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Camping at John H. Kerr Reservoir

Leave the area just as clean as you'd want to find it. Please recreate responsibly, follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, and CFR Title 36, Chapter III while camping at Kerr Reservoir. Subsequent campers and picnickers are entitled to a well-kept area, and you'll be expected to take every precaution against the spread of fire, damage to trees and other vegetation, unsanitary conditions and vandalism.

Corps-managed Campgrounds at Kerr Reservoir

Campground Rules

Campground Maps

Camping FAQs

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Expand List item 36984Collapse List item 36984  Can I bring alcohol into designated recreation areas at Kerr Reservoir?

No. Alcohol is prohibited at Kerr Reservoir. Click Title 36 to read our rules and regulations. 

Expand List item 36985Collapse List item 36985  Can I stay at a Corps-managed campground at John H. Kerr longer than 14 days?

Camper stays are limited to 14 days within a 30-consecutive-day period.

Expand List item 36986Collapse List item 36986  How do I contact a ranger?
  • Call the nearest campground gatehouse.
  • Call the Visitor Assistance Center at 434.738.6143, M-F between 8:00AM and 4:30PM.
  • Or flag a ranger down while they are on patrol. 
  • In case of emergency call 911.
Expand List item 37069Collapse List item 37069  What is the recreation.gov phone number?

Recreation.gov phone number 877.444.6777

Summer Campground Seasons

Campground Open Season
Buffalo Park Campground 01 May - 30 September
Longwood Park Campground 01 April - 31 October
North Bend Park: Loop A (Campsites 1 - 50) 15 May - 15 September
North Bend Park: Loop B (Campsites 51 - 77) 01 May - 31 October
North Bend Park: Loop B (Campsites 78 - 138) 01 April - 31 October
North Bend Park: Loop C (Campsites 142 - 200) 01 April - 31 October
North Bend Park: Loop D (Campsites 201 - 249) 01 May - 30 September
North Bend Park: Mays Chapel Group Camping Area 01 May - 31 October
North Bend Park: Piney Woods Group Camping Area 15 May - 31 October
Rudds Creek Campground (Campsites 2 - 25) 01 May - 31 October
Rudds Creek Campground (Campsites 27 - 100) 01 April - 31 October

 

Winter Camping at John H. Kerr Reservoir

North Bend Winter Camping: The 2025-26, November to March, winter camping season is canceled.

  • Campsites 78 – 103 open with electricity $20/Night
  • Campsite 93 – Double site $40/Night
  • One bathhouse is available with hot water and heat.
  • No water hookups at site!
  • Potable water is available at the Dump Station.
  • Equipment must be on the campsite at all times to indicate the site is occupied.
  • Cash not accepted.
  • Boat Ramp/DUA – Free for campers.
  • Questions? Call Visitor Assistance Center at 434.738.6143.