bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect against the elements.
Stay informed about any park closures or alerts by visiting the official website before your trip.
Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring extra supplies just in case.