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Over both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, my family and some family friends packed up for a camping trip at Kerr Lake. Nestled just north of Henderson along the North Carolina–Virginia border, this state park stretches across 3,376 acres of woodlands surrounding a massive 50,000-acre reservoir. It’s made up of eight different access areas, each offering its own mix of amenities. With seven campgrounds and hundreds of sites to choose from, there’s a perfect spot for everyone-whether you’re in a tent, RV, or looking for a group site. Many areas also include boat ramps for easy lake access, making it a favorite destination for fishing and boating. Some access areas have bathrooms with showers, dump stations, firewood, and hookups, but not all, so it’s best to check before reserving. Dogs are welcome, but they must stay on leash and owners are expected to clean up after them.
Campsites vary—some sandy, some more compacted dirt covered in pine needles, some with lots of shade, some more open and sunny, some flat, and some with inclines. Our campsites during each trip were different but both were still very enjoyable. During our most recent Labor Day weekend, we had a bit of an ant problem but thankfully they weren’t the biting kind. One guest we spoke to brings Raid and sprays down the outside of their tent so the ants stay out, but to avoid harmful chemicals on our skin, we mixed peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils in water and it worked well to repel the ants.
What we loved most about Kerr Lake was the setting itself. Tall trees line the shoreline, offering shade and perfect spots for hammocks, which we took advantage of often for reading, napping, or just relaxing. Many campsites sit close to the water, so it was easy to slip in for a swim or launch kayaks and paddleboards. The kids especially loved paddling over to small islands within view of camp, giving them plenty of adventure while staying close by. The calm inlets provided safe, fun swimming with less wind and waves. One thing I miss about Arizona is the incredible sunsets. I adore all of the greenery here in North Carolina, but it blocks so much of the sunset. But at the lake, we got to enjoy breathtaking sunsets which highlighted everything with a beautiful glow. So magical.
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Tips for camping:
- Try to book in advance to get campsites that are near the amenities you need (we definitely needed a close bathroom for easy access for all of the children).
- I much prefer sites that aren't across a small inlet from other campers- their noise can really travel (especially music!) and as an overstimulated mom, I'm trying to get AWAY from noise and enjoy a peaceful setting.
- The weather in May and September was perfect! In May the nights got a little cooler, but it's always a good idea to pack warm clothes and extra blankets beyond sleeping bags. Camping in June & July is going to be much hotter!
- We brought drinking water from home, but used the spigots at the campsite for water to wash hands and dishes.
- Create a camping pack list that you can reuse every time! We keep the bulk of our camping stuff in an easy-to-grab tote, so it's easy to just add the few additional things that aren't in there already instead of packing from scratch.
- Know that there aren't grates at the campfire rings so if you don't have a portable camp stove, you'll have to think through cooking your food on sticks or avoiding bringing food that needs to be cooked.
Overall, Kerr Lake was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with just enough comforts to keep everyone happy. It's a super affordable weekend vacation but still a place where core family memories can be made. It’s a spot we’ll definitely be returning to!
