Satterwhite Group Campground

For North Carolina residents planning a significant outdoor event—be it a large family reunion, a company picnic, a youth group outing, or an organized fishing trip—the Satterwhite Group Campground at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area provides a spectacular and dedicated lakeside venue. This is not a typical single-family campsite; rather, it is a uniquely designated, oversized area specifically engineered to accommodate huge group sites with enough space to comfortably host up to 100 people and a large number of vehicles.

Located on the stunning shores of Kerr Lake (also known as Buggs Island Lake), this group area offers unparalleled access to one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Carolinas. Guests enjoy the privacy and scale of the site while having direct access to the water for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Customers frequently praise the sheer size and thoughtful amenities of the area, noting its ability to accommodate large groups with ease. One reviewer highlighted fitting a group of 30 effortlessly and having direct beach access, underscoring the site's primary appeal as a massive, private waterfront gathering space.

The campground is part of the extensive Kerr Lake State Recreation Area system and is situated within the J.C. Cooper Campground loop at the Satterwhite Point Access. This ensures that while the group site itself feels secluded, users still benefit from the infrastructure and oversight of a well-maintained North Carolina State Park facility. The site is truly optimized for group activities, offering a large, grassy field perfect for games, ample shade from surrounding trees for hammocks, and dedicated group facilities. It’s a perfect blend of space, nature, and convenience for your next big group adventure.

The Satterwhite Group Campground is nestled within the larger Satterwhite Point Access of the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, located near Henderson, NC. This central North Carolina location makes it highly accessible for groups traveling from the Triangle area, Rocky Mount, or even southern Virginia. Kerr Lake is a vast, 50,000-acre reservoir that straddles the North Carolina and Virginia state lines, offering endless water-based recreation.

The campground's official address is often listed under the main park office, but the physical location of the group area is very specific:

• Park Office Address: 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537 (The office handles reservations and check-in for the entire Satterwhite Point Access).
• Group Campground Location: The group area is officially designated as the J.C. Cooper Campground at Satterwhite Point Group Area. It is a unique, dedicated site within this larger campground loop.
• Directions: From Interstate 85, take Exit 217 and travel north on Satterwhite Point Road for approximately 5 miles. The driveway for the group area is typically marked just past the main Kerr Lake State Recreation Area sign.
• Parking: The site is well-equipped to handle high capacity with on-site parking for up to 60 vehicles in a nearby lot, making logistical management for large events much simpler.
• Water Access: Its prime location provides close proximity to the water and designated beach access for safe swimming, kayaking, and relaxing by the lake.

Due to its secluded nature within the park, the group campground is often listed under an 'Unnamed Road' on GPS systems, but following the park and J.C. Cooper Campground signs on Satterwhite Point Road will lead you directly to the correct destination.

The Satterwhite Group Campground is designed for high-capacity use, focusing on essential facilities to support comfortable, large-scale camping. The services are tailored to maximize the group experience:

• Maximum Capacity: The site can accommodate a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 100 people, making it one of the largest available group camping areas in the region.
• Restroom Facilities: Dedicated facilities include a public restroom building and a separate bath house. While cleanliness can sometimes be an issue reported by guests and may require a call to the park office for service or unlocking, the presence of flush toilets and showers is a significant convenience for large groups.
• Picnicking: The site is perfectly equipped for day and overnight use, with multiple picnic tables and ample space for large-scale outdoor dining, making it ideal for large group picnics.
• Water Access: Drinking water is readily available throughout the park, including proximity to the group area.
• Recreation Area: The campground is near a recreational field and other Satterwhite Point amenities, which include a marina (privately owned, offering rentals and supplies) and access to the lake's boat ramps.
• Park Administration: Services like information, permits, and emergency assistance are handled through the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Visitor Center and Ranger Station.
• Vehicle Allowance: A very high allowance of up to 60 vehicles is permitted on the site, which is crucial for managing large group travel and equipment transport.

The J.C. Cooper Satterwhite Group Area is distinguished by several features that enhance its appeal as a premier group destination in North Carolina:

• Exclusive Group Site: The biggest highlight is the fact that it is a single, massive site, providing privacy and exclusive use of the area for a large party. It offers substantial space for setting up multiple tents—one review notes its size easily fit a group of 30.
• Direct Lake Access: The proximity to the water with dedicated beach access allows for immediate enjoyment of swimming, kayaking, and other water activities right from the campsite. The beautiful spot on the lake is frequently praised by visitors.
• Recreation Opportunities: The site includes a volleyball court (though guests should be prepared to bring their own net) and a large, grassy field suitable for playing softball, frisbee, or other group games.
• Shade and Scenery: Numerous trees for hammocks and shade dot the area, providing a comfortable environment even on warm days and contributing to the beautiful spot on the lake.
• Pet and Kid Friendly: The environment is welcoming for all members of the group, being both Good for kids and allowing Dogs allowed (subject to park rules, such as being on a six-foot leash and not being left unattended).
• Group Fire Pit: The site usually features a large fire ring or group grill, perfect for evening campfires and cooking for a crowd.
• Convenient Rentals: The proximity to the privately owned Satterwhite Point Marina and other nearby vendors means that groups can easily arrange for kayak from local kayak rental place drop-offs and other supplies directly at the campsite entrance.

Reservations for the Satterwhite Group Campground, like all North Carolina State Parks facilities, are managed through the park system. Given the high demand for such a large site, booking well in advance is essential. All policies, including the limit of up to 100 people and prohibitions on alcohol and firearms, are enforced by the park system.

Address (Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Park Office):6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537

Main Park Office Phone:(252) 438-7791

Reservations:The Group Area is known as the J.C. Cooper Campground at Satterwhite Point Group Area. Reservations are generally made online via the official North Carolina State Parks reservation system or by calling the state parks reservation line.

Notes on Fees:Rates are often charged per car per day, with different fees for standard vehicles, seniors (62 and over), and buses, especially on weekends and during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Satterwhite Group Campground is the ultimate choice for any North Carolina organization or large family needing a dedicated, spacious, and amenity-rich venue for an outdoor gathering on the water. It is simply one of the largest and most accommodating sites available in the entire Kerr Lake area, specifically designed to handle the logistics of a high-headcount event.

What makes it worth choosing is the combination of scale and setting. Groups receive exclusive use of a private lakeside meadow that can handle a significant number of tents and vehicles, eliminating the usual struggle of booking multiple adjacent individual sites. This privacy, combined with direct lake access for swimming and paddling, the availability of shower facilities, and the convenience of nearby amenities like the Satterwhite Point Marina, creates a seamless and memorable experience. For large groups looking for a scenic, private, and fun environment for a reunion, corporate retreat, or youth camp—where having plenty of space is the primary requirement—the J.C. Cooper Group Area at Kerr Lake is unmatched in the Henderson region.

Satterwhite Group Campground

Unnamed Road, Henderson, NC 27537, USA