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.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

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

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

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(137)

Tar River Life

15 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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$31.50
 / night
100%
(416)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC
(Notice - Our property was recently damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs, including along the long driveway entering the property. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs due to the narrowing of our driveway from the recent flood-waters. We apologize for any inconvenience and will post updates here if the circumstances change. - Brian) 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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$31.50
 / night
98%
(330)

Rare, Watershed Forest - Piedmont

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC
We are a secluded, land-based retreat and campground, along a tributary of the Tar River which backs up to a wild forest, 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 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 An intentional community of farm hub tenants, visitors, campers, stewards co-habitate on R.O.S.A (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) 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 unlikely 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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$30.60
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100%
(11)

Reckless Raven Farm

8 sites · Lodging, 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 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. 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 9PM! The camp sites are only available with direction of host ( new closer parking area and camp area access gate for 2025!!) Exceptions can be made in an emergency stay. THINGS TO DO IN TOWN: Bike or hike the Tobacco Trail and see the railroad park. Local farmers market and livestock sales- down town. The lake at the VFW- good fishing and lovely strolling paths See the falls or fish and hike at Nottaway Falls. NEAR BY ATTRACTIONS: Swim, relax and enjoy the waterfall at Whittle’s Mill- 35 min drive. John Karr Dam and Reservoir- great sandy swimming beaches. Fishing, hiking and picnic areas. Best place ever! 45 minutes south. . Amenities/ Activities: friendly sheep, goats and horses to pet and feed metal detectors to borrow free fishing and poles provided free fire wood- collect your own or from cut piles laundry for a 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. Your off leash pets must be ok with chickens. We do have an overly excited friendly blue Heeler that roams our farm.
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$13.50
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(9)

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 $45 a night full RV hook ups. I've been a full time Artist and Teacher for 30 years and have a AgriTourism 40’x72’ Barndominium, (it's still a bit of a construction site) with a 1,250 sq ft. Art Studio for creatives of all types opening 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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$15.30
 / night
Booked 2 times

Cozy School Bus w/ Rooftop Deck

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Hillsborough, NC
Meet "Happy" the bus! Happy is our pride and joy and we can't wait to share her with you. With about 240 sqaure feet, it's pretty easy to say we love every inch of her. We spent a year dreaming and working to convert her into the perfect home for us. When you step in the space you immediately feel all of the love and good vibes that radiate with in our girl Happy! Come see what it's like to spend a night in a bus! The space Our babe of a bus is the perfect spot for you to unplug, relax & lean into the simple life. Happy is crafted with love and meant to create a space that really takes allows you space to slow down and connect. A space to connect with yourself and this big beautiful world around you. Snug up in our bedroom nook, read a book, or enjoy your morning coffee or yoga on the rooftop deck overlooking the beautiful trees and ferns that surround you. If you're feeling wild hit up some ping pong in our bonus space, "The Smokey Joe". Happy is 240 sq ft of pure love my friends. She's simple but has everything a normal house or apartment could offer you. HAPPY'S SPECIAL FEATURES-- HAPPY +Apartment Size Gas Stove/Oven +Farm Sink +Stocked Pantry with basics provisions, spices, coffee, tea +Apartment Size Fridge +Tiled Shower +Full Size Bed +Closet Equipped with Towels +Composting Toilet +Couch for hangs +15 minutes from downtown Durham & Hillsborough (Wood burning stove in Happy is not operational at this time) OUTDOOR AREA +Rooftop deck +Firepit +Grill +Hammock +Picnic Table +Remote Activated Twinkly Lights SMOKEY JOE: + Porch w/ Rocking Chairs + Ping Pong Table +Sectional Sofa +Netflix & Amazon Prime + Stereo System +Bar & Fridge +Board Games, Puzzles, Cards Really Happy is extension of who we are. Happy was a dream that we created for our sweet little brains, made it happen, lived it up.. and now for this next chapter we are so excited to share something that means so much to us with all of you! We've traveled all over the world and were always greeted with such kindness and hope to pay that kindness forward with anyone who stays in our space. So if you're looking for an adventure, come and find your happy! Guest access Happy is totally private with your own driveway + then she is nestled behind our additional carport surrounded all around by trees, ferns, and sweet little creek. We also have a bonus room we call the “Smokey Joe” that’s a stand alone building away from our house but right next to Happy! (( this space is shared but we would holler to give you a heads up— what can I say we love to dabble in nice game of ping pong)). Maybe just maybe if you’re good enough… you can wind up on our Ping Pong Hall of Fame. *No pets or smoking inside of Happy or Smokey Joe*
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$95
 / night

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.
100%
3 ratings · 1 review

Top us army corps of engineers (coe) recreation areas near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

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