Kerr Lake State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Set on the shores of an enormous reservoir in northern North Carolina, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a haven for water sports. From the park's boat launches, you can follow the lake all the way over the border into Virginia. The recreation area includes seven different locations, seven camping areas, a variety of beaches, and acres upon acres of pristine wilderness. Whether you're interested in hiking, swimming, fishing, or boating, the opportunities are endless. The closest town to the park is tiny Williamsboro; Henderson is about 10 miles south.
Spring 35-75 F
Summer 60-89 F
Fall 35-80 F
Winter 25-50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable camping trip at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in your RV. The built-in shade is a lifesaver on hot North Carolina summer evenings. Not an RV owner? An RV rental from RVshare is the perfect way to experience the fun of an RV without buying your own.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Campgrounds
There are seven different Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Campgrounds, which means that you have hundreds of spots to choose from. Full hookups aren't available, but at Bullocksville, you'll find sites with water and electricity. County Line, Henderson Point, Kimball Point, Hibernia, Nutbush, J.C. Cooper, and Satterwhite Point have RV sites with electric hookups. Most campgrounds are open from Easter into the fall, but Nutbush, J.C. Cooper, and Satterwhite Point are open year-round. No matter which of the campgrounds you choose, you'll find bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, and dump stations. Rates vary.
Triangle RV Park
If you want a campsite with full hookups, Triangle RV Park is your best bet. It's located about one hour from Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, but you'll find everything you need for a luxurious stay. Cable TV and Wi-Fi help you relax after a day on the water, and the on-site laundry helps you clean up swimsuits and towels. This campground is close to a range of large stores and restaurants in the Raleigh-Durham area. Nightly rates start at $45, with good discounts available for weekly stays.
North Bend Park & Campground
Get to know the Virginia side of Kerr Lake at North Bend Park & Campground, which sits about 22 miles north of the recreation area. With more than 200 campsites, this is a busy, family-friendly area. The park offers swimming beaches, boat ramps, and a bike trail, so there's plenty to do a short walk from your campsite. Each separate camping area offers hot showers, bathrooms, and a dump station. Rates start at $20 per night.
Cluster Springs RV Park
Camp close to the western tip of Kerr Lake at Cluster Springs RV Park. Located across the border in Virginia, about an hour from Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, this friendly campground offers full hookups and large, open spaces. It's best for longer vacations; the park requires a minimum stay of one week. Call for rates.
What to Do at
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Inside Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Whether you're visiting in the depths of winter or the hot, steamy North Carolina summers, the water is the star attraction at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. If you're bringing a boat, you'll find plenty of ramps in the area; this long, expansive lake is perfect for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities, particularly if you want to explore the many inlets and coves near the shore. Bring your tackle box because Kerr Lake offers fantastic bass, catfish, and perch fishing, and you can swim from any of the beaches along the water, including the lovely stretch of sand at Satterwhite Point. A few gentle, kid-friendly trails wind through the forest; Big Poplar Trail and the Kerr Lake Track Trail are two lovely options.
Outside Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
When you're ready for a change of scenery, the area around Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers a scattering of activities. The nearest sizable town is Henderson, which sits about 15 minutes south. If you're interested in shopping or dining, this is where you'll find the broadest variety of options.
Restaurants
Taste of Soul Restaurant
No visit to North Carolina is complete without soul food, and Taste of Soul Restaurant is a great place to start. Try the catfish or the fried chicken, and don't miss out on a piece of the excellent cornbread.
Type: Soul food
Location: 7630 NC-39, Henderson, NC 27537
Middleburg Steak & Seafood
Set in a log cabin close to Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Middleburg Steak & Seafood offers a charming rustic vibe. The menu is loaded with fish, shellfish, and steak as well as a few burger and chicken options.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: 7139 Broad St, Middleburg, NC 27556
Skipper Forsyth's Bar-B-Q
If you're longing to try some classic North Carolina barbecue, head to Skipper Forsyth's Bar-B-Q. Try the chicken or pork, and make sure to pair it with a few of the classic Southern sides.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 2362 N Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27537
Chewly Delicious Jamaican Restaurant
Taste fish and chicken bursting with flavor at Chewly Delicious Jamaican Restaurant. Locals also rave about the macaroni and cheese.
Type: Jamaican
Location: 885 S Beckford Dr, Henderson, NC 27536
George's Restaurant
George's Restaurant serves everything from salads and sandwiches to seafood and steak, making it an excellent option for large groups. If you can, grab a table on the outdoor patio.
Type: American
Location: 210 N Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536
Shopping
Food Lion
When you need to stock the kitchen in your RV, Food Lion is one of the largest grocery stores close to the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.
Location: 1650 N Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536
Betty B's
Shop for gifts, souvenirs, and collectibles at Betty B's, a Hallmark store that's but a short drive from the recreation area.
Location: 207 S Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536
Brewer Cycles, Inc.
A favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts, Brewer Cycles, Inc. offers a variety of powersports equipment and parts.
Location: 420 Warrenton Rd, Henderson, NC 27537
Sightseeing
Golf at Kerr Lake Country Club
Play nine or 18 holes at the Kerr Lake Country Club. With greens that stretch between tall trees, this course is appropriate for golfers of all skill levels. Book a tee time online and make sure to rent a golf cart for a comfortable round.
Location: 600 Hedrick Dr, Henderson, NC 27537
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre
Feel transported back to the 1950s at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, a drive-in theater that plays movies every weekend throughout the year. With options that are fun for kids and adults, this is a novel activity for the whole family. If you want to spend less time standing in line, order snacks online in advance for quick pick-up.
Location: 3336 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC 27537
McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center offers a regular schedule of musical events throughout the year. Whether you're interested in chamber music or vocal ensembles, this well-maintained theater offers something to suit your tastes.
Location: 201 Breckenridge St, Henderson, NC, 27536
Henderson Institute Historical Museum
Small and well-curated, the Henderson Institute Historical Museum makes a quick but fascinating stop for history buffs. The building was once a primarily black school. It closed in the 1970s when the nation transitioned to an integrated system. Inside, a small collection of exhibits tells the story of the school throughout the decades.
Location: 629 W. Rockspring St, Henderson, NC 27536
Ridgeway Opry House
If you love live music, don't miss the friendly Ridgeway Opry House. Located about 15 minutes from Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, this venue hosts live music in a laid-back setting. Shows usually feature local musicians who perform everything from bluegrass to country.
Location: 704 US Hwy 1 South, Ridgeway, NC 27570
How to Get to
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is located a short drive east of Interstate 85. To get there, get off at exit 217 and take NC-1319 north to the park.
Entering Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is open year-round. Each area has its own opening hours; the current hours are always posted near the entry gate. The fees below are only charged from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as any weekend in September, April, and May.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Per vehicle : $7.0
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Per vehicle (senior citizen) : $5.0
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Van or bus : $20.0
With hundreds of campsites and a long, beautiful coastline, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area makes a fun getaway any time of year. Whenever you choose to visit, we'd love to hear your thoughts about the park and its RV facilities. Send your photos and stories to [email protected] or tag RVshare in your social media posts; we're looking forward to following along.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
The park's peak operating season begins on Memorial day and extends through to Labor Day. During this time, vehicle entrance fees are charged daily, and fees are charged on the weekends in April, May, and September.
Weather conditions are typically hot and humid during the park's peak operating season. July's daily highs average 89°F, and it rains seven days out of the month. In September, the daily highs average 82°F.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is home to mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, Virginia opossums, gray foxes, red foxes, cottontail rabbits, and gray squirrels. Beavers, muskrats, and river otters are also in the park.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area has tent sites and RV sites with electric and water hookups. They also have an onsite dump station, showers, and a place where you can pick up firewood.
Campers can reserve a campsite in advance by registering for one online at ReserveAmerica. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area charges campers a $3 fee for booking online, but a standard campsite with electric hookups only costs $31 per night.