Home / Locations / District Lakes and Dams / John H. Kerr 1 / Special Events

Special Use Permits at Kerr Reservoir

Learn More

Special Use Permit Contact

QUESTIONS: Call 434.738.6143, Ext. 6151 or Email Richard.W.Brown@usace.army.mil

ADDRESS APPLICATION TO: Special Event Coordinator, John H. Kerr Reservoir, 1930 Mays Chapel Road, Boydton, VA  23917-9725.  Fax: (434) 738-6541.  

PAYMENT: Check for payment of appropriate fees should be made payable to:  FAO, USAED, Wilmington.

What is a Special Use Permit?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires a Special Use Permit for any activity or event held on their grounds. The permit is intended to: ensure equal access to recreation areas, prevent overuse of the Reservoir, minimize scheduling conflicts, and enhance public safety. 

Special Use Permit FAQs

Collapse All Expand All
Expand List item 36753Collapse List item 36753  Can I have a fishing tournament (special activity/event) on a holiday/holiday weekend?

No. Fishing tournaments which require a special activity/event permit at John H. Kerr Reservoir are not permitted at Corps-managed boat ramps/parks on federal holidays and federal holiday weekends.

Expand List item 36750Collapse List item 36750  Do I have to have a special use permit? 

Special Event Permits are required for any activity/event that may impact and/or restrict the intended use of Kerr Reservoir for other members of the public. Examples of special activities and events include: fishing tournaments; weddings; boat regattas; etc.

Expand List item 36751Collapse List item 36751  How can I access the special use permit application file?

The special use permit application file and information is linked on this website page and can be directly downloaded. If you have any questions about the special actvity/event process please call 434.738.6143 ext. 6151 to speak with the point of contact for Kerr Reservoir.

Expand List item 36752Collapse List item 36752  If I have a fishing tournament at either NC State Parks or VA State Parks on Kerr Reservoir do I also need a John H. Kerr Reservoir special use permit?

Yes. If you have a fishing tournament at one of the state parks on Kerr Reservoir you also need a special use permit from John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir.

Expand List item 36754Collapse List item 36754  What are the new changes to special use permit process for fishing tournaments at John H. Kerr?

Changes to the John H. Kerr Special Event Permit are in effect as of 1 NOVEMBER 2024.

  • Activities: Single day tournaments having up to 25 boats will be $25.00. Single day tournaments having 26 to 50 boats will be $50.00. 
  • Events: Single day tournaments having 51-100 boats will be $75.00. Single day tournaments having 101+ boats will be $100.00. 
    • Any tournament that spans more than one day in duration the fee will be as follows:
Up to 50 Boats $50 per day
51 - 100 Boats $75 per day
101+ Boats $100 per day