John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Us Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia.

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake extending 39 miles up the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline in Virginia and North Carolina. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir: campsites, swim beaches, picnic areas, hiking, nature trails, marinas all available for public use. There are 26 wildlife management areas on Kerr, totaling over 10,000 acres. In addition to flood control and hydroelectric power, other benefits include fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, forest management, and water supply.

Camping and Day Use

  • Buffalo Park
  • Buffalo Park Picnic Shelter
  • Grassy Creek Park
  • Island Creek Park
  • Ivy Hill Park
  • Longwood Park
  • Longwood Park Picnic Shelter
  • North Bend Park
  • North Bend Park Osage Picnic Shelter
  • Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr)
  • Palmer Point Park
  • Rudds Creek Rec Area Picnic Shelter
  • Rudds Creek Rec. Area
  • Tailrace Park

Nearby Activities

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Environmental Education
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
  • Other Recreation Concession Site
  • Picnicking
  • Playground Park Specialized Sport Site
  • Water Sports
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

From Raleigh, north on US 1 to I-85; west on NC 1224, exit 223; north on NC 1200, which turns into VA 4 at State line. From Richmond, south on I-95; south on I-85 toward South Hill; West on US 58, exit 12; South on VA 4.

Additional Information

  • John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Website
  • Facebook
  • John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Photo Album
  • Virtual Tour

Photo Gallery

  • This is the John H Kerr Dam and Reservoir wooden sign that is on the edge of the road. Welcome to John H Kerr Dam and Reservoir!
  • This is a picture of the sun rising across the lake. The sky is orange and yellow and there is fog rising off the lake. Sunrise photo on the Lake.
  • This is a picture of the John H Kerr Dam Powerhouse with the sun rising above it. There is snow on the ground. Welcome to John H Kerr Dam and Reservoir. This is the powerhouse located on the project.

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