John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir encompasses this Army Corps of Engineers campground that operates year-round with sites accessible by boat, vehicle, or on foot. North Bend Park spreads across multiple loops with both forested and open terrain, offering electric hookups at most sites alongside basic amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station.
Campers consistently note the spacious sites and proximity to Kerr Lake's shoreline. Many sites accommodate larger RVs despite being marked for 30-foot rigs, with MickandKarla W. reporting that "sites 84 through 99 plus 103 are good sized" and recommending big rig owners call ahead. The campground includes a paved bike trail connecting all areas and a designated swimming area with life vests provided. Cell service reaches three bars for major carriers, though the forest setting limits satellite reception.
Access roads can present challenges, with some routes requiring navigation of rough terrain. The facility maintains clean restrooms and shower houses, with rangers patrolling regularly. A playground sits near the shower facilities, and boat parking accommodates watercraft at select sites. "Shaded and clean sites" describe much of the campground according to recent visitors.
For additional lakeside options, campers can explore North Bend Park less than a mile away.
Description
Overview
North Bend Park is located on John H. Kerr Reservoir, a 50,000-acre lake that extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina. North Bend is the largest park on Kerr Lake and is located near Kerr Dam and the Corps Visitor Assistance Center. ____ Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, was created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. Its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties and two states and offer countless recreation opportunities for visitors.
Recreation
Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon. Resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. ____ There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and more. Buggs Island, located immediately below the dam, attracts migrating bald eagles in the winter and osprey in the summer, as well as gulls, great blue herons, waterfowl and the occasional river otter.__ ____ Several trails are available for hiking and biking. The 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail both offer hikes within a short drive from the campground. ____ The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulate hunting and fishing on the Virginia side of Kerr Lake.
Facilities
Visitors to North Bend Park will enjoy the lakeside views and wildlife watching. North Bend Park has a large day use area with picnic shelters and a swim beach, 3 boat launching ramps, an amphitheater, a disc golf course and a paved 1.5 mile bicycle trail. The OSAGE Picnic shelter is the only shelter that can be reserved. The shelter in the day use area is open to the public.__
Natural Features
North Bend Park is forested and offers plenty of shade. The shelter is shaded and near an accessible fishing pier and restrooms. Wildlife viewing is popular just below Kerr Dam, where waterfowl and Bald Eagles can be observed year around. This area, called Tailrace Park, has a wheelchair accessible canoe/kayak launch into the river, and is part of the Virginia Blueways Trail.
Nearby Attractions
About a half-mile away, at the intersection of Mays Chapel Road and State Route 4, visitors will find the Joseph S.J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center. The center has interpretive programs and exhibits for the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, on Saturdays and Sundays. ____ Gas, groceries, firewood and restaurants are located within 2 miles and also within 20 minutes in Boydton and South Hill, Virginia.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE John H Kerr Reservoir North Bend Park is located in Virginia
Address
64 North Bend Drive
Boydton, VA 23917
Coordinates
36.594811 N
78.311129 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
