Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr) sits among the stunning landscapes of John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir in Virginia . With 35 campsites (RV-friendly up to 45 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr-jun, Sep-Oct when the weather is most comfortable .
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🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr) located in Phillis, Virginia, offering 35 camping sites.
Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr)
A Rural campground in Virginia
Overview
Kerr Dam and Reservoir! Kerr Lake Is a 50,000-Acre Lake That Extends 39 Miles Up the Wooded, Cove-Studded Shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina.
There Are 26 Wildlife Management Areas Around the Lake That Provide Year-Round Opportunities for Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Birding and More.
Welcome to John H.
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.
the Old Picnic Area (Opa) Is a Day Use Area Open to the Public But Also Avalible for Reservations on Recreation. Gov. Looking for a Great View for a Wedding or a Large Area for a Reuinion? the Old Picnic Area Is a Great Option! It Has a Paved Parking Lot and Road Way. There Is a Shelter with Electricity and a Water Spigot Located Near by the Shelter.
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. 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.
the Lake Is Widely Known for Fishing, with Large-Mouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie and Flathead Catfish Available. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Regulate Hunting and Fishing on the Virginia Side of Kerr Lake.
the Old Picnic Area (Opa) Has a Wooden Shelter with Electricity for Small Items Such As Fans and Lights. There Is a Water Spigot Located Near the Shelter. Trash Cans Are Located All Throughout the Area. This Area Is Located Behind a Locked Gate. There Is One Vault Toilet Located Within the Park.
the Old Picnic Area (Opa) Is Located Right Next to a Very Sandy Beach Area Perfect for Fishing. There Are Trees to Create Shade and a Clear Grassy Area for Games for the Family. Bald Eagles Can Be Seen Year Round at the Opa.
Nearby Attractions
Located Right Across the Road, 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.
Contact Info
for Local Information, Please Call (434) 738-0059 or Call (434) 738-6143 for General Information.Managed by: Us Army Corps of EngineersSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 35
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Yes
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: Phillis, Virginia
Coordinates: 36.599138, -78.305261
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (434) 738-0059
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|biking|picnic|electric|water|beach|lake|river|trail|rv|shelter
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $29-39
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 13 stations
Nearest Market: Norfolk/Richmond/Washington Dc
Notes: Signals FROM Norfolk/Richmond/Washington Dc MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 25 stations (8 AM, 17 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, HIP-HOP, NEWS/TALK
Local News: WRVA 1140 Am
Market: Norfolk/Richmond/Dc
Notes: 8 AM, 17 FM Stations from Norfolk/Richmond/DC
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Kahill’s Restaurant – Tesla Supercharger
Distance: 15.2 miles away
Address: 1791 North Mecklenburg Avenue, South Hill, VA
Network: tesla
Charging Type: Fast-charging-available • Tesla
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10224635
- Managing Agency: Us Army Corps of Engineers
- Agency Email: recreation.gov
- Agency Website: https://Recreation.gov.
- Parent Park: John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
- Park Website: /parks/john-h-kerr-dam-reservoir/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Other
- Parks Post Name: john-h-kerr-dam-reservoir
- Parent Park Name: John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
- Correct Park Type Mapping: john-h-kerr-dam-reservoir
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 14.0
- States Covered: Virginia
- Managing Agencies: Us Army Corps of Engineers
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 130.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 458
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 130.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 458
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: virginia
- Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
- Park Type Slug: other
- Parent Park Slug: john-h-kerr-dam-and-reservoir
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
Explore More Camping Options
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