Old Picnic Area (John H Kerr)

The Old Picnic Area is a day use area on John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir. Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake created with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam in 1952. It extends 39 miles up the wooded, cove-studded shoreline of the Roanoke River in Virginia and North Carolina, and its 800 miles of wooded shoreline stretch across six counties and two states. Looking for a great view for a wedding, or a large area for a reunion? The Old Picnic Area is a great option. It has a paved parking lot and roadway, and a wooden shelter with electricity for small items such as fans and lights. There is a water spigot located near the shelter, trash cans throughout the area, and one vault toilet within the park. The area is located behind a locked gate. The Old Picnic Area sits right next to a very sandy beach area perfect for fishing. There are trees to create shade and a clear grassy area for games for the family, and bald eagles can be seen here year round. Public lands around the lake are open to hunting with appropriate state licenses. Game species include whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, fox and raccoon, and resident waterfowl species include wood duck, black duck, mallard and Canadian geese. There are 26 Wildlife Management Areas around the lake that provide year-round opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and birding. Buggs Island, located immediately below the dam, attracts migrating bald eagles in the winter and osprey in the summer, as well as gulls, great blue herons, waterfowl and the occasional river otter. Several trails are available for hiking and biking: the 1.5-mile Liberty Nature Trail and the 5.5-mile Robert Munford Trail both offer hikes within a short drive. The lake is widely known for fishing, with large-mouth bass, striped bass, crappie and flathead catfish available. Located right across the road, visitors will find the Joseph S.J. Tanner II Environmental Education Center. The center has interpretive programs and exhibits for the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, on Saturdays and Sundays. Gas, groceries, firewood and restaurants are located within 2 miles, and also within 20 minutes in Boydton and South Hill, Virginia.