North Carolina / Wilkes County

Bandits Roost

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 15, 2026. Reservations for the 2026 season open March 1, 2026.

About

Bandits Roost Campground is an Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in the scenic Yadkin River Valley of western North Carolina. Set in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground is surrounded by forests of mixed hardwoods including sycamore, poplar, oak, and hickory. The area supports abundant wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails, wild turkey, and various songbirds. The campground features 102 campsites total: 85 standard sites with water and electric hookups suitable for RVs, 17 tent-only sites, and a popular group tent area with a covered shelter, grill, six tables, and seven tent pads. Most campsites have gravel bases. Facilities include flush and pit toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a dump station. Recreation amenities on-site include a boat ramp, swim beach, playground, basketball court, and amphitheater. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. The 1,475-acre W. Kerr Scott Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, and threadfin shad. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail has a trailhead at the campground, and miles of multi-use trails around the lake allow for hiking and mountain biking. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the nearby Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Directions

From Winston-Salem, take Highway 421 North approximately 55 miles to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road. Campground entrance is at the end of the road. From Charlotte, take I-77 North approximately 60 miles before merging onto Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro/Boone. Continue to Exit 286B approximately 20 miles, turn left onto Highway 268 and continue for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Jess Walsh Road.

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