WILKESBORO, N.C. – Rangers at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir invite campers to a section of Bandit’s Roost Campground that will re-open to the public March 1st for winter camping. Camping will be on a first come, first serve basis, and the campground sites will have 30 and 50-amp electric hook-ups available. However, they will not have water hookups available due to lack of pipe insulation. Rangers say the shower house in Loop A will remain open with hot and cold water, and drinking water will be available at the adjacent well house which has a connection for campers to fill up their holding tanks. The boat ramp inside the campground will be open to campers.
“We know that some campers just can’t wait until spring and summer to go camping, so we offer winter camping to those who want to enjoy their experience when the crowds are smaller and to sit around a cozy and comfortable campfire, especially on cold nights,” said W. Kerr Scott Ranger Johnny Jones.
Ranger Jones said arriving campers will be required to register with the campground attendant when the gatehouse is open. If the gatehouse is closed, campers must call the Visitor Assistance Center or the duty park ranger cell phone to get the access code for the campground gate. The phone numbers and camping procedures will be posted in a visible location near the entrance gate. An available park ranger will meet the camper at the desired site to register them and process payment. If a park ranger is unavailable or if a camper arrives after the park ranger duty shift, campers will be advised that a park ranger or the campground attendant will come to register the camper at the beginning of the next duty shift.
Camping fees will be $20 a night. Discounts are available for campers with Golden Age, Golden Access, America the Beautiful Senior, and America the Beautiful Access passes. Payments must be made with cash or check. No credit card payments will be accepted. Although refunds may be given for medical or weather emergencies, campers are encouraged to pay on a “day to day” basis. Rangers emphasize that campers cannot reserve a site through www.Recreation.gov .
For more information, contact the Visitor Assistance Center at 336-921-3390 or go to;
www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakesandDams/WKerrScott.aspx
Release no. 18-037