Camping Area A

For Virginia residents seeking a premier outdoor destination, Camping Area A at North Bend Park offers an exceptional lakeside experience right on the shores of the massive John H. Kerr Reservoir. More commonly known to locals as Buggs Island Lake, this 50,000-acre body of water forms a spectacular natural border between Virginia and North Carolina, providing over 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline perfect for recreation. North Bend Park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and is widely recognized as the largest and most amenity-rich park on the Virginia side of the lake.

Camping Area A, specifically, represents the first loop of the extensive North Bend Campground. It contains 50 campsites (Sites 1 through 50), all offering a more primitive, rustic feel compared to other areas, as these sites typically do not have electric or water hookups. This makes Area A an ideal choice for traditional tent campers or those with self-contained RVs who prioritize seclusion and natural beauty. The park, in general, is praised by visitors for its large, well-spaced sites that offer plenty of privacy and shade, a key comfort during Virginia’s warmer months.

The entire North Bend Park is dedicated to family-friendly enjoyment, which is why Camping Area A is noted as Good for kids. With accessible swim beaches, nearby playgrounds, and an extensive network of trails, children have countless opportunities to explore and engage with nature. The COE’s commitment to maintaining a clean and secure environment is a consistent theme in visitor feedback, ensuring a quiet, peaceful stay for everyone, though campers should be mindful of park quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

While Area A sites are largely primitive, guests have easy access to the park’s main amenities, including the sanitary dump station and the showerhouses with hot water, located in the nearby loops. This setup provides the best of both worlds: a secluded camping feel with modern conveniences just a short walk or drive away.

North Bend Park, including Camping Area A, is strategically located near the Kerr Dam, providing excellent access to the main body of the lake. It is situated in a heavily forested area that offers abundant natural shade and stunning lake views, often right from the campsite.

• Physical Address: The campground is located at 762 N Bend Dr, Boydton, VA 23917, USA. For general park navigation, the main park address is 64 North Bend Drive, Boydton, VA 23917.
• Park Management: As a US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) facility, the park is known for its high standards of maintenance and enforcement of regulations, contributing to a consistently safe and clean environment.
• Ease of Travel: The park is easily accessible, located approximately 20 miles west of South Hill, VA, where visitors can find gas, groceries, and restaurants within a 20-minute drive.
• Accessibility Features: The park is committed to serving all visitors. Camping Area A, along with the rest of North Bend Park, provides Wheelchair accessible parking lot facilities and has an accessible fishing pier and accessible shower/restroom facilities located in the adjacent loops.
• Parking: Every campsite within Area A is a single-family site that includes dedicated On-site parking for at least one vehicle. Many sites are also large enough to accommodate a second vehicle or a boat trailer comfortably.

While Camping Area A is known for its primitive (non-hookup) sites, guests benefit from the extensive facilities available throughout the larger North Bend Park Campground.

• Campsite Essentials: Each of the 50 sites in Area A is equipped with a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a cooking grate, providing everything needed for a traditional campfire meal.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Campers in Area A have close access to modern comfort stations in adjacent loops, which feature Flush Toilets and Hot Showers, ensuring a comfortable and clean experience.
• Waste Disposal: A convenient Sanitary Dump Station is available near the entrance/exit of the campground loops for RV users to dispose of gray and black water waste.
• Camp Host: A camp host or park staff are typically stationed in the campground to assist visitors and address any immediate concerns, adding a layer of security and convenience.
• Reservations: Reservations for campsites in Area A, as with all COE parks, are managed through the Recreation.gov system, allowing guests to book specific sites online or via telephone well in advance.
• Discounts: Seniors holding a Golden Age/Access or America the Beautiful Interagency Senior/Access Pass are eligible to receive a significant 50% discount on camping fees.

North Bend Park is the largest access area on the Virginia side of Kerr Lake, offering a wide array of recreational features that are easily accessible from Camping Area A.

• Water Access & Recreation: The park features multiple Boat Launching Ramps and courtesy docks, making it a favorite for boaters. Each camping loop, including the area near Camping Area A, has its own Swim Beach, marked with buoys for safe swimming. The reservoir is particularly renowned for excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers seeking largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and flathead catfish.
• Trails: Guests can enjoy the Paved 1.5-mile Bicycle Trail that runs through the park, perfect for a leisurely ride or walk. Additionally, the 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and the 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail offer varied hiking experiences within a short drive.
• Family Amenities: Beyond the fact that the campground is Good for kids, the main park area features an Amphitheater that hosts interpretive programs and occasional family-friendly events during the summer season. There is also a dedicated Playground area for younger visitors.
• Nature Viewing: The heavily forested, peninsula setting provides ample shade and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The area just below the Kerr Dam, known as Tailrace Park, is an excellent spot to observe waterfowl and even Bald Eagles during the winter months.
• Day-Use Area: A large day-use area offers additional Picnic Shelters and a public swim beach, further expanding recreation opportunities beyond the campsites.

For Virginians planning their trip, reservations and inquiries for Camping Area A should be directed to the US Army Corps of Engineers or the official reservation system for North Bend Park.

Physical Address (North Bend Park):762 N Bend Dr, Boydton, VA 23917, USA

North Bend Gatehouse Phone (Staffed Seasonally):(434) 738-0059(Staffed approximately April 1st through October 31st)

Visitor Center Phone (General Information):(434) 738-6143(For general information outside of the main staffed season)

Campsite Reservations (Recreation.gov):(877) 444-6777(Booking for all sites, including those in Camping Area A)

Choosing Camping Area A at North Bend Park is worth it for the Virginia camper who appreciates a quieter, more authentic outdoor experience without sacrificing access to world-class lake amenities. As the most primitive loop in the park, it delivers a deeply immersive, wooded retreat, making it a favorite for traditional tent campers and those who enjoy a self-contained RV experience away from the constant noise of generators (which must be turned off during quiet hours across the park).

The primary draw is the serene, wooded setting and the ease of access to the lake. Many of the sites are large and well-shaded, providing a genuine feeling of being away from it all. You are just minutes from the park's three boat ramps, multiple swim beaches, and the paved bike trail, ensuring you never run out of things to do. Furthermore, the commitment of the COE to providing clean bathrooms and hot showers—which are easily reached from Area A—means you can enjoy the rustic charm of non-hookup camping with the assurance of modern comfort and cleanliness. For a peaceful, family-focused, and highly recreational escape on the beautiful John H. Kerr Reservoir, Camping Area A is an excellent choice for a true Virginia camping adventure.

Camping Area A

762 N Bend Dr, Boydton, VA 23917, USA