US Ranger Station

The US Ranger Station in Boydton, VA, serves as a vital operational and informational hub for one of Southern Virginia's most cherished outdoor destinations: the vast John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir, widely known by locals as **Buggs Island Lake**. While the facility itself is an administrative office and visitor center, its surrounding area is a sprawling network of recreation areas and campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, making this address the literal gateway to an exceptional camping and water-based adventure. For Virginians seeking a peaceful, family-friendly escape with unparalleled access to one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, the Ranger Station and the adjacent parklands represent a perfect convergence of natural beauty and well-maintained public facilities.

This region is defined by the 50,000-acre reservoir and its 800 miles of wooded shoreline, offering countless opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping. The facilities near the Ranger Station are renowned for being clean, spacious, and highly accommodating, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that has earned rave reviews from local patrons. The mission of the Corps of Engineers in this area ensures that the public lands are not only preserved but actively managed for recreation and wildlife, making your camping experience a blend of true nature immersion and convenient access to modern essentials.

The US Ranger Station is centrally located within the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir project lands on the Virginia side, just a few miles from the small, historic town of Boydton, which is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. The station's physical address is 1930 Mays Chapel Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA. This location is easily accessed from major state routes, making the drive from most parts of Central and Eastern Virginia straightforward and scenic.

Accessibility is a key priority for the Corps of Engineers, and the Ranger Station grounds reflect this commitment. Notably, the location offers **on-site parking**, providing easy and secure access for all vehicles, including those towing RVs and trailers. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with **wheelchair accessible parking lot** accommodations, ensuring that the visitor center and key informational areas are welcoming to all members of the community. This focus on accessibility extends to the nearby North Bend Park and other Corps-operated campgrounds, which feature universally accessible trails and facilities, allowing everyone to enjoy the lake's spectacular offerings. The Ranger Station's address places you at the intersection of Mays Chapel Road and VA Route 4 (which crosses the Kerr Dam), right next to the Corps Visitor Assistance Center and the Environmental Education Center.

As an administrative and informational center, the US Ranger Station provides essential services that support the entire John H. Kerr Reservoir recreation area. It serves as the main point of contact for managing the surrounding public use facilities, including multiple campgrounds like North Bend Park and Rudds Creek.

• On-site Parking: Ample parking is available for visitors to the Ranger Station and the adjacent Visitor Assistance Center.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking: Dedicated accessible spaces ensure convenience for all visitors to the main facility.
• Visitor Assistance: The Visitor Assistance Center, located next to the dam, is open during regular business hours to provide maps, permits, local information, and guidance on the reservoir's recreation areas.
• Recreation Information and Permits: This is the central location for obtaining information on area rules, regulations, hunting and fishing licenses (in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources), and special event permits for fishing tournaments.
• Environmental Education: The adjacent Joseph S. J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center offers resources to learn about the reservoir's ecosystem and history.
• Reservoir Operation Oversight: The facility manages the flood control and hydropower operations of the John H. Kerr Dam, vital functions for the region.

The area surrounding the US Ranger Station is a rich outdoor paradise known for specific, compelling features that draw campers from across Virginia and beyond. The lake environment creates a unique recreational niche in the Southside Virginia region.

• Buggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr Reservoir): The sheer scale of the 50,000-acre lake is the main feature, providing vast space for all types of water sports, from sailing and water skiing to kayaking and swimming.
• World-Class Fishing: The reservoir is famous for its outstanding fishing, particularly for large-mouth bass and striped bass, attracting anglers from all over the country and hosting major fishing tournaments.
• North Bend Park Campground: Located immediately adjacent to the Ranger Station area, North Bend is one of the largest and most well-equipped campgrounds on the lake, offering over 200 sites with amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, swim beaches, and electric/water hookups.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The 55,000 acres of surrounding public land are intensively managed for wildlife, creating excellent opportunities for birding, hiking, and observing game species like whitetail deer and wild turkey. The Tailrace Park area, just below the dam, is a known spot for viewing waterfowl and migrating bald eagles.
• Diverse Trails: The area offers several trails for hiking and biking, including the 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and the 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail, perfect for campers looking to stretch their legs on dry land.
• Amphitheater and Disc Golf: Recreational amenities at North Bend Park include an amphitheater for programs and a disc golf course, adding variety to the outdoor experience.

To book a campsite in the Corps of Engineers parks near the Ranger Station, or for general inquiries about the reservoir's facilities and operating hours, please use the following contact details.

• Address: 1930 Mays Chapel Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA
• Phone: (434) 738-6662 (General Office/Visitor Center)
• Mobile Phone: +1 434-738-6662

Choosing to camp or recreate in the area managed by the US Ranger Station is an investment in a high-quality, government-managed outdoor experience. The value lies in the **vast, undeveloped public lands** that border the massive John H. Kerr Reservoir. For the Virginia resident, this location provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a freshwater "beach vacation" without the long drive to the coast. You are choosing a place known for its **exceptional water recreation**, from the simplicity of a lakeside picnic to the excitement of a day spent fishing for famous stripers.

The surrounding campgrounds, like North Bend, are known for their **well-maintained facilities**—clean bathrooms, hot showers, and spacious, well-spaced sites—which is a major plus for family camping. The Ranger Station's presence ensures the area is safe, regulated, and consistently managed, lending a sense of reliability to your trip. The single review provided, "Best place to Go!!", perfectly captures the enthusiasm locals feel for this area. When you choose the Ranger Station area, you are choosing a vast, beautiful slice of Southern Virginia where the focus is on conservation, recreation, and providing an accessible, high-quality outdoor experience for everyone. It is the definitive lakeside camping experience in the heart of Virginia.

US Ranger Station

1930 Mays Chapel Rd, Boydton, VA 23917, USA