Five ways to enjoy Kerr Lake

This article was written for our sponsor, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development.

Kerr Lake is a 50,000-acre reservoir that reaches into Virginia, known for its beautiful expanse of water, tree-lined shores and great family camping. The lake offers something for everyone, from boating to swimming that makes it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Let’s explore five great ways to enjoy Kerr Lake.

1. Boating: With 850-plus miles of shoreline, the expansive lake extends from North Carolina to Virginia. Boaters have many boating ramp options like Kimball Point, County Line Park, and Henderson Point, some offering 24-hour access. Additionally, there are four marinas on the lake offering pontoon, kayak and other services, including Steel Creek, Satterwhite Point, Rudd’s Creek, and Clarksville Marinas, giving visitors various locations to choose from when exploring the large lake. Steel Creek and Satterwhite Point are located on the North Carolina side, while Rudd’s Creek and Clarksville Marinas are on the Virginia side. Norman Dickerson, the Tourism Program Coordinator for Vance County, said, "Steel Creek offers kayak, canoe, and pontoon boat rentals. While Satterwhite Point may not offer boat rentals, they have waterfront cabins for rent, a store, boat repair services, fuel, and other things of that nature."

Whether you are looking to enjoy a day on the water or experience some fantastic fishing from your boat, Kerr Lake is an excellent choice. However, keep in mind that because the lake includes water in both North Carolina and Virginia, there may be slight differences in boating regulations depending on where you choose to boat.

2. Swimming: With an expansive shoreline, there are plenty of places to take a dip in the refreshing water of Kerr Lake, whether you are a family or a group of friends. One of the most popular swimming beaches is Satterwhite Point, which has a defined swimming area, restrooms and changing areas for beachgoers. Being one of the few beaches in the area that has sand as well, it is a popular draw for those looking to swim in the lake. Henderson Point, north of Henderson, offers sandy beaches as well, showcasing the beauty of the lake. Other popular locations for swimming include Kimball Point, County Line, Bullocksville and J.C. Cooper Campground, all located on the North Carolina side. Visitors have many choices to find the perfect place to take a refreshing swim.

3. Camping: Kerr Lake State Recreation Area has seven state parks that are local to Henderson, with the closest one being Satterwhite Point Park and the furthest one being Henderson Point, located about 25 miles away from Henderson. Between these seven parks, there are hundreds of campsites for visitors to enjoy, including sites for tents, RVs, and group camping. Additionally, all the parks offer day-use areas that allow visitors to walk, run, play, and enjoy their pets near the water or utilize picnic tables and activities for kids like volleyball, slides, and swings. “I think with people being indoors for the last couple of years, the campgrounds are seeing a tremendous boom in their reservations. They’re booking months out now,” added Dickerson.

Two campgrounds around the lake, J.C. Cooper and Nutbush Bridge Campgrounds are open year round, while others are seasonal, including Bullocksville, County Line, and Henderson Point Campgrounds. These locations are open March through November, giving campers great places to enjoy the spring, summer, or fall weather on the lake. Visitors can view available sites and plan their trip here.

4. Governor's Cup Sailing: In 2022, the North Carolina Governor's Cup Regatta marked its 65th year, making it one of the oldest in the Southeast. Hosted by the Carolina Sailing Club, the regatta included five races over two days this year and is a popular event for those who love sailing. Racing takes place off Henderson Point Recreation Area, which offers winds that are great for sailing and easy access from Interstate 85. The event takes place in June of each year and was established shortly after the lake was constructed. The event has grown over the years, and there was an exceptional turnout this year with over 1,000 participants. Most recently, the event was won by a sailor from the San Diego Yacht Club in California.

5. Fishing: Kerr Lake is renowned for excellent fishing, with bass and catfish being the most popular. Bass are typically a popular choice for fishermen because they can be unpredictable and aggressive, which poses an enticing challenge, yet fishermen don’t often have to wait hours for the fish to bite. Visitors can also expect to find white perch and crappie as well. “I’m sure many fishermen have their own secret spots, but the fishing is good throughout Kerr Lake,” said Dickerson.

Kerr Lake offers numerous fishing spots to choose from, like the shore, boats or the piers at Henderson Point or Bullocksville. The Henderson Point pier is open 24 hours per day, making the nighttime a great time to fish for nocturnal species of catfish that feed in shallower waters. Whether you are an experienced fisherman or just getting started, Kerr Lake is a great place to experience. With Henderson Point and Bullockville both having fishing piers that are handicap accessible, anyone and everyone can come and enjoy the bountiful fishing of the lake.

Kerr Lake is the perfect place to spend a weekend with friends and family because there is something for everyone with plenty of activities on and off the water. Whether you are looking to relax in nature or enjoy a day of activities on the water, Kerr Lake has exactly what you are looking for and will not disappoint.

This article was written for our sponsor, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development.