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While you are here, there are some rules and regulations that we need you to follow. Here at John H. Kerr Dam we follow the Title 36 Rules and Regulations. You can find the link to the full list by going to the need to know section or by scanning the QR code on this infographic. The infographic talks about just a few that we deal with the most and they are listed as follows. Title 36 Section 327.2 talks about vehicles. Title 36 Section 327.9 talks about sanitation. Title 36 Section 327.12 talks about restrictions. Title 36 Section 327.7 talks about camping. Title 36 Section 327.10 talks about fires. Title 36 Section 327.11 talks about control of animals.
They are listed as follows; you are reserving the shelter only. If you have any questions, please call the nearest gatehouse. Their phone number can be found on the need-to-know section. Overnight camping is not allowed at the shelters or day use areas. You must pay the seven-dollar day use fee separately from the reservation. The seven-dollar day use fee is not included in your shelter reservation. Parking is first come, first serve. Enjoy your time at the Old Picnic Area!
This is a picture of the Old Picnic Area Shetler. This is a picture over looking the area from the nearby road. There are picnic tables under the shelter. This shelter has electricity and a water spigot. There are trash cans located throughout the park.
Virginia / Mecklenburg County

John H Kerr Old Picnic Area

Closed — Currently closed. The 2026 reservation booking window is temporarily closed until March 4, 2026. Open to the public as a day-use area when reservations resume. This location may be subject to weather-related flooding.

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From Recreation.gov

The US Army Corps of Engineers at John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir have temporarily closed the 2026 reservation booking window until March 4, 2026. To learn more about this temporary closure, visit the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Facebook page for updates: [@JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake][1] [1]: https://www.facebook.com/JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake

About

Old Picnic Area is a day-use recreation site located at John H Kerr Dam and Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake. The 50,000-acre lake extends 39 miles along the Roanoke River with 800 miles of wooded shoreline across Virginia and North Carolina. This reservable picnic area is popular for weddings, reunions, and large gatherings, featuring a wooden shelter with electricity for fans and lights, a nearby water spigot, and paved parking and roadway access. The site is secured behind a locked gate and includes one vault toilet and trash cans throughout the area. The Old Picnic Area sits adjacent to a sandy beach area ideal for fishing. The lake is known for largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and flathead catfish. Shade trees and open grassy areas provide space for outdoor games and relaxation. Bald eagles can be observed year-round, and the nearby Joseph S.J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center offers interpretive programs Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends. Hiking opportunities include the 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail within a short drive. Gas, groceries, and restaurants are available within 2 miles and in Boydton and South Hill, Virginia.

Directions

From Boydton, Virginia, take Highway 58 west for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Mays Chapel Road and continue for about 1 mile. The Old Picnic Area will be on your right, behind a locked gate. For access, contact the office at (434) 738-6143 or visit North Bend Park nearby to reach a ranger on duty.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $100

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly —
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email jhkerr@usace.army.mil
Phone +1 (434) 738-6143

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Useful Links

View on Recreation.gov

Availability

Photos

While you are here, there are some rules and regulations that we need you to follow. Here at John H. Kerr Dam we follow the Title 36 Rules and Regulations. You can find the link to the full list by going to the need to know section or by scanning the QR code on this infographic. The infographic talks about just a few that we deal with the most and they are listed as follows. Title 36 Section 327.2 talks about vehicles. Title 36 Section 327.9 talks about sanitation. Title 36 Section 327.12 talks about restrictions. Title 36 Section 327.7 talks about camping. Title 36 Section 327.10 talks about fires. Title 36 Section 327.11 talks about control of animals.
They are listed as follows; you are reserving the shelter only. If you have any questions, please call the nearest gatehouse. Their phone number can be found on the need-to-know section. Overnight camping is not allowed at the shelters or day use areas. You must pay the seven-dollar day use fee separately from the reservation. The seven-dollar day use fee is not included in your shelter reservation. Parking is first come, first serve. Enjoy your time at the Old Picnic Area!
This is a picture of the Old Picnic Area Shetler. This is a picture over looking the area from the nearby road. There are picnic tables under the shelter. This shelter has electricity and a water spigot. There are trash cans located throughout the park.

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