- John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
The best camping in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, VA
100% (4)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
Lev at Little Lake
Lev at Little Lake
95%
(22)
9.5mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 2 sites · Tents
🌿 Welcome to Lev @ Little Lake 🌿
A Private Land-Based Sanctuary Rooted in Faith and Stewardship
We invite you to experience Lev @ Little Lake, a peaceful haven nestled in the hills of Clarksville, Virginia. This land is not a commercial campground—it is our private inheritance, stewarded in faith and dedicated to the Lord as part of our family’s life work and spiritual calling.
When you stay here, you are not paying for access to a public business. Your contribution is a gift of support that helps sustain our ongoing private mission: developing a place of worship, restoration, and community gathering, built upon biblical stewardship and constitutional liberty. We maintain this land as a Private Membership Association and trust—not for profit, but for purpose.
Your visit supports:
• The cultivation of food and beauty through regenerative practices
• The quiet development of festival grounds for appointed times of worship
• Our family’s dedicated labor in ministry, music, photography, education, and hospitality
• The protection of sacred land and private religious use from overreach or commercial misclassification
We ask that all guests arrive in a spirit of respect and peace. This land is not a venue, event space, or public attraction—it is our home, our sanctuary, and a resting place for those who value simplicity, nature, and the presence of God.
Come walk the trails. Sit by the water. Watch the sunset. Let your soul breathe.
And know that your presence here is more than a stay—it’s a blessing.
“You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.”
— Psalm 128:2
Pets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest
Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest
100%
(39)
14mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 5 sites · Lodging
Tucked into a quiet corner of our working farm called Heritage Farm, Holly Forest offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to shared amenities. Guests have access to water, electricity, and our centrally located Bathhouse, which includes showers, restrooms, and parking. Each day, we provide battery boxes for running a fan or charging small electronics.
Heritage Farm is rooted in natural, sustainable practices and hands-on learning experiences. Depending on the season, you may find the farm bustling with activity—especially during flower season as we cultivate our blooms for Cultivate Flower Co., or while we care for our animals and craft small-batch products like our Kinda Crunchy Goat Milk Soap.
No matter the time of year, you'll see us tending to the land and the animals we love.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$112
/ night
Reckless Raven Farm
Reckless Raven Farm
98%
(33)
28mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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 small 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$14
/ night
Smith Farm
Smith Farm
99%
(64)
32mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
At this campsite there is a RV hookup and also a building with a toilet, shower (with hot water) and sink. There is a large pond out front that is great for fishing as well as lots of woods and open fields. There are trails that run all throughout the property for walking or horseback riding. There is an abundance of wildlife all around the property.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC
R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC
98%
(343)
33mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 6 sites · Tents
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 (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) 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!
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$31
/ night
Honah Lee Farms
Honah Lee Farms
100%
(480)
41mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 5 sites · Tents
(Notice - Our driveway was damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs longer than 12 ft. 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. Also, we are totally off-grid, which means we do not have RV hook-ups or empty stations. Thank you for your understanding. - 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$36
/ night
The Bus Stop
The Bus Stop
100%
(27)
42mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Unplug and enjoy our piece of farm heaven. Can't beat the views of horses grazing and chickens free ranging! We now have baby goats and ducks as well! Cotton, tobacco, soybeans and peanuts grow in the fields surrounding our property. Take a nice walk through the woods around a pond to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Add on a relaxing float down the Nottoway River or an owner lead horseback riding adventure. If you're lucky you may even get to feed one of our new baby goats.
Nice and quiet and an amazing view of the sunset and the stars after dark!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$18
/ night
Collective Spaces
Collective Spaces
95%
(10)
44mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 5 sites · Tents
We are just over an hour north of Durham, NC, two hours southwest of Richmond, VA, and 30 minutes east of Danville, VA. Our property is 204 acres of beautiful wilderness, in an international Dark Sky zone (you can see the milky way on a clear night), where you can usually hear nothing other than the calls of the animals.
The property is accessed via a half mile dirt and grass road that drops you off at the main camping area at the Old Tobacco Barn. From there you have access to a composting toilet and fire circle.
Roughly half the property was cleared and is open and overgrown with brush. The other half of the property is various types and stages of forest, from young to old.
We have 5 waterways that I have counted so far (it's a lot of land!), including 1.5 miles of Sandy Creek, which is more of a small river than a creek, beautiful swimmable natural springs, and a half acre pond (with beavers!). We have two kayaks that you can use on the pond, and you can bring tubes or kayaks and paddle down Sandy Creek all the way to Banister River a few miles downstream.
Camping is available throughout the property, although you will see several marked and prepped sites along the road or in the woods. This is rustic camping, meaning that you can drive up to some camping sites, but others are off the road and require a bit of trekking through brush, trails, or woods.
This area of the state is an international dark sky zone, and the views at night are glorious - the milky way is clearly visible, you can generally catch shooting stars with regularity on any clear night, and if you bring binoculars or a telescope, you have a clear view of most of the sky.
If you enjoy wild plants, foraging, bird watching, tracking, or generally getting out into a natural space, then you will enjoy the diversity of the wildlife and plant life on the property.
Animals that we have verified on the land include Deer (lots!), Racoons, Cayote, Turkey, Black Bear, Fox, and a large variety of birds and other critters that we haven't identified.
We have house sized boulders along Sandy Creek that you can climb on, and the creek itself is clean and swimmable. There is lots to explore throughout the property and, most of all, it's a wonderful place to rest and relax out in nature.
A few things to keep in mind:
* The road is a dirt road, meaning that it turns muddy after it rains. Please be mindful of this and park at the front and walk in if it is raining or has rained the day before you arrive. Also, if it looks like it will rain while you are on site, you may want to move your vehicle to the front of the property to make it easier to get out when you leave. Having said that, the road is good and any car can drive it without issue when it is dry.
* Smaller campers and trailers are welcome on the property as well, although we do not have a place to dump/empty your septic, so please take waste off site.
* We do not have showers or potable water on site, so you will need to pack water in with you. This is rustic camping.
* We do have a composting toilet - please drop a handful of wood shavings into the bucket when you are done. For folks who are comfortable doing so, please consider urinating outside rather than in the composting toilet. ;)
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Tar River Life
Tar River Life
98%
(180)
46mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$34
/ night
Shepherd's Tavern Farm
Shepherd's Tavern Farm
100%
(14)
46mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Rolling pasture with wooded perimeters. Camp in the open pasture or in the woods. As private as you can make it. We provide a quiet and a restful environment. Paths/trails on the property. Civil war/Revolutionary history everywhere. YES!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Mickey's Barnyard Camp
Mickey's Barnyard Camp
75%
(4)
5.5mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 2 sites · RVs
This is a small chicken farm on over 2 acres of land. You will use the front
yard to set up with picnic area and firepit. The animals on the farm are a dog, chickens and ducks. Traveling south about a mile down the road you will come to water for boating, fishing, a bird sanctuary and a kayak launch. Going north about another mile you will come to a Kingdom of Jehovah's Witnesses where the public is welcome to attend on Sunday morning at 10 and on Thursday evening at 7.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$12
/ night
Bracey Farm
Bracey Farm
100%
(1)
7.6mi from John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir · 2 sites · RVs
14 acre farm with RV hook up, free range chickens and turkeys. We are restoring the 19th century farm which we took over in 2022 after over a decade standing vacant. Very convenient to Lake Gaston and I 85. Halfway between Richmond and Raleigh, halfway between the Blue Ridge and the Ocean. Friendly owners, no smoking, drama, drugs.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$50
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Scott
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Brian and family are excellent hosts. The property is beautiful and is quiet and relaxing
See more
O
Ori
2 weeks ago
With pets
I loved everything about it. Came with 2 kids (age 6 and 10). Spent the night. Enjoyed the wildlife (cows, donkeys and sheep) and the firepit. The house was heated with great facilities as described. Would recommend.
See more
K
Katrina
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest
This was my second time at Holly Forest- stayed in two different units and had a great experience both times. Jim and Becky are so welcoming and attentive to details. Even on a cold December night we were warm in The Lodge with the heated mattress pad. Thanks for having us!
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C
Christian
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Casey’s land was a great place for a quick overnight stop on our trip. The farm was a quiet and beautiful place to stay.
See more
J
Jennifer
December 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
Beautiful and peaceful family farm. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Felt very safe and comfortable.
See more
I
Isaac
December 2025
Tent
Beautiful camp site. Host was very welcoming and lead us to our site. Highly recommend to any family or friends looking for a peaceful weekend!
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Jonathan
December 2025
45 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great spot for us to stay and refresh! We only stayed one night but we were able to use the full hookups to take showers, etc. after being on the road a good while. Peaceful, private spot in a field. Kerwin guided us in and was very friendly and accommodating. Wish we could have stayed longer, definitely recommend.
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J
James
December 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful setting on quiet farm. Nice concrete pad next to hookups was easy to park on and convenient. The bathhouse is a nice amenity. All in all a very pleasant experience.
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D
David
November 2025
K
Katrina
November 2025
With kids
We stayed at this cabin at Holly Forest for a few nights over thanksgiving. The cabin held our little family (2 adults 2 young kids) well on the loft bed and the pull-out couch. The grounds are beautiful and we had a ton of fun at the basketball court and the field next to it. We cooked food in the provided toaster oven/air fryer but could have easily used the common area equipment too (grill, griddle pan, pizza oven). Hosts were responsive to our needs. Bathrooms were clean and close to our cabin. We would come back!
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Scott
November 2025
Tent
Easy to find, great access for my van, total solitude. Many acres to explore on foot, a nice river, even an outdoor kitchen. A clean composting head on site. Peter met me at the entrance, took plenty of time to show me around before leaving me to pick my own spot for the night - lots to choose from, all really excellent. Full cell coverage (I have Spectrum).
Thanks, Peter - I'll definitely be back.
See moreJ
Jeremy
November 2025
32 ft travel trailer
Very kind people, beautiful area, a few added amenities that make it just a little nicer to stay.
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Kristen
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Fantastic camp site! Very private! We felt super safe the entire time. Beautiful place to stay. I could have easily stayed another 5 nights on top of the 5 nights we did stay! We will be back for sure!
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A
Andrew
November 2025
Tent
Camper's Choice #1 comes with a secondary site that is more secluded than the primary. There is a small hike so pack lightly because the trail isn't exactly smooth. Once at the site though it is completely private, except for a few cows across the creek that are pretty nosey. We said multiple times during our stay that it is the best site on the property so check it out. The site doesn't have a picnic table like the others and the outhouse is a 5 minute hike away, but it's manageable. There is a table and fire pit provided. Also Mike is very helpful and always available if we needed anything. 10/10
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Timothy
November 2025
Tent
This place is awesome. Great host great property super nice would highly recommend.
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A
Ashly
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot by the river- easy to access. This was our second time camping with Nikki
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M
Madeline
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great waterfront spot and friendly hosts!! Would come here again. Nice tree cover and private dock.
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Jordan
November 2025
Tent
With kids
This spot was great for us with kids. Easy to access, felt worlds away to them but not that far from town. Mike was great showing us in and everyone was easy to communicate with.
See more
E
Elaine
November 2025
Tent
Absolutely loved camping here! Mike (Brian's son) was our main point of contact and so nice and helpful. He sold us some firewood after we ran out for a great price. Being right next to the water was so peaceful. They have two super friendly donkeys that you're able to go up and pet which was a blast! Would definitely love to come back during the spring or summer to forage some.
See moreK
Kenny
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Always a pleasure to stay here. Very private. I’ve been a handful of times over the last few years. The sites always look nice and Mike is always around if needed.
See moreThe best camping in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, VA 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%
4 ratings · 2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
North Bend Park Campground
Amazing view, nice water, and some raccoons to play with at night. Overall good place to go
G
Golden M.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
It gets pretty hot during the summer. Bring portable fans to sleep at night, especially if you need to hunker down for a storm.
Liz S.
8 years on Hipcamp