Nutbush Bridge Campground

For North Carolina residents and visitors seeking a premier waterfront camping experience, the **Nutbush Bridge Campground** stands out as an excellent destination. Tucked within the expansive Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Henderson, this campground provides direct access to the massive, 50,000-acre **Kerr Lake reservoir**, which straddles the North Carolina and Virginia state line. It is a well-established state recreation area facility, combining the natural beauty of a lakeside retreat with the essential conveniences required for a comfortable family getaway.

The campground caters to a diverse range of campers, offering everything from spacious RV sites with electric hookups to picturesque tent sites located right along the shoreline. This accessibility, paired with numerous features designed for family enjoyment—including picnic areas, barbecue grills, and a pet-friendly policy—makes it a highly sought-after spot, particularly during the warm North Carolina summers. Nutbush Bridge is known for its beautiful views of the lake and the easy access it affords for popular activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.

As part of the broader Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, the facility maintains a strong commitment to quality and accessibility. Campers can expect a welcoming environment that is suitable for children and offers specific features, such as wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, ensuring that the beauty of Kerr Lake can be enjoyed by all members of the North Carolina community. While it embraces the spirit of a lively outdoor community, it remains governed by the rules of the State Park system, including enforced quiet hours, designed to balance fun activities with peaceful relaxation.

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Location and Accessibility

The Nutbush Bridge Campground is strategically located in Vance County, Central North Carolina, providing convenient access for residents from the Raleigh-Durham area and the wider region. It is situated on the southern shore of Kerr Lake (also known as Buggs Island Lake) near the town of Henderson.

**Address:** 115 Jack Wade Farm Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, USA

**Accessibility:** The campground is easily reachable by vehicle and provides on-site parking for campers. A significant highlight of Nutbush Bridge is its dedication to universal access. The facility features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and **Wheelchair accessible restrooms**, making it an inclusive spot for campers with mobility concerns. While many sites are within easy reach of the lake, visitors should be aware that the terrain is typical of a large state park campground, featuring paved and gravel surfaces. Furthermore, the campground's proximity to the Nutbush Bridge provides an important geographical landmark for navigation.

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Services Offered

Nutbush Bridge Campground provides a robust list of essential services and amenities, focusing on comfort and convenience for both tent and RV campers. The services aim to support everything from a basic overnight stay to an extended family vacation on the lake.

• **RV Camping Options:** Dedicated sites are available for RV camping, many of which include electric hookups (up to 30-amp service) for necessary power. While direct sewer hookups are typically not available at individual sites, a sanitary dump station is provided within the campground for convenience.
• **Tent Sites:** Numerous sites are designated for tent camping, including highly desirable sites that are located right on the lakeshore, offering a unique opportunity to wake up to a lakeside view.
• **Clean Facilities:** The campground is equipped with public comfort stations (bathhouses) that include **Restrooms** and **Public Showers** with running water, which is a key necessity for many campers. Note that the cleanliness of these facilities can vary based on visitor volume and maintenance schedules, as suggested by past user feedback.
• **Running Water Access:** Potable **Running water** spigots are available throughout the camping areas, ensuring easy access for cooking and drinking.
• **Picnic and Cooking Amenities:** Each campsite typically includes a **Picnic table** and a **Barbecue grill** or fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking meals and enjoying traditional campfire experiences.
• **On-Site Parking:** Ample **On-site parking** is available for campers at their designated sites, accommodating the maximum number of vehicles allowed per site.

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Features / Highlights

The Nutbush Bridge Campground’s appeal is heavily centered on its fantastic location on Kerr Lake and the wide range of recreational features available to its guests. It is designed to be a hub for lakeside activity and family fun.

• **Direct Lake Access:** The prime feature is the extensive access to Kerr Lake, which is renowned throughout North Carolina and Virginia for its size and recreational value. The campground has **Good solid boat ramps** that provide 24-hour access for launching kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and other small crafts.
• **Water Sports and Fishing:** Kerr Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in the Eastern United States, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish. The shoreline and designated swim areas offer opportunities for swimming, while the open water is ideal for boating and water skiing.
• **Picnic Areas:** The park features designated **Picnics** areas and group shelters, perfect for day visitors or large gatherings outside of the main camping loops.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** The campground is categorized as **Good for kids**, with families appreciating the open areas for play, the safe lake access, and the overall atmosphere for making outdoor memories.
• **Biking Opportunities:** While the area lacks rugged hiking trails, users note that **Bike riding was fantastic** due to the clean, well-laid-out road network within the campground and surrounding park access points.
• **Pet-Friendly Policy:** The facility welcomes furry friends with a **Dogs allowed** policy, provided pets are kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are properly managed by their owners.
• **Year-Round Camping:** A significant portion of the Nutbush Bridge campground remains **open year-round** with 24-hour gate access, which is a major convenience for passionate North Carolina campers looking for off-season trips.

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Contact Information

Nutbush Bridge Campground is one of eight access areas managed under the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. For all information, reservations, and park alerts, it is best to contact the main park office.

**Campground Address:**
115 Jack Wade Farm Rd
Henderson, NC 27537, USA

**General Park Contact Information (Kerr Lake State Recreation Area):**
**Phone:** (252) 438-7791
**Mobile Phone (Emergency/After Hours):** +1 252-438-7791 (Generally for park office communication, may be the same line)

For the most current information on site availability, seasonal closures for specific camping loops, gate hours, and reservation policies, North Carolina users should consult the official North Carolina State Parks website or call the number listed above, as booking is typically managed through the state's reservation system.

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What is Worth Choosing Nutbush Bridge Campground

Choosing Nutbush Bridge Campground offers a compelling blend of convenience, accessibility, and high-quality lake recreation, making it an excellent choice for North Carolina families and boating enthusiasts. What truly makes this destination stand out is the **superior access to Kerr Lake**. Unlike some campgrounds where the water is a distant feature, many sites here allow for **tent camping right on the lake**, giving you an immediate connection to the water for fishing or simply enjoying the views from your fire pit. The presence of **good solid boat ramps** and 24-hour lake access secures its position as a top choice for serious anglers and boaters.

The campground is also worth choosing for its **robust infrastructure and commitment to accessibility**. The availability of electric hookups for RVs, combined with amenities like public showers and designated picnic areas, ensures a comfortable experience that doesn't feel overly primitive. Crucially, the dedication to providing a **Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms** means the great North Carolina outdoors is open to everyone.

While past reviews indicate that weekends can sometimes bring noise due to its popularity as a party spot, campers have noted that the quieter sections (like Area 1) and weekday visits offer a much more peaceful experience. For those who prioritize lake-focused activities, excellent amenities, and a vibrant, yet structured, state park environment over a secluded, deep-woods experience, Nutbush Bridge Campground offers the ideal North Carolina lakeside getaway.

Nutbush Bridge Campground

115 Jack Wade Farm Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, USA